When Walter Studinger was 6-years-old he knew right away he was destined to be a leader in the classroom and on the basektball court, thanks to mentors like Jim Koenigbauer and Brian Clark.
‘They were two of the best coaches I’ve ever had, even though they were grade school coaches for me,? he said. ‘It was role models like that, that helped me determine I wanted to be a teacher and a coach.?
Now, Studinger may be the one called a mentor to a former student or athlete some day, as he’s decided to retire from teaching math at Oxford High School after 31 years in the district.
Coaching both the JV boys and freshman girls basketball teams on top of teaching math every day was becoming a little ‘tiring? for the 58-year-old.
Leaving home at 7 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m. was tough, but it wasn’t a choice he regrets making.
One might say the stars lined up just right for Studinger because he was able to sell property he owned and was offered a retirement incentive through the district. He couldn’t pass it up.
The early years
After graduating from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in math and science in 1971, Studinger was hired into the Clawson School District where he taught math for four years and coached eighth grade basketball.
When a position became available in Oxford for a varsity coach in 1975, Studinger was hired and commuted back and forth from Clawson.
His close friend and basketball teammate at WSU, the late Ian Smith, was also hired into Oxford as the JV coach and as a history teacher at OHS.
As luck would have it, a math position became available at the high school in 1976, which Studinger was quick to snap up.
He also served as president of the Oxford Education Association from 1992-2002.
Having strong mentors, like Dr. Charles Yarborough at Von Steuben Junior High in Detroit, Bob Hamilton in Clawson and J.B. McQueen here in Oxford, has helped Studinger realize he’s one of ‘the lucky ones.?
‘I’ve been fortunate to always have good kids, good co-teachers and great colleagues,? he said. ‘It has been my intent to give my best effort to the kids and the community every day.?
In over three decades of teaching mathematics, Studinger said the biggest and most welcomed change he’s seen is the technological advances in calculators.
‘With the graphing calculators, we’re able to do a whole lot more in terms of investigation as to how the numbers play out,? he said.
In the nine years he’s known Studinger, OHS principal Mike Schweig said he’s been a ‘strong advocate for improving academic achievement as well as extracurricular opportunities for students.?
‘I would have to say that Walt is the better coach, but I’m the better player,? he said. ‘I guess that’s what made us a pretty good team.?
Great victories, great kids
The year 1981 is probably one of the most memorable years that stands out in Studinger’s mind as a coach.
It was the year the Oxford varsity boys basketball team tallied 13 victories under his coaching, which is a record that has not been broken to this day.
Beating a number of state-ranked teams is also a fond memory of Studinger’s.
‘We played some tremendous games, but it’s more about the kids,? an emotional Studinger said. ‘I think more than anything I will remember the kids.?
In 1983, the head coach decided it was time to try coaching basketball at the college level. He became the assistant coach for the Oakland University Grizzlies for four years.
Afterward, Studinger decided to take a one-year hiatus from coaching, which eventually turned into a 10-year break.
‘Frankly, that was probably the worst decision I’ve made professionally,? he said.
In 1997, he began coaching seventh and eighth grade and freshman girls basketball teams. He’s coached for the JV boys basketball team as well.
Studinger’s 94-year-old mother, Roseanne, has attended nearly all of her son’s basketball games since 1960. She truly is his number one fan, whether the teams would win or lose.
‘More important than great victories was the knowledge that I had great competitors and great kids,? he said.
Oh, the places you will go
Once the bell rings on the last day of school on June 14, Studinger will officially be a retiree.
So, what’s he going to do with all of his spare time?
Knee-replacement surgery seems to be on the forefront, followed by a lot of playing his (acoustic) guitar, which he learned from his friend ‘Smitty? while recovering from surgery a while back.
After that, Studinger plans to ‘get myself back in better shape? and start hiking full time.
He’s hiked all over Michigan, in Colorado and in Europe. He even tackled three mountains that were over 14,000 feet high.
But don’t worry, coach Studinger is planning to be on the court this fall to lead the JV boys team to some victories.
‘I kind of sound like Bud (Rowley), but I’ll bleed blue and gold,? Studinger said trying to hold back tears. ‘Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.?