The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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go to bed.'" He eventually assented, and part- way through the interview, Long let him know that he was chatting with the big boys from Bristol. IN THE BIG HOUSE When he hit Ann Arbor following a delay from the original plan, ev- erything ramped up. He had a locker at the stadium with his name on it, filled with Michigan gear. He led the team down the tunnel, their shouts echoing in his ears. And he sounded very much like a freshman concerned about making the banner leap. "You want to talk about tunnel vi- sion," Loszewski said. "I was just really focused on not letting my legs trip up underneath me when I tapped the banner. But once I hit the banner, got to the ground and real- ized I hadn't fallen, I took a second to look around me. I've got to say, it was pretty breathtaking, to go from years of watching it on TV — from my house or a hospital room — to getting to stand on the field." He'd already gotten the nod from Hoke, sealing the deal. "It was overwhelming," Loszewski said. "Just being able to talk to him was amazing, but to be able to hear him say on behalf of the University of Michigan, they were interested in recruiting me onto their football team was probably the greatest thing I've ever heard." The former defensive end didn't let the moment overwhelm him, once he hit the banner and became sur- rounded by Wolverines. He cut loose a primal scream, and demanded of them: ARE YOU READY TO BATTLE WITH ME! They roared their approval, and he shot back more challenges. They roiled together, just like on game day, back- and-forth in an emotional release. Loszewski led the team in "The Victors," after some pointed and prodding guidance by Gardner. Then came Desmond Howard onto the field, strolling up from behind the guest of honor. Howard flew in especially for this day, and he engaged in an extended conversation with Loszewski. They shared their mutual dislike of all things scarlet and gray, reminisced about end zone catches and punt re- turns that proved to be Buckeye bust- ers, and just reveled in the moments together, while Loszewski's family — Greg and Kristi, along with Stephen's younger brothers Devin and Logan — looked on. The players hugged Michigan's newest recruit, one by one, as they departed up the tunnel. And when Loszewski arrived at a press confer- ence in Crisler Center and faced four hats on the table — Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan Stephen Loszewski's mother, Kristi "The whole thing has been mind-blowing. I think we're all going to go home and say, 'Did that really just happen to us?'"