Wayne State, Legislature Honor Coach D.L. Holmes’ Enduring Legacy

November 12, 2025

The Michigan House of Representatives honored David L. Holmes, Wayne State University's groundbreaking athletic director and coach from 1917 to 1958, by presenting a legislative tribute recognizing a newly published biography about his career. Holmes built an exceptionally inclusive athletic program that welcomed Black, Jewish, and Eastern European athletes during an era of widespread discrimination, producing three Olympians, nine All-Americans, and multiple record holders despite limited facilities and resources.

Who is affected

David L. Holmes (deceased athletic director and coach being honored)
Wayne State University and Wayne State University Press
Stephanie Williams (Press Director who accepted the tribute)
State Rep. Joe Tate (who presented the tribute)
Authors Keith D. Wunderlich (Holmes's grandson) and David L. Holmes Jr.
Former Holmes athletes including Tom Adams and Leroy Dues
Wayne State alumni and Detroit sports historians
Athletes of diverse backgrounds (Black, Jewish, Eastern European) who participated in Holmes's programs

What action is being taken

Wayne State University Press is maintaining its commitment to the published biography
The Michigan House of Representatives issued a formal legislative tribute
Wayne State University Press is making the book available through its press and major outlets like Amazon

Why it matters

This recognition matters because it preserves and elevates an important chapter in Detroit's sports history that demonstrates how athletics can advance social progress. Holmes's story illustrates that inclusive leadership in college sports predated modern diversity initiatives by decades, showing that excellence and equity can coexist even under challenging circumstances. His legacy challenges contemporary institutions to re-examine their own histories of inclusion while providing a model for how sports programs can serve as vehicles for breaking down racial and religious barriers. The formal legislative recognition ensures Holmes's contributions are acknowledged not just locally but as part of the broader American athletics narrative.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle