The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1482097
30 THE WOLVERINE NOVEMBER 2022 M ichigan pulled away from Indiana for a 31-10 road win Oct. 8, but that wasn't the main concern following the game. U-M running backs coach Mike Hart fell backwards and collapsed on the sideline in the first quarter, and there were reports of a seizure. Hart left Memorial Stadium in an ambulance for further evaluation with his wife by his side. He was alert on the stretcher, per reports, giving the thumbs up. His players were visibly shaken dur- ing the event, many of them on a knee and several surrounding him holding up towels while medical personnel tended to him. Hart let the team know at halftime, through Michigan head coach Jim Har- baugh, that he was OK and told them to finish strong. "He's in stable condition," Harbaugh said in his postgame press conference. "He's going to stay overnight here in Bloomington for continued observation. "Mike's a strong guy. Just prayers go his way. It really can put things in per- spective." The game was stopped for several minutes while Hart was taken off the field, but he was coherent. "In the moment, everybody's thoughts are with Mike," Harbaugh said. "Every- body around us was focused on just get- ting him the care he needed. The most important thing is his health." Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 300-plus yards in the win, helped rally the team after the incident. "It's definitely one of those events in life when you're just in shock and are like, 'What just happened?'" the Michi- gan quarterback said. "That's somebody that was waiting for this game and had it marked on his schedule. "All prayers went up to him. He's one heck of a coach; I have so much respect for him. I'm just happy to hear that he's OK. But it definitely caught us off guard, for sure." Hart coached at Indiana under head coach Tom Allen for four seasons. He spoke earlier in the week about how much the game meant to him, as well as his time at IU. It was "spooky," grad student receiver Ronnie Bell said. "It really just puts things in perspec- tive. You can't take anything for granted," the Michigan captain said. "Anything can happen." McCarthy was encouraged when told the coach was "doing well." "We gave him the game ball, and Blake [Corum] is going to get it to him as soon as possible," McCarthy said. "It was hard to see, just because of the relationship I have with Coach Hart, the love I have for him," Corum added. "The love I have for Coach Hart is way bigger than football." On Monday, Oct. 10, Hart released a statement updating his health status. "I would like to thank everyone for their support, messages, and prayers," Hart said. "I am truly grateful for the trainers and paramedics, the doctor and nurses at IU Hospital, Michigan's team doctors, coaching staff, players, and Coach Harbaugh. "I would also like to thank IU's football staff and team doctors. I will never forget everyone's kindness and generosity. My wife and I are thankful to be surrounded by such incredible people. "Health-wise, I am back in Ann Ar- MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Mike Hart Recovers And Returns After Sideline Medical Emergency At Indiana Hart was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after a reported seizure during the first quar- ter of Michigan's win at Indiana Oct. 8. He recovered quickly and was back on the sidelines a week later for Michigan's run-game domination of Penn State. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN