The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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12 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2024 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS CAROL HUTCHINS RECEIVES U-M PRESIDENT'S MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE Former softball head coach Carol Hutchins was named one of the four in- augural recipients of the U-M President's Medal of Excellence, the university announced on June 12. The award, presented by President Santa Ono, honors individuals for their contributions to the university, either as faculty, staff, alumni or other supporters of the university with either academic or non-academic achieve- ments. Hutchins was honored along with Earl Lewis, Stephen M. Ross and Debbie Stabenow at a private luncheon on June 11 at the president's residence. Under Hutchins, Michigan softball went to the College World Series 12 times and won a national title in 2005. Her teams also captured 22 Big Ten regular-season titles and 10 Big Ten Tournament crowns, and made 29 NCAA tournaments before her retirement in 2022. Hutchins was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and earned 18 Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year honors, eight NFCA Regional Coach of the Year awards and a pair of NFCA National Coach of the Year honors. MICHIGAN GETS $7 MILLION DONATION FOR FOOTBALL LOCKER ROOMS U-M Athletics announced on July 10 it received a $7 million gift from the Monroe-Brown Foundation in support of football facilities, including renova- tions of the players' locker room in Schembechler Hall. The gift will also sup- port maintenance and long-term infrastructure needs. As a result, the space will be known as the Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown Sr. Locker Room. "We are so grateful for the Monroe-Brown Foundation's incredible generos- ity," athletics director Warde Manuel said. "We share a firm belief in education and supporting the efforts of young adults to help them succeed in whatever career path they choose. The foundation's support, and our proud partnership with a legendary Michigan football family, make it possible for Michigan Ath- letics to continue supporting our student-athletes in all facets of their college experience." Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown were the first father-son duo to be named football team captains in program history. "Donating to a new football locker room is more than just supporting a building — it's about preserving a tradition shared by past teams, including my father's team [1923-25], my team [1959-62], as well as strengthening our future Michigan family, fostering team spirit, and enhancing our competitive edge," Robert M. Brown said. "Together, we can create a space where athletes bond, grow and prepare to uphold the University of Michigan's legacy of excellence on and off the field." The Monroe-Brown Foundation was founded in 1986 to honor Albertine Monroe Brown and Robert J. Brown and "is committed to education and the belief that motivated students should be encouraged and assisted to reach their maximum potential." BIG HOUSE NAMED ONE OF TOP COLLEGE FOOTBALL VENUES The Big House is one of the best overall venues in the sport, with ESPN ranking the iconic facility at No. 3 among college football stadiums. The only venues ahead of Michigan Stadium are LSU's Tiger Stadium and UCLA's Rose Bowl, where the Wolverines played a little over six months ago on their run to the College Football Playoff national championship. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg made the case for Michigan at No. 3 in his writeup of the venue. "Size matters with stadiums, and Michigan remains the largest by capac- ity at 107,601, edging fellow Big Ten venues Beaver Stadium (Penn State) and Ohio Stadium (Ohio State)," Rittenberg said. "In 2013, Michigan drew 115,109 for its game against Notre Dame, the largest crowd ever to attend a football game on campus. The listed capacity has ended in '01 since 1956 with the 'extra seat' belonging to former Michigan coach and athletic direc- tor Fritz Crisler. "The stadium went through a $227 million renovation in 2010 that brought club suites and private suites and significantly increased the noise level around the large bowl. Games at 'the Big House' — a phrase coined by for- mer commentator Keith Jackson — begin dramatically with the Wolverines touching a 'Go Blue' banner as they enter the field." Seven other Big Ten venues made ESPN's top 25 — Penn State's Beaver Sta- dium (No. 5), Washington's Husky Stadium (No. 6), Ohio State's Ohio Stadium (No. 7), Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium (No. 8), Oregon's Autzen Stadium (No. 14), Nebraska's Memorial Stadium (No. 16) and USC's Los Angeles Me- morial Coliseum (No. 22). Michigan plays at Washington (Oct. 5) and Ohio State (Nov. 30) this season. — Anthony Broome MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK Former softball coach Carol Hutchins was one of four inaugural recipi- ents of the University of Michigan President's Medal of Excellence presented by President Santa Ono on June 11. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY