STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – If you’ve had any connection to high school football in southeast Michigan over the decades, the name of coach Rick Bye may ring a bell.
The former Stevenson High School football coach and teacher won Macomb County Coach of the Year seven times. In his 35 years as coach, he racked up 268 wins and over 94 losses, earning him a spot among the top 20 Michigan high school coaches with the most wins.
Bye took Stevenson High School football players to playoffs and championships at district, regional, and state levels. But that isn’t the most significant legacy that’s come out of his 42 years with the district.
“It’s all about the relationships he’s made over the years,” said Utica Community Schools superintendent Robert Monroe.
On Tuesday (Dec. 19), people gathered to honor Bye in a unique way. The district dedicated a fieldhouse to the retired coach, naming it The Rick Bye Fieldhouse.
“I didn’t know a thing about it until they called me and told me about it,” said Bye, who added he was honored by the gesture.
The district believes the fieldhouse will be as much of a continuation as it is a representation of “A place where his traditions of instilling work ethic, toughness, and leadership characteristics will live so coach Bye’s legacy can continue for years to come in new students and athletics.”