Michigan Sports Hall of Fame 2022 Induction Night

Just wanted to update you guys on last week, and while you were trying to stay dry at the Michigan-Hawaii game, I was at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

I have to tell you it was the first game, home or away, I’ve missed since 1985, but you have to cut the cord sometime, and last Saturday was the night. But, making up for it, was this really cool ceremony at the HOF. Robbie and I had a great time, seeing old friends, and watching good people get inducted.

John Beilein, Chris Webber, both of Michigan Basketball, and my buddy Mickey Redmond were three of the inductee’s, and they are all so deserving. Mickey’s induction was long overdue, truth be known, he is one of my favorite sports broadcasters-period. Hockey, baseball, football, basketball, you name the game, Mickey bring hockey alive. He is a treasure. I think one of my favorite podcasts, “Conversations with…” with Mickey is one of my favorite episodes.

And what can you say about John Beilein. A great coach, a great person, a great mentor. He is everything you want as a coach. Class, integrity, a passion for the game, and the ability to motivate, and coach a young man to play their best basketball. These guys don’t comer along often..thanks Coach!

Chris Webber of course, despite al the controversy surrounding him and Michigan. was a major part of the resurgence of Michigan Basketball as one of the Fab Five. No matter what you think of his controversial time at Michigan you cannot deny his impact as a basketball player, not just at Michigan, but in the NBA as well.

Also, there was a reflective moment for all of us in the room. The Hall had a memorial presentation of Hall of Fame Members who had passed away this past year. One of those memorials was for my broadcast partner for so many years on Michigan Football, Frank Beckmann. Frank passed this past January, and I was very pleased to see that the Hall recognized him and Bob Lanier in their memorial.

One of the nicest parts of the evening for me, was getting the chance to catch up with some great Michigan legends who were in attendance. The hi light of the night was seeing Carol Hutchins, the now retired head softball coach at Michigan. She is simply — the best! She was, as a coach, — the best! What a joy to catch up her. She is The GOAT, the greatest of all time, and I told her so. We were so lucky to have her for so long as a Wolverine.

I also saw Michigan Hall of Honor member, Diane Dietz, on hand for the program. They were all there to salute the foundation builders of Title 9, the legislation that gave women the step to equal status in collegiate athletics. Diane was a fabulous Wolverine basketball player prior to Title 9 and she herself along with Carol are giants in women’s collegiate athletics. Diane now works at the Big Ten Conference offices continuing a stellar career off the basketball court.

A wonderful night, even if I did miss the Michigan Hawaii game. This event and the time spent with these Michigan greats took the sting away from missing the game.

Go Blue everyone…