The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/347495
BY MICHAEL SPATH T he most impressive aspect of Erin Finn's freshman year, according to her coach Mike McGuire, did not take place on the cross country course or even the track, but in the classroom. The West Bloomfield, Mich., native earned U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award honors enrolled as a first-year student in the School of Engineering. "It's difficult to achieve the type of success she did, and even more dif- ficult at a place like Michigan with the academic demands of one of the strongest programs our university has," McGuire said. "Even in the spring term, when a lot of kids loaf through with elec- tive classes, she was taking a genetics course while preparing to compete at the Big Ten and NCAA Outdoor Championships." For her academic prowess alone, Finn would merit applause, but in the competitive environment, there was no equal among the U-M freshman class in 2013-14. Finn captured four Big Ten titles — one in cross country and three in track — was a three-time All-American, was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in three differ- ent seasons and was the conference's Athlete of the Year in two campaigns. "We've had some great ones, but I don't know if we've had anyone like her," said McGuire, who has coached 127 first- and second-team All-Amer- icans in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. Finn could have been in the discus- sion for the top female athlete regard- less of class, a designation that went to softball standout Sierra Romero, but the consolation prize is a most de- serving one — Finn is The Wolverine's 2013-14 Female Rookie of the Year. Finn was a two-time Michigan High School Athletic Association state champion in cross country (2011-12) who placed runner-up at the 2013 USATF Junior Cross Coun- FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ERIN FINN OUT IN FRONT Runner Erin Finn Captured Four Big Ten Titles In A Stellar Debut Campaign