The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK April 10, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said that, at least during her term, the four banners that used to hang from the rafters at Crisler Center recognizing Final Four appearances in 1992 and 1993, an NIT championship in 1997 and a Big Ten Tournament championship in 1998 will never again be raised. "What happened was not good, and I don't STAYING IN STORAGE • In a fireside chat with Michigan students think they'll ever go back up. I don't," Cole- man was quoted in The Michigan Daily. "Some day, I won't be president anymore, and maybe someone else will have a different view. But I think you have to reflect on the larger mean- ing and that we want to hold ourselves to a higher standard. age at the Bentley Historical Library, on Nov. 7, 2002, as part of Michigan's self-imposed sanc- tions related to the Ed Martin scandal. In the nine seasons since that fateful day, The banners were removed, and put in stor- " Crisler Center is receiving a dramatic makeover to increase its overall square foot- age by 63,000 feet. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Construction Ongoing At Crisler, Yost Ice Arena two of Michigan's most revered sites — Crisler Center and Yost Ice Arena. At a cost of $16 million, Yost is receiving more than just a facelift. Michigan has retired the jerseys of Rudy Tom- janovich (2003), Phil Hubbard (2004), Glen Rice (2005) and Bill Buntin (2006), adding four banners to the rafters to join the retired jersey of Cazzie Russell (1993) and the 1989 national championship banner. title in the 141-pound weight class, fifth-year senior Kellen Russell will head to Iowa City April 21-22 for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Russell, who received one of the final two free- style wild card invitations, will compete in the 60 kilogram/132-pound division. Though Russell plans to stay in Ann Arbor to OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITY • Fresh off his second consecutive national Unseasonably warm weather has aided construction projects at The old barn is replacing bleacher seats throughout the venue, will meet ADA accessible seating requirements, add new luxury boxes (in place of the current press box on the west side) and create a press box. The general public is no longer allowed inside Yost until the project is finished for the start of the 2013 season — however, from outside, the large window panes that have long blocked out the sun are be- ing replaced by new-age panes that allow for sunlight to permeate through the arena, signaling a return to the original construction. Less than a mile away, steel protrudes out of the ground at Crisler train after gradation, with an eye on a more realistic 2016 Summer Olympics goal, he is one of four Wolverines competing for a spot on this year's team. Josh Churella (2005-08) and Tyrel Todd (2006-09) are vying for spots in the 66 kilogram/145.5-pound and 84 kilogram/185- pound freestyle divisions, respectively, while Joe Warren (1996-2000) is competing in the 60 kilogram/132-pound Greco-Roman division. MARYLAND BOUND • Former Michigan basketball player Evan Smotrycz will transfer to Maryland, choosing the Terrapins over opportunities from Colo- rado and Providence. The 6-9 forward started 42 games in two seasons with the Wolverines but didn't feel he was a good fit in Ann Arbor, telling coach John Beilein after the season of his desire to leave. In 2012, Smotrycz averaged 7.7 points per game and 4.9 rebounds. Center as the arena receives a dramatic makeover to increase square footage by 63,000 feet. The $52 million project represents the final phase of a three-pronged renovation that began with the Player De- velopment Center, then phase one of an update inside Crisler (the floor, the lighting and the seats), and now concludes with expanded concourses, new entrances, restrooms, concessions and escalators/ elevators to better accommodate people with disabilities. The work going on at Yost Ice Arena includes replacing bleacher seats and adding new luxury boxes. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL MAY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 13