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EDITORIAL STAFF men’s gymnastics to capture an NCAA championship in front of a home crowd at Crisler Managing Editor: Barbara Cossman; Center. Seven weeks later, on May 4, the Big Ten extended its previously announced Editorial Contributors: Barb Donlan, Steve Kornacki, U-M suspension of all organized team activities through June 1, 2020. Athletics External Communications & PR Staff; Incredibly, 20 of Michigan’s 27 varsity athletic teams saw their season come to Photography: Michigan Photography, Michigan Athletics, a screeching halt. No practice, no games, no team bonding, no chance at trophies. U-M Bentley Historical Library Throughout this issue, you will read first-person accounts from student-athletes and The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affi rmative action coaches of those 20 teams and what that moment was like, being told it was the last employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non- time they’d be together as a complete team and with their seniors. But you’ll also read discrimination and affi rmative action, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. uplifting reflections on resiliency and gratitude, and understanding the bigger picture. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination To the Class of 2020 who did and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, not get their typical Senior Day or TABLE OF CONTENTS creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, commencement, and was unable What’s Inside gender identity, gender expression, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Inqui- to take the annual class photo on 2 A Message from Bill Martin ries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Institutional the block M: congratulations to 4 Wrestling Equity and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Offi ce of Institutional Equi- you all on truly being the Leaders 6 Women’s Basketball ty, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109- & Best! 8 Women’s Golf 1432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388. For other University of Michigan information call 734-764-1817. 10 Baseball 12 Women’s Lacrosse MICHIGAN SPORTS PROPERTIES 14 Men’s Tennis General Manager: Ron Melnyk; Account Executives: FEATURING Joshua Belt, Zach Daul, Stephen Schilling; 16 Greg Harden Retirement Tributes Partner Services Coordinators: Camron Brownfield, 20 Softball Jacob Wakai, Jacob Wawro 22 Men’s Basketball
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FOR SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 28 Men’s Gymnastics 1000 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2201 30 Women’s Tennis 32 NBA Hall of Famer Rudy Tomjanovich LEARFIELD IMG COLLEGE President and CEO, Learfield IMG College: Cole Gahagan 36 Men’s Lacrosse 38 Women’s Track & Field LEARFIELD IMG COLLEGE PUBLISHING 40 Men’s Golf Managing Editor: Courtney Birnbaum; Project Editors: Dan Peters, Kristin Pratt; Creative Director: Kristy 42 Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving Marques; Vice President: Kirk Phillips; Director, Local/ 44 Water Polo Regional Print Sales: Doug Iler; Directors: Chad Laytham, 32 46 Men’s Track & Field Matt Coy, Jason Crisler; Senior Manager: Jonathan Stark; 48 Kids Go Blue Club Managers: Richard Groves, Clerrinda Queen, Kim Sanders; NBA Hall of Famer Senior Specialist: Sarah Jane Snowden; Specialists: RUDY For questions or feedback on M Magazine, please contact Matt Montavon, Casey Castle, Andrew Campbell, TOMJANOVICH Ryan Cox, Sarah King [email protected]. 1
SUPPORT.MGOBLUE.COM SPRING 20 MAGAZINE A MESSAGE FROM BILL MARTIN
Jalen Rose, Bill Martin and Mike Amine presenting Greg with his honorary letter jacket. GREG HARDEN: Our Secret Weapon am often asked what was my most satisfying accomplishment After 26 years on staff with Michigan Athletics, Greg Harden is during my 10 years as AD. Naturally, most would say it was retiring. Yes, we’ve heard it before, and it didn’t seem plausible then. rebuilding Michigan Stadium or Crisler Center or strengthening But it’s real this time and it STILL doesn’t feel possible. For many of Ithe nances. Actually, it was the honor and privilege to work alongside us, Greg has ALWAYS been there — with that mischievous smile and a leadership team of men and women who were talented, hard-working a glint in his eyes, ready with a hug and of course an ear. and committed to Michigan Athletics. Greg Harden was a key member Greg received both his bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Social of our leadership core. Work from Michigan. He has worked with substance abuse, domestic With our mission of providing the resources for student-athlete violence, professional and personal relationship development, success in the classroom and on the eld of competition, Greg Harden, motivation and, of course, counseling. rst and foremost, was all about the student-athlete. He was the “go to” His resume includes such names and entities as the U.S guy for both men and women student-athletes, as well as coaches, for Department of Health and Human Services, the State of Michigan advice and direction. It seemed as if every one of our 800 plus student- Department of Social Services, U-M’s College of Engineering and athletes knew Greg. Attending games or sports banquets, I would Medical School, the Detroit Lions, Dow Chemical Company, Tom watch the kids’ faces light up when they saw Greg and talked with him Brady and Desmond Howard. But there are countless others whose like family. Many student-athletes are indebted to Greg for his wise lives were impacted greatly by Greg, literally countless. counseling at critical times in their lives. His guidance extended to me “G” was first hired by Michigan Athletics as a special advisor to personally for all 10 years. athletic director Joe Roberson from 1994-98 and was then named Director of Athletic Counseling, a role and department he has defined ank you, Greg! in the years since. No one does it alone, but Greg has been the role model, leader and mastermind behind student-athlete counseling, not just in Ann Arbor, but nationally. There is simply no way to adequately address all the lives Greg has impacted. Starting on page 16 of this issue of “M Magazine” you will read first-person thoughts and anecdotes from some of the Bill Martin individuals who were lucky enough to cross Greg’s path over the University of Michigan years. What an incredible legacy he leaves. From all of us previously Athletic Director Emeritus and currently with Michigan Athletics — thank you, Greg! 2
SUPPORT.MGOBLUE.COM WE HAIL to those who leave their houses to protect others.
to those who have trained their whole lives for this.
to nurses who are defining “Leaders and Best.”
to doctors who offer courage with compassion.
to those who extend caring hands day after day.
to those who give hope by being strong in the face of the unknown.
to collaboration and teamwork.
to those who don’t have an option to social distance.
to those working extra shifts.
to those who are smiling at patients from behind masks.
to those putting the state of Michigan above themselves.
to those who can never be thanked enough.
to those who will always be our heroes.
#HAILToTheFrontLine SHORTENED SEASON SPRING 20 MAGAZINE REFLECTIONS
“Our sta gathered in the locker room with the team after a great practice. I had a little time to mentally prepare, and I actually just wanted to sit and enjoy watching them wrap up. I remember clearly thinking I didn’t want to take one minute away from them. In my gut, I wasn’t sure when they would all be able to be back on the mat doing what they love together. “ e announcement was an emotional moment for everyone — lled with frustration, disappointment and some tears. As we concluded, there was also an underlying tone of resolution that this decision was bigger than sports as our nation’s urgent priority was shifting to saving lives.”
– Wrestling Head Coach – SEAN BORMET “I am grateful to be a part of such a great program and feel we have a great family atmosphere. My experience so far has been awesome. I have built relationships that will last a lifetime and I know this is a place I can reach my athletic “ is year’s team was unique goals as an individual. But more importantly I know this because so many guys stepped up program has the ability to reach the highest level, an NCAA and competed hard in spots where team championship. I look forward to the challenges ahead guys took Olympic redshirts. I to reach these goals.” couldn’t be more proud of the way our team continued to ght even – Redshirt Sophomore – when outmatched. We continued to hustle and compete, and I think JACK MEDLEY wrestling fans around the country appreciated that.” “I am looking forward to spending time with my team and – Redshirt Senior – going back to what we have always done. I believe the sport of wrestling really brings individuals together, because we JACKSON all understand how hard each other works and the passion STRIGGOW we share for wrestling. We are all used to doing everything together, every day, year round. It is di cult being separated from your brothers, however it is important that we do our part to stop the spreading of COVID-19. It will be nice when we can all unite and do what we love.”
– Sophomore – MASON PARRIS
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“I feel more fortunate than a lot of other coaches I have talked to around the country. A lot of teams were on spring break or at home when all of this was happening. I feel very fortunate that we were able to spend those days together. I think that was really important because we were able to navigate through this process together. We had each other. “ at ursday came and things were happening really fast. We had practice and every day before we start, we share some di erent thoughts in our circle. ursday is ankful ursday; one person talks about someone else in the circle. We brought everyone in the program in the circle and everyone went around to talk about what they were thankful for. It took about an hour, listening to everyone talk about what this program meant to them and the culture that had been developed.” – Women’s Basketball Head Coach – KIM BARNES ARICO
“Playing basketball for the University of Michigan has meant the world to me. I have created bonds with people that are going to last a lifetime while playing basketball at the highest level. It was an experience that was so unique, and I would not trade it for anything.” – Senior Forward – KAYLA ROBBINS
“It means a lot to me that everyone misses everyone, and it shows how close we really are. We all agree that it is hard that we cannot see each other, but we are all trying to stay safe so we can get back together as soon as possible.” – Senior Guard – AKIENREH JOHNSON
“ is year as a team we spent a lot of time together really just enjoying the company of one another on a regular basis before the season. … During the season, the locker room was fresh and full of people who wanted to work hard for each other. Once we stepped on the court everything just clicked. ... It is easy to have a special team when everyone buys in and has a hunger to be great, along with everyone enjoying being around each other even at the end of the year.” – Sophomore Forward – NAZ HILLMON
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“What’s so wonderful about coaching is that “We were told during practice. Coach let us know the news as soon as she knew. e whole team knew that there even with consistent team standards from would be news, so we were all very anxious during practice. I remember being in shock. ere was a lot of silence year to year, the synergy of personalities in the room, I think, because most of us just weren’t sure how to react. I had a hard time saying anything at all makes each season unique. is year, there because of the emotions that were running through me. Of course there were a few tears shed. e team had was an incredible focus on establishing a grown so close over the months we had together so it was really hard to wrap our heads around the fact that it higher level of commitment in work ethic was all over. I think coach did a really good job of letting us grieve but also reminding us that this was something and competitiveness. Our team was deep much more important. She made us feel like it was OK to be sad about our season ending but also to trust the with talent, which created a lot of intra-team people making these decisions because they were making them with the goal of keeping people safe.” competition to make the travel squad. at forced players to improve quicker. In addition, – Senior – we had great leadership from our captain, HANNAH GHELFI Hannah Ghel , which helped facilitate that higher level of commitment, team- rst mentality, and embracing the raised level of competition. ey were such a fun group of players, and I already miss this team a lot.” – Women’s Golf Head Coach – JAN DOWLING
Seniors Alisa Snyder & Hannah Ghelfi
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“Contributing to such a rich Michigan history “After the school year ends, it’s amazing because “We have been connecting every now and again has been an extreme honor. We stand on the all you have to do is practice during the week, and via Zoom. It is de nitely nice to see everyone’s shoulders of so many great men that came before play on the weekends, and hang out with your faces. And it has been tough because everyone us. Being able to represent them by wearing the teammates. When it’s warm outside, some of the on Team 154 wishes so badly for another Block M has been nothing short of remarkable.” guys drive down to the docks on the Huron River opportunity together, and we all have that itch and lay out and go swimming, play frisbee and to get back out there and play for the Block M!” – Redshirt Senior – spike ball and have bon res. Usually by the time BEN KEIZER school is over, the team is very close, but there’s – Junior – something about the time of year after school JACK BLOMGREN ends, that some kind of summer magic lls the air and Ann Arbor is one of the best places in the country to be.” – Junior – JOE DONOVAN
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“Being a young program, we are constantly working to create a championship culture. Our “I have only been a head coach for a relatively team this year accomplished just that! We attacked every aspect of the student-athlete life with short amount of time, but I have no doubt consistency, desire, love for each other and love for the game. We went beyond expectations; that this will be one of the hardest things I will we were ready to make history! ere was common pride, passion and knowledge of how experience in the role. To have to relay that special this team was and what talent we possessed. Regardless of how this season ended it kind of news to this group of young women was will never be forgotten. It is burned in the memory of our minds and souls, present in the extremely di cult. e combination of tears, unbreakable bonds of friendship and inscribed in the legacy of this program. at is what blank stares, angry faces and pure disappointment makes us unique!” on the faces of the seniors is something I will – Senior – remember for quite some time. “ is year it just started to click. We had all the QUINN MELIDONA elements of a great team … culture, investment, leadership, work ethic, discipline, and above all “I have been honored to be a part of the Michigan women’s lacrosse team. ese last four else we were having fun doing it. We had an years have meant the world to me, and being involved in the development of the program incredible group of young women that were has been amazing to see. After having the season cut short and re ecting on my last four driven to achieve goals for Michigan and it was so years, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. is team is special on and o the eld, and fun to be involved with each day.” Michigan will always hold a piece of my heart.” – Senior – – Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach – MOLLY GARRETT HANNAH NIELSEN 12
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SHORTENED SEASON SPRING 20 MAGAZINE REFLECTIONS “When I was told the season would not continue, I brought “Our team has been connecting often. On top of regularly “Being a member of the Michigan the team together in our locker room and broke the news. It engaging with each other over social media and messaging, tennis team means more than almost was a very tough message to send and extremely emotional. we have been doing team workouts together over Zoom. [In anything else in the world. It was When you have a season like we were having, and the mid-April] we had our rst group hangout as a team with devastating to have our season enjoyment these guys have practicing and playing together, our coaching sta over Zoom as well, which was super fun.” cut short since we were doing so it was very tough to end it so abruptly. ere were tears well. My teammates and I wish we from that … e main message for me, though, was that – Senior – could have competed for a national this was the correct decision and the students’ health and NICK BEATY championship this year, but we welfare always comes rst. e guys understood that and the understand the health of the world mood changed a bit to ‘We are all in this together across all is more important. We are all already of America, and that has to be the focus now.’ In the end, I looking forward to next season!” complimented the team for having one of the best seasons in the history of Michigan tennis. Memories of a lifetime — – Senior – I’m so proud of this special group.” CONNOR – Men’s Tennis Head Coach – JOHNSTON ADAM STEINBERG
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Greg, with coach Beilien, was also the basketball sport administrator for many years. thankyou,G GREG HARDEN TAUGHT US ALL HOW TO “CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES”
“Greg Harden is one of the most in uential people in my hockey career, and he really knows very little about the game of hockey. When I rst started meeting with Mr. Harden regularly, I was in a dark place in my personal life. e rst few meetings I looked at as sort of punishment with Reema Zakharia and something I just had to get through in order to just get on with my life. Mr. Harden helped me understand that the life I was living is not one I would be proud of. He would ask me the question, ‘What kind of man do you want to be?’ Mr. Harden believed in me as a person when no one else did, and I’ve never forgotten that. I am still nowhere near a perfect man or the man I want to be yet, but so many of the things that Mr. “I’ve had the blessing to have many mentors and leaders in my Harden and I have talked about ash into my mind and help me stay on life, people to shape me into the person I am today, and Greg the right course. I really never gave him the thank you and appreciation Harden is at the top of my list. I remember the rst time I had he deserves. I, without question, would have never accomplished the little to meet with him in his o ce ... seated in the corner with the that I have in my life had it not been for the in uence Mr. Harden had on tissue box next to me ready for use. Little did I know that those me, and I am forever in debt to him.” weekly and bi-weekly meetings would build me into the strong JON MERRILL woman I am proud to be today. e rst lesson he taught me broke Hockey 2011-13, NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights me down. We came to the conclusion I was playing the victim in situations and needed to take ownership. Eighteen years young, “In spring 2014, I reluctantly walked into Greg’s o ce because I was I was trying my best to self-re ect, become more aware and be a told to go. I had no intention of actually sharing. In fact, I decided I leader & best thanks to G. would say as little as I possibly could. From that day on, I walked out of “I would stare o in his o ce, and see photos with incredible his o ce a better athlete, student, family member and friend. Whether athletes, his honorable accolades, books galore, and I knew that if I on the high of a winning season, or the low of a losing one, Greg has trusted him, became the best student I could be, that I too would been monumental for my mental, emotional and spiritual growth. He mature into one of the athletes he had surrounding the walls of his taught me to control the controllables and that, with self-love and self- o ce. I could write my own novel on how Greg has poured his time acceptance, anything is possible. into athletes like me and shaped us to be the best version of ourselves. “Greg is an anomaly — truly, a one of a kind human being. I cannot He challenged me and pushed me like a father would, and I am forever imagine my University of Michigan experience without him. Greg and thankful. I am honored to have had a leader like him in my life, and the many lessons learned from his friendship continue to hold extreme will always ‘control the controllables,’ like he taught me a decade ago. value and importance to me throughout my life. ank you, Greg, and Congratulations on your retirement Greg!!!!” congratulations!” REEMA ZAKHARIA DANIELLE WILLIAMS 16 Women’s Gymnastics 2011-14 Women’s Basketball 2013-17
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with Brandon Johns Jr.
“I would like to add my congratulations to Greg Harden on his retirement from the University. I have had the pleasure of interacting with Greg on multiple occasions over the past 25 years. In each of these instances, I found Greg to be thoughtful and very professional. His approach to solving problems was always balanced in that he weighed both sides of an issue before arriving at a conclusion. He had a special way with students that was mixed with love and support and at the same time holding them accountable when the situation called for it. He has been a rock of consistency in the with Anita and athletics department for a long time. To say that he will be missed is an Michael Parke understatement, but I will say it loud and clear anyway ... he will be missed. Greg, good luck and best wishes in your retirement.” ESROLD NURSE, PH.D “Greg Harden painted a picture of life I had never seen before, a Former Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Education, LSA reality I never dreamed of or thought would be possible. Greg taught Currently Special Advisor to the Provost, University of Michigan me so many important life lessons; among my favorite are: 1 – ‘Life is not fair, son; what are you going to do about it?’ “I rst met Greg 10 years ago as an intern at the University. My life 2 – ‘You are much more than a soccer player; SOCCER IS has been rocked ever since. e love, mentorship and example he has set SOMETHING YOU DO. It does not de ne your self- for people to follow has been extraordinary. Seeing Greg impact all of worth. You get to decide that.’ the student-athlete lives has been truly inspirational. His presence will 3 – ‘CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES.’ be missed but forever felt by the department. I feel truly blessed and With Greg’s guidance, I started to dream, I began to believe, and fortunate to have the opportunity to know Michigan’s Secret Weapon, I made giant leaps toward becoming the man I ultimately wanted to who is de nitely not a secret weapon to everyone in the Michigan family. be. And all of this was possible from my work and friendship with ‘Control the controllables’ is one of the many life lessons he has taught me Greg. For that, I am forever grateful. ank you, G.” since I’ve been at Michigan. I just want to say thank you Greg for helping MICHAEL PARKE me become the man I am today and giving the courage to so many people, Men’s Soccer 2004-08 including myself, to y and pursue their dreams. I love you and forever GO BLUE!” CLAIBORNE GORDON MILES GREEN U-M Athletics Academic Success Program
“Greg, throughout his tenure at the Michigan Athletics Department, has served with humility and a profound sense of respect for all the young student-athletes who joined the Michigan family. He has been a trailblazer, thinking outside the box, to help young people reach their fullest potential not only on the eld, court, track, or pool but as citizens, who give back to their communities. Greg has always cared for the whole person and has tirelessly worked to promote the well-being of his beloved Michigan. He has worn the block M with distinction. It has been an honor to learn from, and to have worked alongside, him.” M. COOKIE MANKOWSKI Condoleezza Rice and Greg Ph.D., MSW, LICSW, U-M Athletics 2001-06
“I cannot put into words what Greg has meant to me as a mentor, counselor and friend. I know that I am just one of many that his light “In 2011, while helping a U-M student-athlete navigate through has helped guide through really dark days. He is truly special; one of a di cult time that appeared to be hopeless, I was fortunate to meet the most caring people on this earth and treats others with the utmost the man, Mr. Greg Harden. Greg’s stealth ability to move through the respect. Going anywhere with Greg is like being in the presence of a layers of ‘stu ’ was nothing short of a miracle! As a result, he became rock star — people ock to say hello, shake his hand and get one of his my ‘go-to’ for students who had gotten in their own way and needed uplifting smiles. While there are many things to be grateful for working in a swift kick in the butt to get back on the right track and successfully Michigan Athletics since 2001, Greg Harden is at the top of the list, and graduate. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement; you will I will miss him tremendously.” de nitely be missed!” CHANTEL JACKSON KATHERINE WEATHERS General Manager, University of Michigan Golf Course LSA Scholarship Senior Manager (former DAAS Academic Advisor) 17
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Bottom ont, clockwise: Mary Jo Desprez, Abigail Eiler, Candace Dorsey, Offi cer Justin Berent, Greg Harden, Sgt. Gary Hicks.
“I met Greg in 2007 in the rst month of starting my position at U-M. He was one of the sta members on my initial onboarding schedule. “He was widely regarded as a great partner by my colleagues and one of the people who created the ‘connective tissue’ between athletics, student- athletes and the rest of campus. We hit it o from our rst meeting. His advice to me was to make Michigan a smaller place by creating meaningful connections with the ‘doers’ on campus. “One of my favorite memories with Greg was in 2011, when we were brainstorming about how to create a safe and fun atmosphere as U-M was preparing to host our rst night football game against Notre Dame. e goal was to create a safe and fun ‘once in a lifetime’ with Michelle McMahon atmosphere. We wanted to get a high pro le athlete to help us bring more awareness to our ‘Stay in the Blue’ campaign, a campaign to help students better understand how to prevent alcohol-related harm. I scheduled a meeting with Greg to see if he could help us identify a student-athlete to help. While sitting in the o ce with him, he “‘Life and its various circumstances are what you choose to make picked up the phone, dialed a number and in a matter of ve minutes of them. You can either let them destroy you, or embrace them to convinced Desmond Howard to help. How is that for a high pro le make you stronger. Only base your happiness on things within your athlete? e video still is used today! control, and know that the answer always lies within the truth of “Greg is a ‘doer,’ a tireless advocate for student well-being and treasured who you are.’ colleague. I will miss him dearly.” “ ese timeless words of wisdom were delivered to me by the MARY JO DESPREZ man, Greg Harden, who took a very shattered version of myself, Director, Wolverine Wellness, collected the pieces and helped me feel whole again. No tribute University Health Service could ever do justice on just how much Greg means to my life, but what I can say with full con dence is that I would not physically be “Over my years at Michigan, I’ve been so fortunate to build an extensive here today, if it weren’t for Greg. Every week, I walked into his o ce and intelligent network. I truly believe this is the Michigan di erence that with a new mental health challenge, with tear- lled eyes and a pit in is used in all our discourse. I remember Dr. Harden giving me a binder my stomach — and every time I would leave his o ce feeling free that held business cards. He instructed me, ‘every card you get you should of that burden. He saw me before I could see myself. He believed in make note of a fact about that person you learned, and where you met me before I could believe in myself. He held space for me until I got them.’ is advice alone has gotten me so intimately connected with the to a point where I could shine in all of my light — a light he ignited deep pool that is the Michigan network. within me. To have someone who so unconditionally supports you, “You see, Dr. Harden knows people and understands relationships. genuinely believes in you and sees your heart is one of the most at is why there is no one more t to have done what he did in his career amazing miracles I’ve experienced in my life. and service to our Michigan. He embodied what psychologists call the “ ank you, Greg, for providing endless hidden miracles buried in Michelangelo phenomenon. He sees what is a blemished piece of marble the thousands of lives you’ve touched. It’s so clear that a higher power of a person, lled with potential. He then carves and shapes them, thus channels through you as you work your light through person to pulling the greatness out of him or her — just as Michelangelo did with person, awakening a sparkle within each individual. You changed my his Statue of David that other sculptors turned down due to the blemish life forever, and I am forever indebted to you. Love you so much, G!” in the marble. ere are many who love Michigan. And there are those MICHELLE MCMAHON like G, who serve her unequivocally.” Michigan Volleyball 2008-2012, JEHU CHESSON 18 Big Ten Network Sportscaster Football 2012-17
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with Chelsea Pezzola
Greg with Kim’s son, Cam Cameron
“Nerves ran up and down my spine as I stepped closer to his o ce. “Like hundreds of other student-athletes and parents, my family Reaching the entrance, I gripped the cold handle and pushed the door considers Greg Harden to be a hero, a life-saver, and a role model. open. A warm smirk met my eye, and all I remember hearing was, ‘I’ve Few people have had the impact on our lives as has Greg Harden. been waiting the last three years for you to nally walk through that door.’ He mentored our son and helped him through rough spots in his In that moment I knew this man was going to change my life forever. and athletics career — the way Greg did for many high pro le student- it is without a doubt that he, in fact, did. Not only did he help de ne who athletes and GOATs — but, more importantly, the lives of countless I was as an athlete, but he shaped who I am as a woman today. He taught less visible young men and women will forever be changed by Greg. me how to be my best self both on and o the golf course and helped me He will never get credit, nor would he seek it, but the ripple e ect nd con dence that has led me to the success I have found today. I would he produced will last for generations. not be where I am without him, and I am forever grateful to have had “Greg’s impact on us occurred not only in his direct counsel him in my life. He will remain a forever friend and guiding light. Here’s and support, but it also resided in his personal example, his display to teeing up your next chapter in life!” of integrity, his high moral code, his demonstration of positive CHELSEA PEZZOLA leadership, and his practical wisdom. In the book, “Astroball,” Ben Golf 2010-14, Professional Golfer, Reiter estimated that the Houston Astros won an extra nine games On-Air Host & Media Personality as a result of having Carlos Beltran in the locker room. My estimate is that the number of games Michigan athletics teams have won “During my time as a student-athlete at Michigan, I had the pleasure of because of Greg Harden stretches into the hundreds. Greg’s positive being introduced to Greg. Twice. After our rst introduction, I arrogantly impact on Michigan Athletics and on my own family is incalculable.” concluded that I did not have the time nor the need to work with Greg KIM CAMERON and carried on with my life. Little did I know that a few short years and a William Russell Professor of Management & Organizations, Ross couple of stumbles later, my second introduction to Greg would represent School of Business, and Professor of Higher Education, School of a seismic shift in my life’s journey. Education, University of Michigan “When I nally humbled myself enough to work with him, Greg challenged everything my college-aged self knew was true. In one of our more intense talks, Greg painted a vivid picture of who I was supposed to be and vigorously challenged me to be di erent from that person. Instead of relenting in the face of adversity, I should be relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. Instead of succumbing to negativity, I should be unapologetically optimistic. Above all else, Greg taught me that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I should have an unwavering belief in myself; because if I cannot have that belief, then why should anyone else? “Grit and self-con dence almost come naturally in athletics. Honing them in high school ultimately landed me at Michigan and helped me to achieve things I never thought possible in Ann Arbor. However, without our work, I would have never understood how to apply these principles in life beyond athletics. Frankly, I would not be the person I am today without his support. Greg has been a catalyst for the rest of my life and for that I am forever grateful. “Happy retirement, Greg!” JOHN KIPF Men’s Track & Field, 2005-10 Juwan Howard’s introductory press conference 19
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“It’s a challenge of a lifetime to have a team and have a purpose, because we didn’t want to just say, ‘Season’s over, see ya whenever we get together again.’ I really wanted to nd a way to have team engagement and, particularly, to keep our seniors engaged. So, we broke up everyone into four teams, and the seniors developed a big team competition where they earn points for tness, community engagement, social media, wellness and giving activities. “ e most important thing, as I charged the seniors, we’ve got to be competing, and it’s not going to be on a softball eld. We don’t care about softball right now. We just want to keep that competitive juice going. At the end of the day, I want us to come out of this a strong team that works in cooperation with each other, and we’re all better — we’re better people physically, emotionally, mentally and, hopefully, generously. at’s the goal.” – Softball Head Coach – CAROL HUTCHINS
“My experience as a member of the softball team has been beautiful “We were in the middle of practice, but we all kind of knew something was up in every way, even the hard ways. I dreamed as a little girl of playing because Hutch had been gone for about an hour. I was in the bullpen, and Biggie at Alumni Field for Hutch and her sta and came to camps my [pitching coach Jennifer Brundage] told us to grab our stu and meet in the dugout. entire life growing up. Being able to have the chance to live out We all knew right away that our season was ending. We were all crowded onto the that dream is honestly something I never could have imagined. I dugout bench when Hutch told us all the news. It was silent, even when people got will forever be thankful for the opportunity and experience that is up and started hugging each other. I don’t think anyone was really able to process to be had here. I am so thankful for the memories I had here that right away that our season was just gone. Personally, I didn’t get emotional until I I will get to carry with me for the rest of my life. As Hutch always started hugging seniors, because I was just shocked.” says, you are a Michigan woman for life!” – Junior – – Senior – MEGHAN BEAUBIEN HALEY HOOGENRAAD 20
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“[I’ll miss] the players. Each and every guy playing “It was a really heavy moment. ere was a lot of disappointment and maybe even some anger for one another, enjoying each other’s success, being in the locker room in Indianapolis after we were told. We had put so much time and e ort all in, loving to come to practice every day. Knowing into preparing and being ready to go out and play and compete. Our hearts really hurt for our I’m going to work with a great group of guys who seniors, Jon and Zavier. It was a helpless feeling because we wanted to go out and make the ends are passionate about the game of basketball, wanting of their careers special, and it especially hurt because they have worked so hard and set such to learn more, wanting to know more, are open to great examples for the rest of the team. ey deserved to have that opportunity, and every one accepting learning very well and a group that loves of us wanted to take the court with them and leave it all out there. However, at the end of the Michigan. Each and every one of them wants to be day I think that most of us have begun to understand that this was the right choice and that the a part of the University of Michigan Block M, and health and safety of each other and of our families and communities is bigger than basketball. they’ve proven that with how they represented the e ending did not take away from the journey, and I am still extremely proud of this team University. at’s what I’m going to remember the this year. e way my team handled itself during this tough time spoke to the character of each most about this team and this year.” person and it makes me even more proud to be able to be a part of this family.” David and Meredith Kaplan – Senior Forward – – Men’s Basketball Head Coach – 22 AUSTIN DAVIS JUWAN HOWARD
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“I am looking forward to the infectious energy that surrounds our team when we are together. You feel it the most on the hardest workouts where you rely on the energy of one another as motivation to get you through, but also when we are together volunteering, studying or supporting one another in other ways. My teammates are some of the most inspiring, driven women I have ever met, and I cannot wait to feel that unique motivation that comes from us all being together once again.” – Senior – LILIA DUNCAN
“ e thing that I miss more than anything is practice. It is always the best part of my day, and I really miss seeing everybody and working together to get better. At some point, we’re all going to get to back together again and get on the water and start working at getting faster and stronger as a team. at will be a special day. We really view practice as sacred, and I think now that mindset is going to SHORTENED SEASON have an even deeper meaning to us.” – Rowing Head Coach – REFLECTIONS MARK ROTHSTEIN
“I had no idea that our row on that Wednesday would be my last as a Michigan rower. e thought didn’t even cross my mind, and truthfully that hurt the most. Going to my last class and then my last team training without even knowing it really hurt.” – Fifth-Year Senior – REBECCA JOYCE
“My past four years have been lled with high volume training, plenty of lactic acid and endless strokes on the water in hopes of being the best in the nation. Yet through it all, Michigan rowing has taught me that championships aren’t won with more training or harder workouts, but instead through unconditional trust and the creation of a family. … I feel so lucky to have been a part of something much more special than any trophy.” – Fifth-Year Senior – 24 PERRY BOWER
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“It was the day before senior night, and Bev had a meeting that would basically tell us if we had a season or not. We were all sitting on the oor when Bev came out with the news, and by the look on her face we all knew. When she actually said it, there was close to a minute of silence. … Everyone cried or shed a tear. We were all in such shock. We were in the middle of a phenomenal season, ready to do so much more. en it all just ended. And for seniors, that was it. It was truly devastating.” – Freshman – GABBY WILSON
“I think Team 44 was unique in the way that we all shared the same passion and determination for success, which led to us breaking a program record this season. is team was so hardworking and never lost sight of our goals, yet we also had a lot of fun and enjoyed each other’s company along the way. We are a family, and we stuck by each other’s side until the end. I cannot thank Team 44 enough for giving me an incredible senior year, and memories that I will always hold close to my heart.” – Senior – LEXI FUNK
“I am looking forward to having this group of young women back together, along with our new freshmen. We were right at the point of being able to enjoy the successes of all of our hard work when we got shut down. is is a special group of diverse young women who bond over all of the things they have in common and the goals they share. I look forward to building upon that.” – Women’s Gymnastics Head Coach – BEV PLOCKI
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“It’s hard to have a season cut short like that, especially when we put ourselves in a great position. We had a ton of momentum going into the Ohio State weekend; if things were di erent, our team could have gone all the way. Every guy in the locker room bought in, and we would have done something special. e hardest thought is, ‘What could have been.’ As a senior, it’s tough to go out like that, but some things are bigger than hockey and out of your own control. It’s important for not just the seniors to understand this, but everyone. I can only hope that everyone is staying safe, and I hope that the returning players will carry the momentum we had into the next season. I know they will.” – Senior – WILL LOCKWOOD
“My class … led with great pride and honor. e guys who came before us are Michigan Men, and our goal was to have future players know what a great honor it is to play hockey at Michigan. I wish our season didn’t end the way it did, because I would do anything to put on that jersey one more time in front of the best crowd in college hockey, at the best venue in college hockey, and play for MICHIGAN. “ roughout my time at Michigan I made so many connections, life-long friendships and memories, but the most important thing is I became part of the Michigan hockey family. As cliché as it may sound, when your time at Michigan is done, you really do realize it is all about ‘ e Team, e Team, e Team.’” – Senior – GRIFFIN LUCE
“I’m looking forward to spring days in Ann Arbor. Each morning begins at dawn, as we hurry over “As a team we have been staying connected, challenging to South Campus for 1½ hours of grueling training courtesy of Joe Maher — after which, you feel each other to stay active while self-quarantining. We like you can conquer the world. From there, the day is yours to make the most of. As the weather have set up multiple group chats with the whole team, turns, we ride our mopeds around town with fresh air breezing by each ear. e golf course opens including incoming freshmen, which has been nice. and we’re rst in line to buy season passes; shoes are optional. Some days we’ll head to the docks, and Since we are not together we are trying to continue to others we’ll compete on the softball eld. You can count on the day ending with a less-than-luxurious build bonds and relationships with each other through driveway grill packed to capacity with land and sea. And whether the chef has a culinary touch or keeping in touch, playing video games together, and not, the guys end up happy as ever, dining in the presence of one another. Ultimately, it’s a hockey sending workout videos to one another. We are all player’s moment to relax and embrace ‘normal’ college life — the life we non-regrettably choose to looking forward to getting back to Ann Arbor and can’t not be fully immersed in, but the one we savour every time we get to enjoy a nice spring day.” wait for what the future holds.” – Sophomore – – Sophomore – 26 STRAUSS MANN NICK BLANKENBURG
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Graduate Student Uche Eke
“We were in the middle of practice when we found out about the season being cancelled, and we just had to stop immediately. It was just really hard for all of us to leave the gym that day. We said our nal team prayer together for all the seniors, and that was it.” – Graduate Student – UCHE EKE
“Being told our season was over was absolutely crushing, especially for the seniors. at was our last practice as a Michigan Wolverine. But, what was more devastating was looking back at the e ort put in for the last four years dreaming of winning an NCAA championship and having that dream be crushed. When we were told to leave we were ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten for the regular-season championship, the favorites to win the Big Ten Championship and ranked third in the NCAA — a contender to win the NCAA championship, which would’ve been at the Crisler Center. I visualized every night winning NCAAs at home. I wanted it more than anything I’ve ever wanted and I worked for it my whole life. We weren’t given the opportunity to raise that rst-place trophy this year and sing our ght song with everyone in Crisler, but I know what it would have felt like because I still dream about that moment every night.” – Senior – MACK LASKER
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Giulia Pairone (le ) and Chiara Lommer
“I was fortunate to share the locker room with some amazing and powerful women … Each one of my teammates comes from a di erent background, which made me learn more about myself and grow as an individual. ese girls were my rst family, and I am grateful for the good and for the challenging memories I have made with them in the last four years.” – Senior – LERA PATIUK
“We were in the lobby at our hotel in Penn State. Once it was o cially announced that everything was over, I was really upset. I was crying because I couldn’t believe that everything was going to end this way, and I would not get to nish out my last season at Michigan. ... At that moment I truly realized how much it meant to me to be an athlete for Michigan and how nothing should ever be taken for granted.” – Senior – CHIARA LOMMER
“We have weekly Zoom team meetings, and it has been amazing to support each other during these challenging times. On April 19, my teammates even planned a virtual senior day on Zoom, since that was going to “I am just looking forward to getting back to a little bit of normalcy and having our be our Senior Day. ey made a 10-minute video that players back on campus. It has been great to spend time with our families during included many pictures of our best moments together, this, but I am excited to get back on the court with this team and get back to work.” on and o the court. It was incredible!” – Women’s Tennis Head Coach – – Senior – 30 RONNI BERNSTEIN GIULIA PAIRONE
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Naismith Basketball HALL OF FAMER RUDY TOMJANOVICH By Steve Kornacki Class of 2020
THERE WASN’T A BASKETBALL COURT or backboard in his neighborhood, and so “The Shoemaker’s Son” began playing the sport that would become his life’s work with games in the alley behind his home by shooting tennis balls into rain gutters.
Rudolph “Rudy” Tomjanovich, Jr., had humble beginnings in didn’t know about players from the Midwest because so few games were Hamtramck, Michigan, which is literally surrounded by Detroit, and on TV back then.” where his family didn’t have a telephone until he asked his parents e franchise moved to Houston the next season, and fans there for one because college coaches were calling with scholarship o ers. came to realize just who Tomjanovich was. He was a ve-time NBA e University of Michigan won the battle for his services, and All-Star who survived a sucker punch that caused life-threatening after adjusting his shot rst because of a foot injury and then upon injuries, and later led the Rockets to a pair of NBA championships as classroom instruction from Wolverine assistant coach Fred Snowden, their head coach, before resigning to battle bladder cancer. Tomjanovich lived up to all those expectations. Houston, too, would retire his No. 45. Rudy T. averaged 25.1 points and 14.4 rebounds per game over three Tomjanovich was an innovator who expanded the Rockets’ videotape seasons, and remains Michigan’s career rebounding leader, with 1,039, department and was one of the rst to emphasize lm study of opponents. while owning the single-game rebounding record, with 30, and sharing However, more than anything, he had a feel for and great knowledge of the single-game scoring mark of 48. Cazzie Russell, the only Wolverine the game, while empowering his players during in-game huddles and basketball player to have his number retired before Tomjanovich’s No. impressing even opposing players. NBA superstars Charles Barkley, 45, also had 48 in one game. Scottie Pippen and Clyde Drexler all asked to be traded to Houston so “ e experience I got at Michigan was invaluable,” Tomjanovich they could play for him and with All-Star center Hakeem Olajuwon. said. “I came from Hamtramck, which was only 42 miles away, but And the U.S. named him its 2000 Olympic head coach. Tomjanovich was in a whole di erent world. It was a culture shock for me at rst, wasn’t pleased with the lack of roster-determining power that position but it was exciting.” held, but his demands to add Vince Carter were nally heeded after an He was an All-American as a senior in 1970, and became the No. 2 injury opened a spot. Carter ended up leading the team in scoring and overall pick in the NBA Draft by the San Diego Rockets. to a gold medal. “In San Diego, I was known as, ‘Rudy who?’” recalled the tough Tomjanovich had hoped to have a chance to make the 1968 32 Croatian with a chuckle in a recent phone conversation. “People there Olympic team after a stellar sophomore season at Michigan (19.5
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points, 13.4 rebounds) and was disappointed in not receiving so much “IT’S BEEN A WHIRLWIND SINCE I GOT INTO THE HALL, as an invitation. However, 32 years later he led his country to the top AND THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF INTERVIEWS, BUT I of the medal platform in Sydney, Australia. DON’T LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MYSELF. IT’S REALLY AN Now, one of the stars of that squad, Kevin Garnett, will INDICATION OF HOW WELL MY TEAMS DID, AND I LIKE be among those joining Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant (whom Tomjanovich coached brie y with the Los Angeles Lakers) and TALKING ABOUT THEM, AND HOW BLESSED I WAS TO “ e Shoemaker’s Son” in receiving the sport’s highest honor — HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY.” induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Fame Aug. 29 in Spring eld, Massachusetts. a very tough business where the players make 10 and 20 times more Rudy T. becomes the rst Wolverine so honored. than what the coach makes? But I look at how it happened, and it’s “It was a revelation to me that I was the rst Michigan guy in the just amazing. It’s about believing in other people. I couldn’t do it by Basketball Hall of Fame,” Tomjanovich said. “I was shocked because myself. e guy that ended up being my assistant, Carroll Dawson, I thought Cazzie was already in [Russell is in the College Basketball was so important. Hall of Fame]. “It’s been a whirlwind since I got into the Hall, and there have been “Being in the Hall of Fame is beyond my greatest dreams. I always a lot of interviews. But I don’t like to talk about myself, and it’s really dreamed about being good at basketball, and just making teams was a an indication of how well my teams did, and I like talking about them, success. But, then, being able to start, be an all-star, was really special. and how blessed I was to have that opportunity.” But we look for more, more, more. e Hall of Fame, though, is about His journey to Spring eld began at Michigan, where his debut coaching. I believe I’m going in as a coach.” was spectacular. Tomjanovich had a team-high 17 points, tied M.C. He paused and said, “God! at’s almost laughable. at here I Burton’s school record with 27 rebounds and blocked 13 shots in the am I’m not an authoritative person. at’s no part of who I am, rst game at Crisler, which opened Dec. 6, 1967, as the University and how in the hell do you get to become a coach and have success in Events Building. 33
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“SOMETIMES I LOOK AT THOSE STATS AND CAN’T BELIEVE THEM. YOU HAVE TO BE A GREEDY SON OF A GUN TO GET THOSE.”
