Ron Wright

New Tiger Coach Bob Commings was officially introduced to Tigertown by Booster president Wright at the club’s annual spring stag. The 400 fans who attended quickly fell in love with coach Commings humor/firmness, and enthusiasm. Coach Commings’ belief in a quick attack defense, team discipline and motivation drew a welcome response by the fans. His definition of team discipline and honesty meant that any boy selected as a starter that failed to perform would be replaced and that any player disrupting team unity would not be tolerated brought greatest applause of the evening.

Coach Commings with only 6 lettermen returning guided his first Tiger team to 7-2-1 record. Losses were to Niles and Canton McKinley. The long thunderous STANDING OVATION given to the Tigers as they left the field at Fawcett stadium (after a 14-7 loss) was a special moment in Tiger history and expressed their appreciation of the rejuvenated Tiger spirit.

There was no keynote speaker, there were few awards, and it didn’t last long. But the annual WHS football banquet at the school cafeteria got the job done without all the frills that head coach Commings considered unnecessary. A record 700 turned out to pay tribute to the Tigers. The banquet lasted only two hours – a record in brevity. The “Bob Commings Era” had begun!!