The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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APRIL 2019 THE WOLVERINE 17 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS After a 2017-18 campaign that saw Michigan make it all the way to the Frozen Four (before falling to Notre Dame), expectations were sky high coming into this past season. The year did not go as planned, however, with U-M stum- bling to a 13-16-7 record that ended with a 4-1 loss to Min- nesota in the Big Ten Tournament March 9. "I'm not happy with how the year came to a close," said sophomore forward Jack Becker, who wound up with six goals and nine assists. "We were highly ranked early on, but to have it end so soon simply wasn't good enough. "It has to be a learning experience for us, though, and we understand we have to grow from our failures. I know this will allow us to get better, and we'll take this season's challenges and apply them to next year." Becker hails from Dellwood, Minn., and explained that making the 647.5-mile trek to Ann Arbor was ac- tually a pretty easy decision for him. "I've had a great relationship with Coach [Mel] Pearson and have known him for a while, so that was a big part of it," he said. "The rest of the staff is great as well, and know- ing I would develop under them was a big reason I chose to come here. "On top of that, the storied tradi- tion of Michigan hockey was hard to say no to. The fact that U-M is the best of both worlds — academics and athletics — actually made it a pretty easy decision." Becker is enrolled in U-M's Ross School of Business, which is widely considered one of the best of its kind in the country. The sophomore explained that it is the perfect pathway to accomplish the goals he has set for himself once his hockey days are over. "I'd like to be in a leadership management role in a busi- ness someday," Becker revealed. "To be able to make deci- sions and build relationships in a company is something I'm shooting for, and being at U-M opens up so many doors. The Michigan network is both strong and unique, and it's amazing what people will do for you simply because you're a part of the Ross School. "Going to class with some of the most talented and in- telligent classmates around is what you're competing with on a daily ba- sis. That is to be expected here, but it's special nonetheless and an amaz- ing environment to be a part of." Becker may put his business plans on hold, however, if an NHL oppor- tunity presents itself. It actually al- ready did two years ago, when the Boston Bruins drafted the Minneso- tan out of high school. "A lot of guys get picked out of high school, and that means that team has your rights and no other organization can talk to you for a few years," he explained. "After col- lege, you then have the option to sign with that team if you're fortu- nate enough to. "It was a dream come true for me when I heard from Boston, because it's every kid's goal to play profes- sionally someday. Hearing my name called was a humbling experience and has only made me work harder from here on out." — Austin Fox Becker finished eighth on the team with 15 points (six goals and nine assists) this season. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY Michigan Leather Duffels #1448 Large Duffel $319 + $20 S&H 23"L x 8.5"W x 12"H #1447 Duffel $259 + $20 S&H 17"L x 10"W x 10"H Duffels are custom made and shipped direct from manufacturer. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing. Special Note: Leather varies from piece to piece and will age to a rich patina. Duffels appear much darker in ad to show detail and embossed Block M logo position. Please add Sales Tax if shipping to: NC (7.5%), MI (6%), or IN (7%) DELIVERY AREA LIMITED TO CONTINENTAL U.S. The Wolverine • PO Box 2331 • Durham, NC 27702 • 1-800-421-7751 Visit our online store! www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com Student-Athlete Of The Month Ice Hockey Sophomore Forward Jack Becker