The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1511544
12 THE WOLVERINE ❱ DECEMBER 2023 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MICHIGAN WELCOMES SIX FORMER STANDOUTS TO 2023 HALL OF HONOR Six individuals — April Fronzoni Bertin (field hockey, 2000-03), Ryan Bertin (wrestling, 2000-04), Tiffany Ofili Porter (track & field, 2006-09), Justin Toman (gymnastics, 1998-2000, 2002), Peter Vanderkaay (swimming & diving, 2002- 03, 2005-06) and Ron Warhurst (cross country and track & field head coach, 1974-2009 and 2000-08, respectively) — were officially inducted into the University of Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor in a ceremony on Nov. 3. The next evening, they were recognized on the field at Michigan Stadium during the U-M football game against Purdue. Criteria for consideration include being an NCAA champion or member of a national championship team, an All-American, Olympic medalist, Olympic team member, professional league champion or world championship team medalist/member, NCAA or conference player of the year, conference cham- pion, record holder or all-conference award winner. The U-M Athletics Hall of Honor was established in 1978 to give recognition to former stars who made a significant impact as athletes, coaches or admin- istrators to the pedigree of the athletics department and have "enhanced the image and reputation of the University of Michigan." — Anthony Broome 'MICHIGAN –VS– EVERYBODY' COLLECTION RETURNS TO THE M DEN Amid off-field noise and entering the most critical stretch of the 2023 season, Valiant Management partnered with "Detroit vs. Everybody" to re- release the "Michigan –Vs– Everybody" collection at The M Den. The agreement between the two sides includes a portion of proceeds donated to the Champions Circle NIL collective. Champions Circle is run by Valiant Management Group, the firm that has helped put together more than $4 million in deals for Michigan athletes. Football players sported the shirts on social media photos on the way to Happy Valley for the Nov. 11 game at Penn State and also took the field in them during warmups prior to the contest. "This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships and the support that the Michigan community provides to its student-athletes," said Jared Wangler, CEO of Valiant Management Group. "We're excited to offer fans a chance to both connect with Michigan and Detroit and give to the Champions Circle in support of Michigan student-athletes' success." The "Michigan –Vs– Everybody" merchandise line was released on Nov. 9, and within 48 hours more than 10,000 products had been sold, raising $50,000 in NIL funds for U-M student athletes. The collection is available at MDen.com. — Anthony Broome U-M BASEBALL SCHEDULE INCLUDES PAIR OF GAMES AT MLB BALLPARKS The Michigan baseball schedule was made official in early November. The season is set to open on Feb. 16 with a four-game series against the Western Michigan Broncos in Phoenix. But the most notable schedule development comes in the form of a pair of trips to Major League Baseball ballparks as a showcase for the program on some of the biggest stages in the sport. Michigan heads to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, home of the World Series champion Texas Rangers, for a three-game showcase against Oklahoma State (Feb. 23), Oregon State (Feb. 24) and Arkansas (Feb. 25). From there, U-M heads to Los Angeles for games against USC (Feb. 27) and Loyola Marymount (Feb. 28) before the Dodgertown Classic kicks off on March 1 against UCLA. The slate wraps up with games against UC Irvine (March 2) and San Diego (March 3), the latter of which is set for Dodger Stadium. Michigan plays its home opener on March 6 against Oakland before heading to Conway, S.C., for the Coastal Carolina Tournament (March 8-10). Toledo (March 12) and San Diego (March 15-17) close out the nonconference home schedule before a matchup at Eastern Michigan on March 19. Big Ten play gets going on March 22-24 with a series at Penn State. — Anthony Broome MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK Michigan's 2023 Hall of Honor inductees were recognized on the field during the Nov. 4 U-M vs. Purdue football game (shown from left to right): Justin Toman (gymnastics), Ryan Bertin (wrestling), April Fronzoni Bertin (field hockey), Tiffany Ofili Porter (track & field), Peter Vanderkaay (swim- ming & diving) and Ron Warhurst (cross country and track & field head coach). PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETICS