[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 150 (Monday, September 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PERRY WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2025

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District of 
Michigan honors the illustrious career of Coach Perry Watson.
  Many know him as Coach Watson, but he was a high school counselor to 
hundreds of us in southwest Detroit when he was assigned at 
Southwestern High School. Perry Watson is a lifelong Detroiter and 
known for his coaching career. However, if not for him, I would never 
have gone to college. Counselor Perry Watson was stationed on the lower 
floor at Southwestern High School, and you would always find him 
standing in the doorway catching his students as they passed. I was one 
of them. He kept on me for not applying to college. Even after I 
explained that my family couldn't afford it, he insisted. He said, 
``Everything will turn out okay.'' He was right.
  He later served as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, 
and then the head coach of the University of Detroit Mercy Titans. Over 
15 seasons, Coach Perry Watson compiled a 261-198 record, the second-
most wins of any Titans coach in history. This exceptional record 
earned him a well-deserved place in the UDM Hall of Fame. It wasn't a 
surprise that Coach Watson ensured his students displayed academic 
excellence. Under his supervision, 96 percent of his players graduated 
from the University of Detroit Mercy.
  Students from across the city of Detroit were brought together under 
the instruction of Coach Perry Watson. Their distinction in academics 
and athletics is a testament to his influence and mentorship.
  We thank Perry Watson for his profound contributions and celebrate 
the lasting legacy he leaves in both sports and education.

                          ____________________