The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS MICHIGAN PLANS TO TRACK STUDENTS AT STADIUM enthused student section inspiring the Wolverines on any given football Saturday. Too often in recent years — espe- cially last season — that didn't happen soon enough. A growing outcry arose over students arriving late to foot- Michigan's athletic department loves to see a packed, sues over arrival and attendance definitely have the atten- tion of those in the athletic department. "What we don't want to see happen is that students buy the ball games, or not at all. From Michigan football players to director of athletics David Brandon, those on the field noticed. Brandon admitted the issue isn't one he's taking lightly. "It's a huge problem," Brandon insisted. "It's a problem for our team. When our guys run out of the tunnel, look over and see the student section a third full, they don't like it. We don't like it, and neither do our fans. "There are a lot of fans fighting to get into the stadium. tickets and if the game starts at noon, that's too early to get up and be there, so they're only going to go to the later games. "That doesn't help create the atmosphere and energy we " Brandon noted. "Or, they buy the They're angry because they can't buy a ticket, and then we've got all those empty seats. We know it's a problem, and we're doing all we can do." Brandon assured he's not looking to limit those students who genuinely desire season tickets. The guiding principle, though, centers on selling to those students who want to attend the games on a regular basis. U-M sold nearly 22,000 student tickets last season, and didn't restrict the amount issued. At the same time, the is- but he did acknowledge Michigan will be keeping track of who shows, and when, at the stadium. "This is one of those opportunities where we can use tech- Brandon didn't get specific about the early arrival incentives, " said. "That information database we build will be very helpful as we try to wrestle this problem to the ground in the years ahead. — John Borton nology to know better when our students arrive, and whether they're in their seats and showing up for the games, " Brandon " athletes, alumni and coaches com- bined to win 138 Olympic medals, including 65 gold, according to the Bentley Historical Library. This sum- mer, 19 athletes with U-M connections and six coaches will try to add to those totals when they head to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics July 27- Aug. 12. "It's like a dream when you see the USA uniform you'll be wearing and get fitted for clothes for the opening cer- emony, will compete in the 800-meter run. "It's a whirlwind experience, a blessing, and such a great moment. "You train your entire life for the op- " said Geena Gall (2006-09), who portunity, and I knew this day would come, and it feels so great to say, 'I'm going to the Olympics!'" Michael Phelps, who was a volunteer Jeff Porter, who ran for U-M from 2004-07, will be competing for the U.S. in the London Summer Olympics, while his wife, Tiffany and one bronze — Peter Vanderkaay (2003-06) will also represent the U.S. team in the pool, qualifying in the 400-meter freestyle. This will be his third assistant coach with the men's swim- ming team from 2005-08, headlines the contingent headed to Great Brit- ain, after winning 16 medals, including an astounding 14 gold medals, in two previous trips to the Games. He is set to compete in seven events after partici- pating at the U.S. Trials June 25-July 2. Three-time medalist — two gold 16 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2012 Michigan Sending 19 Olympic Athletes To The London Games From 1900-2010, Michigan student- ate publicity over the next few weeks, Jeff Porter (2004-07) and his wife, Tif- fany (Ofili) (2006-09), will be competing in the Games, though for two different countries — Jeff for the U.S. and Tiffany for the UK. Jeff won an indoor national title in the 60-meter hurdles with the Wolver- ines in 2007 while Tiffany became the most decorated athlete in Michigan women's track and field history, cap- turing five combined national titles in the 60- (two) and 100-meter hurdles (three) during her athletic career. "I don't know that something like this has ever occurred, and probably not two athletes that run the same event, Ofili, will run for the host country. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS Olympics, and with that experience he could mentor first-time Olympian Tyler Clary, who swam at U-M from 2008-10 and will race in the 200-meter butterfly. Michigan's track contingent numbers Jeff said. "You couldn't even dream up a movie script like this. "As competitive as our house is, there " six, with former teammates Nick Willis (2003-05) and Nate Brannen (2002-05) returning to their third and second Olympics for their respective countries of New Zealand and Canada. Both will compete in the 1,500-meter run, as Willis looks to improve upon his silver medal finish at the 2008 Beijing Games. In an interesting twist sure to gener- will be some bragging rights at the end of the Olympics. Hopefully I come out with the best finish because I don't want have to do the dishes every time they need to be washed. I could just see me saying, 'But I won a silver medal' and Tiffany responding, 'I won a gold. Do the dishes. ent) and basketball player Krista Phil- lips (2007-10) may have had the most nerve-wracking qualifiers. Mikulak was the top all-around performer for the U.S. team on day one of the Olympic Trials, but a bum ankle sidelined him Gymnast Sam Mikulak (2011-pres- '" tickets for the purpose of reselling them, or buy the tickets when they don't really want to go to the games, or when they only want to go to a couple of the games, and the rest of the time they're disinterested, need. We're going to try to be a positive, motivating force for them. We're putting together some ideas that will create an incentive for them to come early and be there for the start of the game.