DETROIT - Renaissance High School staged a signing day assembly and press conference on Wednesday that was the antithesis of the modern-day hat selection ceremony.

Honoring Michigan State-bound Dana Dixon and Chris Norman, members of the Renaissance football coaching staff gave their players a sendoff with a theme of academic accountability and community responsibility.

Wearing ties and humble smiles, Norman and Dixon signed their national letters of intent with parents before an assembly of students and cheerleaders.

"I would like to thank Coach Watts for making sure I got my academics together," said Norman, the state's No. 1 ranked player according to SpartanMag.com. "I have a good GPA now, but it didn't start out that way. Thank you Coach Watts."

Renaissance head coach Antonio Watts told Norman, "I always want you to be humble, Chris. God has given you a lot. Always remember that and always represent Renaissance. Represent what the best of Detroit is about; you embody that."

Said assistant coach Donald: "You both have a way of studying first and then playing ball. I like that. I've always liked that.

"Michigan State is a great program. Go represent. You know I'm going to be watching."

(Video by Rico Beard)