“Sometimes I look at those stats and can’t believe them,” Tomjanovich I went through that that early in my career.” said. “You have to be a greedy son of a gun to get those.” Rudy T., a 6-foot-8 power forward who also played center for the He was excited to play Kentucky in that game because he’d read all Wolverines, said his shot changed forever that day. But there was about Coach Adolph Rupp’s highly-rated team in a basketball yearbook another critical shooting adjustment made during his junior season magazine his mother, Catherine, bought for him. from a lesson learned in Snowden’s basketball class. “We were going to be playing against Dan Issel and Mike Casey,” “Fred told me, ‘You know, your shot is a little at. Have you tried Tomjanovich said. “I was so nervous that I took a jump shot from the using a bank shot on a [45-degree] angle? Why don’t you try it?’ Within free throw line, that I shot so hard that I got one of those rebounds back a week, I tied the scoring record with 48 points. I was as surprised as at the free throw line. And, it’s not o cial, because that stat wasn’t kept anybody when I started shooting these bankers. And I could shoot it until 1977, but somebody watching lm said I had 13 blocked shots in hard, but if I had spin on it, it would hit that spot [on the backboard] that game, too.” (Roy Tarpley’s 10 blocks in 1985 is the o cial record.) and it would be like a marshmallow. ‘Boom!’ it would hit and fall softly “I really could jump, but I was so damn nervous that day,” he said. “I into the basket. jumped so much in that game that the next day, when I got up, I had “ at was another big revelation. at opened up the game big time plantar fasciitis in both feet and couldn’t stretch out those tendons.” for me.” Two days later, the Wolverines played at the University of Detroit, Tomjanovich made 21-of-34 shots, an astounding 62-perent accuracy, and Tomjanovich remained in pain. He had no spring in his legs and on the night of Jan. 7, 1969, against Indiana to score 48 points. wasn’t going to play. However, his Hamtramck High coach, John He was on his way to the NBA, and all that playing and coaching Radwanski, pulled him aside outside the Calihan Hall locker room success. and implored him to nd a way to play in front of friends, family and What a road he traveled after departing Michigan 50 years ago. He high school teammate Ralph Brisker of the host Titans. And with the played with two Hall of Fame centers (Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone), help of team trainers, Tomjanovich played. and then coached two Hall of Fame centers (Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao “But I couldn’t shoot my jump shot,” he said. “I shot almost a set Ming). He survived a cowardly punch from Los Angeles Lakers forward shot, and all these very soft shots were going in. So, I learned that I Kermit Washington in 1977 that shattered his face, but not his will to didn’t have to jump that high. Doing that just made the shot harder. succeed. He’s survived cancer three times and praises God for that. You talk about growing as a player; I never even thought about that. “ e Shoemaker’s Son” blazed quite a trail to Spring eld, one I learned I didn’t have to waste all my energy on the jump, and that if lined with determination at every turn. Rudy T. could play and coach 34 you had to jump that high, it probably wasn’t a good shot. I was lucky basketball like one tough son of a gun.
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“ e sky was the limit for this group, and it was becoming evident on the team. It was something we knew since “Lacrosse isn’t about lacrosse — it’s about the September, just because of the quality of human beings we people you play it with. Michigan posted this on its had and how everyone was meshing. We felt really great Instagram — this is bigger than sports. If you look at about the trend that we were moving forward. I can say that the resources that we, as student-athletes, have access I really enjoyed coaching this 2020 team, and had the most to, it’s incredible. People are ghting over food and fun I ever had coaching this team since September until toilet paper. At Michigan, we have the best health now. It was a lot of fun, and the way we nished o really care in the world, safe facilities, food ... anything we bodes well for us next year.” need. It puts into perspective how lucky we are.”
– Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach – – Graduate Student – KEVIN CONRY PETER HOLLEN
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“Even now I have trouble explaining the feeling of having something you “After a winter break team gathering over the “We are all going through some worked so hard towards and put so much e ort into — be taken from course of seven days, we bonded like no other type of loss at this time. For me it you. I am still at a loss for words. e hard part about relays is having team we’ve had since combining the men’s and is potentially my entire career as an all four members ready to go on the same day. But in New Mexico we women’s programs in 2018. It showed itself athlete, but something that helps me were ready. roughout the season we all had our ups and downs, but all during the indoor season, and we were looking get through all of this is realizing that the pieces were perfectly lined up. All four of us were in the mindset to forward to continued support outdoors. everybody is at a loss for something ght for each other and believed that we could do something amazing. ough we’ve been apart for much of this as well. … Although we could lose But then to have that ripped from you in a matter of seconds made 2020 season, I am looking forward to seeing things much more important than you feel helpless and frozen. is team was truly something special. It’s how this group has grown in their handling of athletics, this has made me realize heartbreaking to accept that we will never step on that line together and these unfortunate circumstances. We are going how great athletics is at building will never be able to see just how good we could have been. to take the ‘bad’ and make ‘great’ from it.” communities and creating purpose. “ … I’m not sad for myself; I’m sad for my teammates and best friends I found myself most disappointed in who won’t get another chance and who ended their college career like this. – Women’s Track & Field Head Coach – the loss of my everyday interactions What keeps me going is remembering not only their resilience and passion JAMES HENRY with my team, and my loss of ability for the sport, but most importantly their dedication to the Block M. to compete for the University of “ e athletics department has continuously cared for all athletes and Michigan, and that speaks volume athletics counseling has been very helpful. … What’s important is to to how great it is to be a part of remind yourself to control the controllables and do what you need to do something as special as this team.” to come back next season even stronger.” – Graduate Student – – Sophomore – MEG DARMOFAL AURORA RYNDA
(Clockwise, om the top): Chloe Foster, Alice Hill, Aurora Rynda, Meg Darmofal
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“ ere was de nitely a uniqueness about it … that it was my rst year. I was just getting to know the Seniors Taisei Negishi & Brent Ito guys, learning about them and what’s important to them and how they go about their business. Learning about their likes and dislikes and what makes them tick, what’s important to them. en it was just over. I miss that bond we were creating and going to battle with them every day. I miss getting better every single day and attacking the day with a passion to get better and see how good they can be. I miss the competition not just in tournaments but team competitions as well.” – Men’s Golf Head Coach – ZACH BARLOW
“We were all told inside the indoor putting green as one big group. I think everyone was on cloud nine because classes were cancelled for the semester and everyone thought that there was a chance we could just do school online and practice all day; I was no di erent. When the coaches told us our season is cancelled and we weren’t allowed on university property I felt this sense of panic because my four years here were over. Obviously that changed with the NCAA rule, and I will be coming back for a fth year and hopefully pursuing a master’s, but without a doubt everyone, including myself, was sad. Looking back I don’t think a single person really smiled the rest of practice.” – Senior – BRENT ITO
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SPRING 20 MAGAZINE
