The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/230001
time with Clint Copenhaver. "Never once was there division. Never once was there any thought that they wouldn't do what was best for the team because they weren't playing for fame or notoriety or stats. They were playing for the guy next to him. That's what was special about the team in 1997." Griese's words seemed to resonate. The players heard them and now they must heed them, resolving to be something more than individuals. To put two disappointing seasons in the past, and forge forward to become the championship program that is the Michigan standard. "This football season didn't go scripted the way everyone in here would have liked, but it's a fitting night to have the '97 team here, to hear Brian Griese talk about the four years before, and what can be accomplished," head coach Brady Hoke said. "These seniors moved the program, and we've learned lessons as coaches, and players." Speaking at his final Bust, retiring after this season, equipment manager Jon Falk told a story about Griese, the leader that entered the locker room of a 21-7 halftime deficit to Iowa and made a promise to his team to play the best half of football of his life. He did, and the Maize and Blue rallied for a 28-24 victory to keep their per- Michigan Award Winners Bo Schembechler MVP — Jeremy Gallon: The first receiver since Jason Avant in 2005 to be voted the team's MVP, Gallon was an All-Big Ten second-team selection this season after making 80 grabs for 1,284 yards and nine touchdowns. "The team voted on this award and they got it right," head coach Brady Hoke said. "I think the guys were paying attention every day. He won this award because of what he does. "[They say] he's too little to play, too short, but he's as good as any big receiver that I've ever been around. "He just doesn't show up on Saturdays. He works at his craft. He works at being the best he can be. "He takes great pride in putting a defensive back on the ground with his blocking. That pride is something the young guys on this team hopefully recognize." The soft-spoken 5-8, 184-pound Apopka, Fla., native needs just 47 yards to break the Michigan single-season receiving record. He was overwhelmed when awarded the MVP plaque. "Everything I do, I do for my team," he said. "I go out there every day, and then every Saturday I put everything on the line for you all. I never wanted any recognition because it's not about me. It's about the team. That's it." Dr. Arthur D. Robinson Scholarship Award — Joe Reynolds: Bestowed upon the top student-athlete on the team, the award dates back to 1966. Reynolds carries a 3.7 GPA and will graduate this December with a degree in Spanish. In 10 games this season at wide receiver, Reynolds had four receptions for 69