The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/279958
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS The Wolverine: If you win it, it would be the second team national title in a row and the third in five years. How have you seen this program grow? Mikulak: "It is just being part of the team, it's that brotherhood we all have for each other, that we are striving for the same goal and sacrificing so much in order to reach these accomplishments. We are creating a dynasty that is reshaping Michigan gymnastics. "So many people are looking up to Michigan and saying, 'This is where I want to go. They have had so much success, and they have had all these great gymnasts.' It changed the way other people are looking at Michigan gymnastics." The Wolverine: You are one of the favorites for the Nissen-Emery Award. What would it mean for you to win gymnastics' Heisman Trophy? Mikulak: "My dad, Stephen, was nominated for the Nissen-Emery when he com- peted at Cal. That is the epitome of being an NCAA gymnast. Just to be selected as a finalist is such a high honor. I am really excited to see how it unfolds." — Andy Reid TheWolverine.com's Facebook Feed With the Wolverines vaulting up the rankings in February and March with solid play during a Big Ten championship run, we asked fans of our Facebook page what their NCAA expectations were? Aaron Hart: "Anything from here on out is just icing on the cake!" Tom Armetta: "Elite Eight or Final Four. But if they play like they did during the Big Ten, they can win it all." Jonny Caldwell: "None other than a run to the championship game! We are play- ing our best ball right now and if you look at the teams that will make the NCAA Tournament, we can beat any of them." Jeremy Marenger: "Just like last year they weren't expected to go far, yet we made it all the way to the dance. This team is hungry — wouldn't you be after miss- ing it by a hair last year. Play to your full potential and we'll be in good shape. Win or lose Go Blue all day and every day!" Mike Richardson: "I'll take Sweet 16, but expect Elite 8, be thrilled with Final Four and ecstatic with championship game but gaga with a national championship." Dave Griffith: "Really depends on who we get paired with. But I'd say Elite Eight or bust." Aaron Piening: "Scared we will go cold and get upset." Jaye Turner: "Sweet 16, but whatever they do I will be good with it because our team has fought hard to get an identity back!"