Thomas Wilcher made Cass Tech powerhouse with discipline, adaptability

Wilcher knew he had to do something to turn his team's fortunes — not just for that season, but for the long term. He thought the team needed a dramatic change to guide the program in the right direction.
 
"Everything we did, we just scrapped it," he said. "I said we were going to do the spread offense."
 
At Cass Tech, there wasn't a change only in offensive philosophy. Wilcher's makeover also involved improving the attitudes of his players, a redoubling of his efforts in developing their football skills, and acquiring assistant coaches who bought into his way of thinking.
 
"He figured out it was best to sever ties with some coaches instead of allowing his staff to be made up of his friends," said Rod Oden, who was head coach for seven years at Detroit Crockett before taking over this season at East English Village.