“ ey were primed and ready to ght for one of the top spots. It’s the rst SHORTENED SEASON time in our history where we were completely focusing top individuals on NCAAs, and didn’t rest for the Big Ten Championships. We knew we had a team that could compete. I think Rob Zofchak, one of our captains, said it best: REFLECTIONS winning the Big Ten Championships was not a consolation prize. It was a great accomplishment that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.” – Head Coach – MIKE BOTTOM
“Something that made this team special was the culmination of our very large, very talented senior class. It was four years in the making, even though we had a lot of stu that each of us went through. Nobody on our team knew what it was like to win a Big Ten championship, and we were determined to change that. ere were so many guys stepping up, making changes and really buying in to what we were trying to accomplish. at mindset fed into the rest of the team. To win Big Tens, it was a great way to go out. At the same time, a lot of people were focused on the next one, on NCAAs. Winning was nice, but we left feeling like we had some un nished business.” – Senior – ROB ZOFCHAK
“Some guys were completely silent, and some guys were crying. It was hard for us to really understand what it was going to mean for us. Obviously we were preparing for NCAAs, but the way in which this would a ect our lives, it was much deeper than any of us thought. I’ve started to come to the realization that my whole life has been changed. Hearing the news, it felt like I got sucker- punched. You don’t know how to react to it. It’s sad.” – Senior – 42 TOMMY COPE
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“ e women were not expected to do a lot since we lost a great senior class the year before. However, I believe they would have and were in the process of surprising the country at the NCAA Championships. ey worked hard and were ranked in the top ve. I was sorry to see them not get an opportunity to win a team trophy.” – Head Coach – MIKE BOTTOM
“Our team this year was shaped by a sisterhood. We formed such a strong bond after going through the ups and downs that 2019-20 brought. is team always found the light in every situation. We were able to have more fun than any team on deck, and be champions no matter the circumstance. Although we were looking forward to a special end of the season, I am so proud of how far we came as a group. Being the captain of a team that practiced and competed with such perseverance, integrity and passion was the honor of a lifetime.” – Senior – JACQUI SCHAFER
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“We decided as a team that we wanted to do a Zoom meeting every Sunday “We were in the middle of our weights session and saw the women’s lacrosse team to catch each other up and check in on one another. e fact that we all walk outside with their heads down looking upset and we all started to expect the wanted to keep up-to-date with everyone together even when the season worst-case scenario for spring sports. After weights ended, we were told to come to was over says something in itself. We are all each other’s closest friends, so the house where three-fourths of our seniors live and from there we were told by our we keep in touch daily with our people, whether that’s your graduating captains that the season was unfortunately cancelled. ere were lots of tears in the class or your closest group of friends on the team. I like us meeting every room; teammates were comforting each other as much as possible. At rst, a lot of Sunday as a team because it brings us all together and reminds us what us had trouble processing our emotions because it all seemed so surreal. But, as the that feels like. We all spend so much time together during the regular minutes passed and everyone understood that we would never have the chance to academic year that it’s really odd to not have one another around 24/7. I play as Team 20 again, more and more people were hugging and showing love to our like the weekly meetings because it brings back that feeling of home I have seniors. We decided to take a team photograph outside the house as our memory of when I’m on campus, and I also get to know how all of my girls are doing.” Team 20, because unfortunately we never got to take our team photo.” – Senior – – Junior – HEIDI RITNER MADDIE O’REILLY
“ ere are many things I am looking forward to … our daily interactions, the training, our team building activities, our annual BBQ to start the year, the moment when a new skill is learned in the water, when a student-athlete accomplishes something in the classroom, or when a veteran player helps a younger one learn ‘how to do things’ in our program. However, if I had to pick one special thing that hits home it’s our routine to start the week. Each week at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, the team and sta would come together in our team room at Canham Natatorium. We would all sit together around “ e part I am most looking forward several tables placed together strategically to make one giant table. to with my team would de nitely be We would review our practice plans, any thoughts or concerns for the sitting around each other’s kitchen week, and we would review three quotes that would drive our focus tables just talking about our days, for the week. e student-athletes would then be asked to answer the funny thing that happened at a question based on the quotes and question to the coaching sta . practice, or our upcoming plans for Based on their responses, patterns and themes would emerge each the weekend. Although these times week that would be utilized to help improve our relationships, our have been extremely di cult for many training, and our culture week to week. I look forward to continuing reasons, it will make the time we are to develop strong relationships with our student-athletes.” able to be back together even better.” – Water Polo Head Coach – – Sophomore – 44 MARCELO LEONARDI ERIN NEUSTROM
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“For all the years I’ve been coaching, the best part of any day has always been when I get to interact with the student-athletes on the team and watch them develop as people, students and athletes. Not being able to do that on a daily basis has been what I’ve missed most during this time. When we all safely return to campus, I look forward to the next generation of leaders taking the torch from this outstanding senior class and continuing to build on what was a promising 2020 campaign that was unfortunately cut short.” Graduate Student – Men’s Track & Field Head Coach – Andrew Liskowitz JERRY CLAYTON
“It took a couple of days for real feelings to kind of kick in, because even once we got the news in Albuquerque, it was a weird feeling for both me and teammate Manning Plater. We were both disappointed because we wanted to prove that I’m the best shot putter in the country, and he wanted to prove that he belongs on the NCAA scene in the weight throw. Probably three or four days after we got back, it really kicked in. Wow, we really are done for the rest of the year. What are we going to do? It was a very weird feeling. “Michigan always does a really good job with all the resources it o ers students. Especially for the seniors, having a lot of careers just cut short, nobody could have envisioned that. e athletics administration has said numerous times that there’s so many mental health resources available for students. Student-athletes put so much e ort and preparation into their sport and to have it just taken away like that, that’s crushing for so many people. So knowing that there are people for us to talk to and how the communities have come together during this time, it seems as though everybody’s there for each other and willing to lend a helping hand.” – Graduate Student – ANDREW LISKOWITZ
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SPRING 20 MAGAZINE KIDS GO BLUE CLUB MEMBERS OF THE MONTH Announcements and Activities
MARCH Hamilton gets game-ready with his four-legged best iend! APRIL A Michigan women’s tennis fan, Derin cheers on the team as they defeated Florida, 4-0.
MARCH: Audrianna chose to be a Michigan so ball coach for career day at her school.
MAY Andre is staying active and representing Michigan hockey this spring!
COMING SOON! We are working on technological updates for the 2020-21 Kids Go Blue Club
New features will include: • Expanded Loyalty Program check in opportunities • More engagement activities for our members who live away from campus • Special activities like trivia and reading challenges • More frequent and customized communication The new Kids Go Blue Club will be rolled out in July 2020. More details to follow! 48
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