The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK HATCH EARNS MOST COURAGEOUS AWARD Michigan freshman Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed his entire family, save him. He also overcame his own traumatic brain injury as a result of the second crash, learning to walk again and eventually fulfilling his dream of becoming a member of John Beilein's basketball team. For those reasons and more, Hatch has received national attention, the lat- est from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. It bestowed its annual Most Courageous Award on Hatch during April 6 ceremonies at the Final Four in Indianapolis. Hatch spent two months in a coma following the second crash, with the doc- tors uncertain as to whether he'd live, or how he might function if he did. He eventually recovered his ability to move and think through processes, winding up at U-M and part of Beilein's squad. Beilein noted during the ceremony to honor Hatch: "I'm thinking that guy is going to be the president of the United States in about 20 years. Knowing his family and knowing the great DNA he comes from on both sides of his family, I am certain nothing is going to stop him going forward. Once you meet this young man, you're going to love him forever. You will admire him forever and don't ever think he can't surpass any goal that is out there." Hatch himself sounded the hopefulness by which he lives during his accep- tance speech. "Throughout my road to recovery I never woke up in the morning and thought to myself: 'You know what? I think I'm going to be courageous today. Why not?'" he said. "I haven't worked hard to recover from my injuries so that I would be recognized or inspire college basketball fans across the country." But he has, and many have noticed. ALBRECHT UNDERGOES HIP SURGERY Michigan junior guard Spike Albrecht delivered plenty for John Beilein's bas- ketball team this season, including averages of 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. He often wasn't comfortable doing so, and that had nothing to do with his natural on-court savvy. Albrecht struggled with pain in his hips, to the extent that he had his right hip surgically repaired in early April at U-M Hospital. Albrecht could have surgery performed on the other hip later this offseason. Recovering from the surgery takes four to five months. U-M head coach John Beilein expressed his admiration for what Albrecht has been through, playing in substantial discomfort at times to help Michigan through the season.