The Wolverine

April 2012

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS seniors on its present roster during Feb. 25 ceremonies at Crisler Arena — Zack Novak, Stu Douglass and Corey Person. But it certainly didn't ignore the fourth member of the class that came to Ann Arbor in the fall of 2008. Ben Cronin, of course, has always been tough to ignore. The seven-footer came to Michigan out of Syracuse, N.Y., as easily the most imposing physical pres- ence in his class. But his college career ended almost before it began. Cronin came to U-M having suffered a WOLVERINES DON'T FORGET BEN CRONIN ON SENIOR NIGHT Michigan put the spotlight on three basketball efforts. But he didn't sink into self-pity. The education student got a jump on teaching efforts, accepting an invitation by John Beilein to become a student coach for the Wolverines. He admits he'd love to play one more game. That's not possible, and as Michi- gan's drive toward a Big Ten champion- ship wore on, he simply asked his class- mates to get the job done on his behalf. "As we wrap up here and get towards hip injury in high school. He eventually underwent surgery at Michigan, but the hip still didn't feel right. It continued to deteriorate, ultimately cutting short Cronin's basketball career. "I remember the day, vividly, when Coach told us," Novak recalled. "He kind the end, you can kind of tell it's always kind of ate at him," Novak said. "He'll send us a text: 'Get this one for me, boys. I wish I could be out there with you. Cronin, a seven-footer in the class of 2008 who had his playing career at Michigan cut short by injury, became a student coach for the Wolverines. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN of called us over before practice. It was sad. Coach looked like he was about to cry. Ben is standing there next to him, and Coach says: 'Ben can't play any- more. His career is over. It was like, what the hell is going on? There is no way this could actually be "At first, we were just kind of shocked. ' happening. It was just, at that time, what he needed to do. It wasn't worth not being able to walk when he's older. Especially someone that big — you can't mess with anything like that. Cronin noted he experienced a mix- " ture of frustration and anger at what seemed to be the early ending of his wish you were, too.' kid. I know this part of his life didn't work out exactly how he wanted it to, but I'm sure the next chapter is going to work out just fine. ' I look up at him and say, 'Yeah, I "It is unfortunate, but he's such a good outstanding teacher and basketball coach down the line. The seven-foot senior will be taking memories of a Big Ten championship with him, even though he couldn't experience it on the court. Beilein expects Cronin to serve as an " APRIL 2012 THE WOLVERINE 15

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