Ecorse High School is going through a culture of change. From academics, to athletics, even down to the student culture. This is not the same land Red Raiders walked on fifty, twenty, or even five years ago. It seems as if a new set of commandments are becoming etched into stone. Ecorse has a man in its building dedicated to leading that change. He was offered an opportunity almost four years ago, and declared himself committed to the cause.

Gerrod Abram was hired by Ecorse High School to coach boy's varsity basketball. Along with that came a Behavioral Specialist job in the school. On the court, and classroom, Gerrod played his part diligently. He quickly earned the professional respect of the peers in his proximity.

Basketball wasn't a foreign concept to Abram. He'd made a name and living from the game long before getting the call from Ecorse. Gerrod had scored points, broken records, managed teams, and won championships. But never under the title of Head Coach. As soon as Ecorse put the keys in his hand, it was clear Gerrod Abram was placed in this situation for a reason.

Ecorse has been under Abram's leadership for three seasons. The team has shown improvement after each year. They even earned a trip to the Breslin Center last year. Basketball isn't the only way Abram's influence is reaching Ecorse sports. Gerrod coaches the Cross Country team, and has recently earned the permanent position of Athletic Director for Ecorse Public Schools.

The position of Athletic Director gives him the chance to keep a better eye on the student athletes. So he can provide them with a safe, and healthy environment to nurture their skills. Abram has already been acquainted with the other sports in the building, and plans on opening up the floor for more. He is interested in girls soccer, bowling, and tennis.

As Ecorse's head basketball coach, Gerrod Abram knows exactly what his players need to do to become successful on and off the court. As Ecorse's Athletic Director, Gerrod Abram understands that basketball is not everybody's favorite sport. Which means it's his duty to find out what they're interested in, and how to make them feel included, and wanted in their respective skill. Gerrod Abram is gearing up for his fourth year as a Raider. On behalf of the Telegram Newspaper we would like to congratulate him, and wish him good luck.

Xavier Jones - How has the administration been working with you through this process and transition?

Gerrod Abram - They're very supportive of me. They're supportive of everything, and very involved. The administration wants the best for all sports programs. I have no complaints, and I thank them for that all the time.

Xavier Jones - Walk me through your first three seasons at Ecorse.

Gerrod Abram - The first season was a challenge, it was new for all of us. It was my first head coaching job, I had a young team, and my best player at the time was a freshman who had never played high school ball before. It was a learning curve for all of us, especially the older guys who were used to new coaches coming in and out. I had a great team my second year. We won the district championship against Gabriel Richard before Covid shut everything down. The most recent year we rallied around our ups and downs. From pre season, track, and cross country, we believed we had a chance at the state championship. That's exactly what we did! It was the first time Ecorse had played at the Breslin Center since 1980!

Xavier Jones - Do you coach Cross Country as well? Is that something you add to your offseason regiment?

Gerrod Abram - Yes I am the Cross Country Coach. It's interesting because my first two years I had a natural Cross Country guy, Dominic Woods. On the other hand I have natural basketball guys who don't really like it. But they learn to understand it. It's certainly something I've added to the program. It helps us get closer as a team, it helps us get in the weight room, and it definitely helps with the conditioning.

Xavier Jones - What is your role as Athletic Director for Ecorse Public Schools?

Gerrod Abram - Head of all the sports, and coaches. It's my responsibility to check grades, ensure teams have enough games scheduled, transportation, and making my presence known at every event possible. It requires me to be here all day every day, instead of just during basketball season. I've gotten a chance to build relationships with the volleyball team, as well as the football team. The position has given me a chance to gain knowledge in all aspects. It also gives me insight on sports that I've never played before.

Xavier Jones - Any closing remarks you would like the people to know?

Gerrod Abram - I want the community to come out and support these athletes, they need it! Even if you don't have a child or relative on the team. Throw your red on, come out and show some of that Ecorse pride. Show these young people that you love and support them. We're building an atmosphere of family. It's progressed far, but we still have a long way to go. We can never make it there without the support of the community.

For more information call 313-294-4750.