DETROIT (WWJ) – With Monday slated as D-day, as in demolition, for the old Cass Technical High School, about one thousand former students gathered in front of the ruins for a final good-bye. WWJ’s Chrystal Knight reports that alumni gathered Saturday to share memories of their beloved Cass Tech.

Vice President for the Detroit Board of Education and Cass Tech alumnus Tyrone Winfrey, was among those reminiscing about  the bittersweet end of one era and the beginning of a new high-tech era.

“We do have a state-of-the-art Cass Technical High School across the street – and now with this building coming down, we’ll be able to add more … a sports complex or additional access to the existing buildings,” said Winfrey.

“So, it’s sad to see it come down but again we are just going to chalk it up to the progress of the city of Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools,” Winfrey added.

Winfrey says he loved playing football for Cass, but it was the dynamic academic prep that led him to his current career as VP for the Detroit Board of Education.

He says it was a time to share stories and memories about the school.

Winfrey says they’re sad to see the old building go — but glad to see a new era with a new state-of-the-art Cass Tech right across the street.

A complete demolition of the old building is set for Monday.