Issue link: http://theflywire.uberflip.com/i/699630
One summer while vacationing in Miami, my friends and I were eating brunch at a local favorite on Ocean Drive. An older gentleman walked up to me and said "When did they make that mistake; as he looked down at my City ring?" I said "What mistake might that be?" He replied "Letting girls in City?" Everyone at the table laughed. As the bill was presented we opened it and to my surprise the bill and tip was paid by the gentleman and signed "City Forever C/O 68!" This is the tradition of my High School Alumni of Baltimore City College High School. Many greats have walked the halls of Baltimore City College including one half of Abercrombie and Fitch, Former Maryland Governor William Donald Schafer, Former Baltimore City Mayor Kurt Schmoke and my late Uncle Billy Johnson who was one of the first African- Americans to graduate from City. In 2014, City celebrated it's 175th Anniversary. This makes Baltimore City College one of the oldest and greatest public learning institutions to date. With traditions so rich, last year on its 176th anniversary, a new first was amongst it's great accomplishments. Coach Daryl Wade has become the first African- American head football coach of City's varsity football team. Coach Daryl Wade aka D. Wade has been coaching in the Baltimore City Public School system for 25 years. Starting out as an assistant Coach to the great Coach Petrides at City, Coach Wade is a coach of coaches. He has coached JV football, JV volleyball, Varsity Basketball and Softball. Coach Wade's accomplishments include 2014 Baltimore City Division Championship for City's Basketball and 2014 Coach of the year. He coached the 2008-2009 Baltimore City Division Championships for softball at Merganthaler Vocational Technology High School. Coach Wade had consecutive final Fours in 97,98,99 at City and then 03, 06, 07 at Mervo. Then winning it all with City College in 2014, 27-0 , ranked 18th in the country, The day Coach Wade got the call to take the position as head coach at City he says " Brought tears to my eyes." Coach Wade says that "Coach Petrides is a legend, they're all legends. Just think under all their reigns collectively it's over 100 years of coaches." "It was an honor when I got that phone call from Coach Petrides when he finally decided to retire "for real" this time. I spoke to my wife and I made the move. It's surreal." " Just think in 176 years, I'm only coach number 27. That's major." Wade is so humbled and honored to take over as head coach and to get the program back to the football team it has always been known for. Coach Wade has a bright outlook for City. "I want to build a program that is tough and with the support of the alumni, we can build the football team back to what it was." Coach Wade is a little disappointed that City is losing a lot of kids to private schools. " There are so many alum who love City so much, but they are sending their children to private schools. City offers the same curriculum that a private institution for free. Not only that, City is very diverse offering academics and diversity for free." When asked how did Coach Wade's dad Basketball Legend Bob Wade feel about the news and was there any advice given to him from his dad. Coach D. Wade said his dad is his inspiration and doesn't give him advice but he is very proud of him. Coach Wade may have some big shoes to fill, but he is ready for the challenge. "Being a coach is not about self, it's not about self gain. It's about trying to get a kid to the next level in life. My reward is when a kid comes back to me who has gone on to the next level and says Thank You Coach Wade, something you said to me stuck." In their first appearance with Head Coach Wade, City College beat Baltimore Polytechnic in the longest most re- vered football rival game last season. Congratulations to Coach D Wade. May you also go down in history as the other great coaches of Baltimore City College High School! City Forever! Omnibus, it's a knight thing, you wouldn't understand.