The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/544673
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? eryone by first name, we know where you work, if you're married, how many kids you have … I always felt like I accomplished more when I was sur- rounded by people that I cared about and that cared about me." Aided by former teammates that have attended classes and helped promote the business, including Denard Robinson, Jordan Kovacs and Mike Martin, Van Bergen is confident his post-football venture will be a success. He has already discussed franchising with entrepreneurs, but he's not caught up in financial wealth. "I'm not a guy with extravagant tastes," he said. "As long as I have food, clothes to wear and a place to sleep, I will keep coaching these athletes to the best of my ability. Their success is my success. "I do think we could grow this business and com- pete with Crossfit gyms, but for me the exciting part about expanding is the opportunity to impact as many lives as possible." ❏ Michigan Accomplishments: Redshirted as a freshman and then started 38 games along the defensive line from 2008-11 … Honorable mention All-Big Ten by the coaches and the media in 2011 … Also had 10 pass breakups and four fumble recoveries — his 10 PBU are the most ever recorded by a Michigan defensive lineman … Helped lead U-M to an 11-2 record in 2011. Michigan Memory: "As I've run into people and they've asked me what team I was a part of, I don't tell them that I went 1-4 against Ohio State or didn't win a Big Ten title. I tell them, 'I was on the last team that beat Ohio State.' "I don't even mention that we won the Sugar Bowl or won 11 games in 2011. I have a lot of pride in those things, but considering the drought of the past decade, to have beaten Ohio State — that's what everyone loves to hear." Professional Accomplishments: Signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2012 … Appeared in four preseason games, recording three tackles and a pass breakup before being waived … Lived in Chicago for two years, working for ATF (Accurate Threaded Fasteners) … Returned to Ann Arbor and opened Blue Lion Fitness in March 2015. Education: Graduated with a degree in Sociology in Dec. 2011. Family: Van Bergen is in a relationship with Stephany McLaughlin. The Ryan Van Bergen File Van Bergen helped lead U-M to an 11-2 record in 2011, but takes the most pride in beating Ohio State that year, 40-34. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN