Viewfinder: High School Bids Farewell to Top Student-Athletes

The best senior student-athletes gathered Thursday to give thanks before heading off to different colleges and universities.

Athletic Director Pat Watson spoke about the students with their coaches to a group of students and parents to honor the 11 student-athletes:

• Phil Brown (University of Chicago football)
• Jordan Evans (Lake Erie College, football)
• Derrick Mason (University of Findlay football)
• Leonard Sanford (Urbana University football)
• Phil Washington (University of Michigan track)
• Taylor Gunn (University of Texas at El Paso track)
• Yasha Moore (Wayne State University tennis)
• Morgan Taylor (Southern University tennis)
• Tricia Grant (Oakland University diving)
• Nicholas Russell (Bluffton University football)
• Nick Leventis (Adrian College basketball)

WBHS varsity girls tennis Head Coach Bonnie Koch spoke glowingly of Taylor and Moore, who are her top two singles players this season. “They both have great support systems with their parents, but they’re different people. Yasha is a very quiet person who is extremely focused. You’re just thinking she’s hitting the ball around, and then you look up and notice these bullets coming out of nowhere … Morgan’s going to be extremely successful because she supports everyone,” Koch said.

The day served as a celebration for the education of the athletes as opposed to celebrating their athletic achievements, varsity cross country coach Richard Mickley said. “What are you going to do when this is done?” Mickley asked. “As a graduate of West Bloomfield, this is a beautiful thing to see. I’m going to miss these kids a lot … I’m verklempt.”