By Daniel Gretzner
“I’m very excited to be back at Divine Child.”
Those were the words of Steve Robb, the new football head coach of the Dearborn parochial high school.
On Jan. 24, Robb was named as the incoming mentor in charge of a declining football program that was once the powerhouse of the Detroit Catholic League. He, at 56, returns to Divine Child, where he was an assistant coach from 1981-85. In those days, the Falcons were a perennial top team and were the Class B state football champions in 1985, and runners-up in 1982 under head coach Wes Wishart.
He also was the head coach of a perennially strong baseball team while at DC.
Robb took time out for a mini-interview with “Focus on Sports” and expressed these thoughts for Times-Herald/Sunday Times readers:
“One main reason that I took this coaching position is to return DC football to the glory days of when I was here before.”
Rich in coaching experience, Robb coached at Milan in the Huron League from 1986 to 2010.
He spoke with a tone of confidence when discussing the future of DC varsity football. Robb’s hiring means he is expected to revitalize the status of the Falcons, by fielding a strong and competitive team on the gridiron this fall.
Divine Child sports alumni, faculty, student body and other fans, can only hope that Robb can turn their team around, just like Jim Schwartz has done with the nearby Detroit Lions of the National Football League.
CAN EDSEL OR FORDSON CAGERS UPSET DHS IN REPEAT GAMES?
The big question looming around the greater Derborn area at the moment is, can Edsel Ford (5-4) or Fordson beat Dearborn (8-3) in cage tilts the second time around? DHS basketball head coach Kevin Barkoff believes his squad has a good chance to repeat its earlier victories.
My recollections of previous hardwood tilts between the three city public high schools tells me that if the Pioneers aren’t careful, either Edsel or Fordson could forge an upset within the next few weeks. It will be a tough task for DHS to maintain its mastery over itra-city rivals.
Edsel Ford travels to Dearborn Friday for a final rematch between the two schools during the regular season. Rest assured, the Thunderbirds are going to be gunning for an upset victory if at all possible.
After that contest, the Western Wayne Athletic Conference schedule will see the Pioneers head over to the Fordson gym where the Tractors hope to get even from a previous loss. It will be a very interesting next couple of weeks in local prep action.