By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

MADISON HEIGHTS — There were a number of qualified applicants, but Madison District Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Rogers isn’t second-guessing his decision.
Frankly, he’s downright excited and confident about his choice to lead the Madison Heights Madison High football program.

“We had 14 applicants for the position, and we did five interviews. He was head and shoulders above everyone,” Rogers said of Drake Wilkins, a St. Clair Shores resident who was recently hired as head coach of the Madison football team. “He was exactly what we were looking for in a coach.”

According to Rogers, it was Wilkins’ 20 years of experience that set him apart. For the past nine seasons, Wilkins has been the head coach at Detroit Denby, where he guided his team to seven playoff appearances while compiling a 59-35 overall record. Wilkins also coached at Detroit Southeastern. 

“I’m pretty eager to get things rolling,” said Wilkins, 52, who takes over for Ryan Culloty, who guided Madison to three consecutive playoff berths, including appearances in the Division 5 semifinal and final the past two seasons.

Culloty accepted the head job at Holly High.

“This small-community atmosphere is something I really like,” Wilkins added. “For the past 20 years, I’ve been in a bigger league. Truthfully, I see myself as more of a country boy. I look forward to 7:30 games at night with the whole community in the stands cheering for us. It’s an exciting time right now.”

Wilkins understands that the shoes he’s expected to fill are large, to say the least. In his five seasons at Madison, Culloty compiled a 38-16 record, won three straight Macomb Area Conference Silver Division titles (2005-07) and was named the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2006.

But Wilkins isn’t ducking expectations. Instead, he simply expects more of the same during his tenure on the Eagles’ sideline.

“There is a ton of pressure on me, but it’s all self-inflicted pressure,” Wilkins said.

“I’m well aware of the success they’ve had here over the past few years, but were starting our own thing now. These kids and I want to experience that success again, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to do just that.”

You can reach Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038.