The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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J ohn Beilein's gentlemanly exterior often belies the fire he brings to the Michigan men's basketball pro- gram, and occasionally to the ears of his team and game officials. He's not one for sideline tantrums, and his in- tegrity in terms of running a program remains unquestioned. So it didn't surprise anyone when Beilein garnered the NCAA's Bob Frederick Sportsmanship Award for the 2013-14 season. Beilein directed Michigan to a runaway Big Ten cham- pionship, and a run to the NCAA's Elite Eight, just a year removed from making the NCAA championship game in the spring of 2013. The award, presented annually since 2009 to a coach or adminis- trator, goes to an individual "who exhibits a lifelong commitment to sportsmanship and ethical conduct, leading by example and promoting positive fan involvement in and out of competition," according to the NCAA. "I am certain there were many other coaches who deserved this award," Beilein said. "However, I am truly honored to have been chosen for the Bob Frederick Sportsmanship Award. I want to thank Fred Smith and the NCAA Committee on Sports- manship and Ethical Conduct for se- lecting me. I will continue to do all I can to live up to the high standards of sportsmanship and integrity that Bob Frederick represented so well during his time in college athletics." Michigan athletics director David Brandon hailed the selection, having seen Beilein take the Wolverines from a basketball malaise to the heights nationally in the sport, all while dem- onstrating a high level of integrity. "John is a wonderful choice for the NCAA's Bob Frederick Sportsman- ship Award," Brandon said. "He rep- resents the University of Michigan and the college coaching fraternity with great honor, and meets all of the established qualifications for this prestigious award. "John is a leader who has great re- spect for the game of basketball and takes great pride in doing things by the rules and keeping his student- athletes' welfare first and foremost. He sets high ethical standards for those associated with his program Inside Michigan ATHLETICS John Beilein Garners Sportsmanship Award