The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/230001
has gone about his business every day and the things he has overcome." Washington: "I would like to thank the Gunderson family. When I came here, I was all alone, no family or anything. She really took me in. Me, Michael Schofield and Gundy would go over for Sunday dinners, and she took care of me, just to make me feel more comfortable. "I'd like to thank Coach Hoke and Coach Mattison for creating the man that I am today. It has not been an easy road, but it was a growing experience and I am blessed to have them in my life." "Last but not least, I'd like to thank David Daly. He's my speech pathologist. Coming here, it was hard for me to even pick up a phone. I couldn't order anything from a restaurant, or anything. Working with him since my freshman year, he gave me a voice. I want to thank you for giving me a voice. Thank you, and Go Blue." Defensive back Courtney Avery Hoke on Avery: "There is one interception he will never forget. I will never forget it. He is a guy that has only been there, a guy you can always count on." Avery: "Before the season, I sat down with a businessman to talk about the future. He was telling me about his company values and beliefs, and I was sitting there, thinking, 'Does he have a fly in the wall in Schembechler Hall?' His values came back to the values we have as a team: being accountable, respectful, trustworthy, hard working. That is a testament to this program and the University of Michigan, how we're being set up for life. That is a great thing. "I also want to thank my coaches for allowing me to be an instrumental part of this program. Coach Hoke, Coach Mattison, Coach Mallory taught me so much about the game of football. And my teammates, my brothers, we have a really special bond. We pulled each other through the tough times and celebrated the great times. Being voted as a captain by you guys is something that means so much to me. Words can't describe it." Outside linebacker Cam Gordon Hoke on Gordon: "He had a great year as a senior playing Sam linebacker. He's a testament to hard work, perseverance. He was voted by his teammates as captain because of his leadership, and I know he is going to lead this team to that eighth victory in Tempe." Gordon: "I want to thank Coach Rod and his staff for bringing me here, and Coach Hoke and Coach Mattison and all the coaches for the toughness they instilled in me and helping me grow as a man. Coach [Roy] Manning, him coming in this year has been great." "My time here hasn't really been all peaches and cream. I have had seven different position coaches, four different positions, people telling me I wasn't good enough to play here. For all the bad, I still managed