The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/614487
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK ROB LYTLE MAKES COLLEGE HALL OF FAME Bo Schembechler called Rob Lytle the "toughest player I ever coached." No higher praise could be bestowed on any Wolverine that Schembechler guided from 1969-89. There's another plaudit that came Lytle's way on Dec. 8. The former Michigan running back earned a posthumous induction into the College Football Hall of Fame at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The former All-American died of a heart attack in 2010, at the all-too-young age of 56. In the mid-1970s, he embodied the selflessness and rugged ability Schemechler sought in all of his players. Lytle rushed for 3,317 yards in his career, a modern Michigan record at the time. He gar- nered 1,469 yards in one season, another Michi- gan mark that lasted for 11 years, prior to Jamie Morris ringing up 1,703 on the ground in 1987. Lytle did something else that forever endeared him to Schembechler. He will- ingly made the move to fullback at one point during his career, giving up even greater numbers to pave the way for U-M tailbacks. Lytle later performed for the NFL's Denver Broncos, becoming the first player ever to score a touchdown in both the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl. MARCIA PANKRATZ EARNS COACHING HONOR Michigan field hockey coach Marcia Pankratz took the Wolverines to an 18-5 record and the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals this season, and got noticed. She's the 2015 4U Field Hockey/NFHCA Division I West Region Coach of the Year. Michigan enjoyed its greatest field hockey success in the last 13 years. The Wolverines wound up second in the Big Ten regular season, as well as in the conference tournament. U-M posted 10 shutouts along the way, while going a perfect 3-0 in overtime contests. The Wolverines earned their way to the NCAA Tournament for the 10th time in Pankratz's coaching tenure and the 12th time overall. The mentor has garnered the West Region Coach of the Year honors on four different occasions, the last coming in 2003. She's earned five Big Ten Coach of the Year laurels as well. LYTLE