Proceeds from the event, which reached $1.2 million last year, are used to fund life-saving research developments in Mott’s Michigan Congenital Heart Center and for highly-specialized training that the hospital would otherwise not be able to fund.

“We should be proud that many donors stepped up to the plate … so we can sustain programs that really put us on the national stage,” said Dr. Valerie Castle, chairwoman of the University of Michigan Health System’s Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases.

C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Dr. Valerie Castle and 17-year-old patient Max Merget speak during the Mott Takeover radio-a-thon on WTKA at the MDen Friday in Ann Arbor.

Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com

“If we can’t do this, advances will stop,” said Dr. John Charpie, division director of pediatric cardiology at the Congenital Heart Center and co-founder of the event.

A number of life-saving research efforts are under way at Mott — many of which are minimally invasive procedures intended to improve the life-long outcomes of children who need heart surgery.

However, they’re often so specialized that medical companies don’t find them to be a good business investment to manufacture the tiny valves and catheters needed for the procedures, Charpie said.

“It’s not always financially intelligent to make a device small enough for a baby,” Charpie said. “I think to some degree that’s changing … but there’s no incentive for any company to get into this business … so then it’s up to us to push these technologies forward.”

As the field of pediatric cardiology has progressed, advancing technology has been able to improve the survival rate of patients from 50 percent about 50 years ago to 95 percent today, Charpie said.

Now, doctors are focused on finding ways to improve the life-long outcomes for patients who had intense heart surgeries at a young age.

“As these patients grow up, it’s important that we focus on quality of life issues so that we improve outcomes for these children and young adults,” Charpie said. “We know there are long-term problems.”

Children with heart disease have a higher incidence of behavioral abnormalities that are often autistic-like, Charpie said.

Throughout the past five years, about $1 million from the charity event has been invested in advanced-level specialty training for fellows at Mott that are otherwise not supported by general funds, Charpie said.

“It’s absolutely incredible, from my perspective,” Charpie said. “The partnership with athletics is mutually beneficial. … I’ve seen the smiles on the faces of the children, and I’ve also seen what it’s meant to the athletes. It brings them a tremendous amount of personal reward.”

For the athletes that choose to be a part of the weekend-long fundraiser, the smiles on the children’s faces at the hospital are the overriding reason they dedicate time to helping raise money.

Former Wolverines football player and Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson laughs during the Mott Takeover radio-a-thon Friday on WTKA at the MDen in Ann Arbor.

Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com

The "Mott Takeover" radio-a-thon broadcast across the state on sports talk WTKA and featured former U-M football players reuniting to share stories and encouraging people to support Mott.

During the 11-hour radio event Friday, $91,000 in donations were pledged to the cause. The Saturday gala requires a $1,000 minimum buy-in for two tickets to the dinner at the Al Glick Field House, though sponsorship options are available up to $100,000.

Woodson said on-air during the radio event that having two children of his own has really put the good work Mott does in perspective for him.

“Everyone knows someone -- whether it’s a neighbor or a sister or a brother that has a child that is affected by something that is not allowing them to fulfill their early childhood dreams,” Woodson said. “That’s why all of us are here; that’s why we come back.”

This year, the proceeds from the event will be divided almost equally between the Congenital Heart Center and the Charles Woodson Research Fund.

Former Wolverines football player Steve Everitt speaks during the Mott Takeover radio-a-thon on WTKA at the MDen Friday in Ann Arbor.

Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com

The presence of the star athletes at the event inspire other people to donate, often attracting many new donors to give money, Castle said.

“This is our signature charity event that we’ve been doing for Mott,” Castle said. “It’s brought many donors in to the university that didn’t previously have a relationship with us, and expanded on relationships of other donors in the university to children’s health.”

In the early years of the event, all the proceeds went to funding the construction of the new Mott, which opened to patients in December 2011.

“Philanthropy was critical to getting that children’s hospital,” Castle said.

The fundraising was able to meet the philanthropy goal of $75 million for the capital project, which was in part due to a gift of $25 million from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and a donation of $15 million from Gwen (Von Voigtlander) Haggerty.

In the past six years, nearly $5 million has been raised during the event.

Jeff Del Verne, a former walk-on kicker to the U-M football team in 1999, said he realized how much of a difference the charity event made in the construction of the hospital after his son was admitted for a brain tumor last June.

“Being in a good facility really makes a difference,” Del Verne said.

After sitting next to his son’s hospital bed overnight, Del Verne said he texted a message to some of the former players he knew had been involved in raising money for the hospital: “Thank you so much for all of the hard work you put in to make this all possible so my son would have a chance to live.”

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.

Courtney Sacco is a photographer for AnnArbor.com.

The weekend's fund raising festivities kicked off with the "Mott Takeover" telethon at Sports Talk 1050 WTKA on Friday and will include many more events including a golf outing on Sunday.

Melanie Maxwell is a photographer for AnnArbor.com.

• Related: Michigan Board of Regents approve $16M field hockey, softball and baseball projects

University of Michigan's new student body president told the school's Board of Regents that he and other students are not happy about a new seating policy that will be introduced at home football games in the fall.

Instead of seat placement assigned by seniority, seating in the student section at Michigan football games will now be first-come, first-serve.

"The students are upset to say the least, they feel that the athletic department broke its long-held social contract with the students," said Michael Proppe, Central Student Government president for the 2013-14 academic year.

The Michigan Student section during a 2011 game.

Proppe asked for more collaboration between students and university leaders during a Thursday public Board of Regents meeting at U-M's Dearborn campus.

The athletic department changed the student seating policy to encourage students to show up earlier for games. Student turnout has been a challenge in recent years, with particularly low turnouts for kickoff at noon games.

U-M athletic director Dave Brandon approximated that at Michigan's home game against Northwestern on Nov. 10, 2012, 7,000 of the 22,000 student ticket holders didn't show up for the game at all and even more were late.

"It's just a downer for our team to charge out of the tunnel and see the student section half-empty," he said at an April 29 faculty senate committee meeting. "I'd like to believe that they're all studying but you and I have been up and down State Street enough to know that our students have a lot of choices."

Several Big Ten schools use a general admission practice for student seating, including Michigan State University and Penn State University.

Proppe said while he understands Brandon's reasoning, he thinks students should have been consulted on the change.

"I wish the first step had been going to students and saying 'how can we get you to show up on time?'" Proppe said. Brandon has been informally encouraging students to show up early since the 2011 season.

Proppe asked the board and university administrators to seek student opinion in future initiatives. He mentioned the upcoming presidential search to replace Mary Sue Coleman, who is retiring in July 2014, as an example.

"The university is going through some significant changes in the coming years," he said. "Central Student Government as the voice of the students would like to set a precedent of student input."

Along with changing the seating policy, the athletic department also increased student ticket prices from $32.50 to $40 per game.

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.

• Related: Images of Michigan softball and its youngest team member, 9-year-old Natalie Harper

“She’s coming! Hutch is coming!”

Nine-year-old Natalie Harper couldn’t contain her excitement after the Michigan softball team’s win over Northwestern on Friday. It’s a three-hour drive from her home in Warsaw, Ind., but Natalie wasn’t restless from the drive. She was restless from not having made it in so long.

Natalie and her parents traveled up to Ann Arbor for every home softball series during the spring, and once this year followed the team to a tournament in Louisville, Ky. It had been two weeks since Natalie had seen Michigan softball coach Carol “Hutch” Hutchins and the players - the longest stretch since before March - and she could barely stand to wait any longer.

“Where is she? Where’s Hutch?” Natalie asked an elderly usher after several assistants walked past, but with still no sign of her beloved Hutch.

“She’s coming,” the usher said with a smile, and before Natalie could ask again, Hutchins had emerged from the crowd.

Natalie leaped for a hug but in her excitement tripped and fell onto the ground outside of Alumni Field. No amount of concrete could temper Natalie’s excitement, though. Almost as soon as she fell, she was back on her feet and running to the locker room to see the players she’d missed for two weeks.

Nine-year-old Natalie Harper dances and sings with Katie Luetkens in the Michigan softball team's dugout on Saturday, May 4.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

What the boy failed to realize is that - while Natalie may never appear in a boxscore, or field a ground ball for Michigan - she’s a part of the team.

“Natalie’s just become part of our program,” Hutchins explained. “There’s always that occasional special person that we let inside, and she’s one of them, so she’s part of our team.”

The Wolverines first allowed Natalie behind the curtain back in 2010. Natalie and her parents made a trip up to Ann Arbor and arrived early so Natalie could get pictures of the players during warmups. Natalie caught the eye of then-seniors Nikki Nemitz (who is now with the team as a volunteer assistant) and Roya St. Clair.

“They gave her a softball and said ‘come after the game and we’ll help you get the players to sign it,’” recalls Courtney Harper, Natalie’s mother.

Nemitz and St. Clair did more than just get Natalie a few autographs. They introduced her to everyone on the team and the coaching staff. The Harpers began coming to more games, and the team gradually involved Natalie more and more from game-to-game, then season-to-season.

Four seasons later, and there isn’t a weekend during the softball season that Courtney and her husband Danny don’t bring their daughter to see her beloved Wolverines. Courtney is a stay-at-home mom and homeschools Natalie, while Danny saves up his vacation days for the spring. The Harpers drive in on Friday, stay at a hotel for the entire weekend and don’t miss a minute of the action if they can help it.

“We always tell people we don’t take our vacations weeks at a time, we take them several weekends at a time. It’s kind of how we do our family vacations,” Courtney said.

Danny and Courtney watch the games from the outfield bleachers while Natalie enjoys a better view from inside the dugout.

“Every year as the new freshmen come in, they get to know her and she gets to know them and they’ve just built a really good relationship with each other,” Courtney said. “She loves them, they love her, and she just loves coming and cheering them on.”

Natalie Harper, above, has game day duties just like any other member of the Michigan softball team, like shagging bats.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

It’s quite the commitment for a third-grader. Luckily, there’s a gap in her helmet’s mask that’s a perfect slot for pretzel sticks and juice box straws, which Natalie takes advantage of throughout the game, sure to keep her energy level up.

As if it were ever in question.

Courtney said it’s Natalie’s goal to one day beat the team in a race during the between-inning sprints. Natalie nearly accomplished her goal during Sunday’s game, but not exactly in the manner she had hoped. The players acted like they were starting their run, then all stopped as Natalie sprinted ahead. It only took her a few steps to realize the players were teasing, and that she was all alone. She sprinted back to her teammates, not embarrassed, but amused by the gaffe, as were all the players.

It was a rare occasion that Natalie was alone during the game.

“When I’m in the dugout and she’s in the dugout hanging with me, we just try and have a good time and act like she’s one of the players,” said junior utility player Katie Luetkens, who is connected at the hip with Natalie during the game, holding her hand and singing with her during the pregame highlight video and doing cheers during the game.

“It’s just our job to make her feel special because she’s a special part of our team and a special part of our day,” Luetkens said.

Natalie Harper walked with senior third baseman Amy Knapp and her family for senior day at Alumni Field on Sunday, May 5.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

“The relationship is great and she really does help this team,” said senior third baseman Amy Knapp, Natalie’s favorite player. Courtney said Natalie is like a “mini-Amy,” because of their similarly upbeat personalities.

“She tells me I’m her favorite player, and I tell her she’s my favorite 9-year old,” Knapp said with a huge smile on her face.

Those aren’t just words. Knapp and her parents had Amy’s favorite 9-year-old join them during senior day activities at Alumni Field on Sunday.

“We want her on the field and we want her excitement to carry over to us. She’s a part of the team and she needs to be there for everything,” Knapp said.

Natalie struggles to find the words to describe why she loves the team so much, though it’s not from shyness. It’s doubtful anyone has ever accused Natalie of being shy.

“I love all the players, they do nice things for me. In the locker room, the dugout, watching them practice batting and stuff, and in the huddle,” Natalie said, her smile and gut busting chuckle taking over from there.

The Michigan softball team is the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Softball Tournament in Nebraska Friday-Sunday at Nebraska.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Sixteen years ago, former Michigan softball player Jenny Allard - then in her third year as the head coach of the Harvard softball team - told her team she is gay in an email.

The email wasn’t on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and - in the days before Twitter or Facebook - it took some time before Allard’s in-house announcement was public knowledge. But she is widely recognized as one of the first openly gay coaches in NCAA Division I athletics.

When Allard learned of Collins’ announcement on Monday, she could relate in a unique way.

Jenny Allard

Photo courtesy of Harvard Athletic Communications

Allard said she’s been impressed with the public’s reaction to Collins’ announcement.

“It’s a great thing, and I think in some ways that for him is validating,” Allard said.

Announcements such as Collins’ are more commonplace in sports outside of the big three, and Allard will never be under the intense spotlight Collins already has in the short time since his announcement. But it’s still far from commonplace. Allard is still one of the only openly gay coaches in Division I.

Allard has been encouraged by the mostly positive public response Collins has experienced and said her experience was similar.

“I think people are generally happy for you when you come to accept a part of yourself," she said.

"For me it was a real step in my maturity, and I think people realized that as such. ... People got on board and were like, ‘good for you for being able to do that,’” Allard said.

A photo of former Michigan All-American Jenny Allard decorates the outside of the University of Michigan's softball stadium.

Pete Cunningham | AnnArbor.com

“I think he said it well, that he wanted to kind of start the conversation. It takes a lot of courage to do that, and kind of put yourself out there because it’s something that everybody’s going to talk about and to be a person that’s willing to do that, I think it speaks to his character.”

When Allard made her announcement, she was working and living on campus as an academic and residential adviser in addition to her duties with the softball team. She said she didn’t want to hide the fact that her then-partner was moving in to her on-campus apartment, so she explained her situation in an email.

“At that time, people knew, but they didn’t know, you know? I wanted to eliminate that drama. ‘Here’s my partner, we’re living on campus and that’s it. And it became a very normative thing,’” Allard said.

“I didn’t want to have people in my life living in the outfield and not let people on my team know... If I’m expecting them to be honest with me about things, then it was very important to me to just let them know who she was and what the situation was.

“The climate at Harvard was very supportive on campus.”

Allard said as her sexual orientation became more public and she became speaking on panels, she received mostly support, but said there were negative reactions, as well.

"You definitely had people who were totally supportive, happy for me, and you had people that were like, ‘ok it’s no big deal’ and you had people who passed some judgment," Allard said. "I think he’s going to have all of that as well."

Allard said her former teammates and coaches in Ann Arbor were nothing but supportive. It’s not surprising after hearing the reaction of Allard’s former coach - Michigan softball coach Carol “Hutch” Hutchins’ - to Collins’ announcement.

“I thought why is it such a big deal? Coaches, players, superstars, they’re all people and people have a right to live their life as they choose,” Hutchins said. “You don’t owe anybody anything else, you just owe living a good life.”

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

University of Michigan Students enter Michigan Stadium to view the season opener against Alabama.

Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com file photo

"We're misunderstood a lot," Brandon said to a faculty senate committee on Monday.

Twenty-five years ago, the athletic department had a $16 million annual budget. Now, its budget is more than eight times larger and with that growth comes a lot of questions and, if you ask Brandon, misunderstandings.

Myth 1: The athletic department is subsidized by the campus community.

Although most university athletic departments lose money —105 of the 127 Division I schools that report their finances lost money last year— U-M's department is part of the minority that turn profits each year. The school's lucrative football and basketball programs bring in the money needed to finance the athletic department's $135 million budget.

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon watches over open practice at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Friday, April 5, 2013.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com file photo

Brandon said a lot of people assume the athletic department takes some money from the general fund or other university arms. That's not the case. In fact, Brandon said the athletic department gives $2 million to U-M's general fund annually toward scholarships.

"We're a completely self-supporting auxiliary unit," Brandon said.

That means that when you read about the $500 million poured into football, basketball and hockey facilities and the $250 million planned for other sports venues, the athletic department is independently securing the funds for those renovations.

"Whatever revenues we bring in, we have to generate," Brandon continued. "We get no support from the general fund."

Myth 2: The athletic department is highly profitable

While the department does average a $5 million to $10 million surplus each year, Brandon says that with a $240 million debt load and continuing costly construction projects —for example painting the Big House is expected to cost $6 million— the department is actually "an enterprise that struggles to pay for itself."

"There's also this notion that we're a highly profitable enterprise and that's certainly not the case," Brandon said. "The required expenses and the commensurate capital costs associated with running these athletic departments is such that there's no profit."

He added: "It's not a business model that you'd ever invest in."

Myth 3: The role of the student athlete

Michigan point guard Trey Burke will not be returning to Ann Arbor next year. Instead he is going pro.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com file photo

"Another myth is that student athletes are not really student athletes, that they're more athletes," Brandon said.

"I can tell you that we do get challenges in a couple of our sports where there is a highly commercial competition for our student athletes, primarily football [and] men's basketball," Brandon continued, saying that with a some successful students their desire to go pro outweighs their desire to finish college. Most athletes, however, know they'll never make a living in their sport.

"In our other 29 sports, for the most part ... student athletes come here knowing they need to have a life after athletics and they need a degree and they need a purpose after athletics."

Brandon did say that top athletes on the football and basketball teams are treated like celebrities on campus.

Myth 4: The athletic department is detached from the university community

"I see us as everything but detached," he said. Brandon said that while the department funds itself, it exists in large part to serve the university community. He highlighted charity partnerships the department has with the U-M Health System and discounted student ticket prices and university facility rentals as examples.

Brandon also underscored the recent uptick in student tickets for football games. The $7.50 increase, which is a 23 precent uptick over last year, is going toward gym renovations. Gyms are currently outside the purview of the athletic department, although they weren't always.

Bonus Myth: The department took a hit with the Michigan Stadium renovation

Brandon didn't mention this one as a myth, but he responded to concerns that the department is bogged down in debt because of the $227 million renovation of Michigan Stadium, unveiled in 2010.

Brandon said that while the renovation "is a major part" of the athletic department's long-term debt, it's critical to the school's current revenue model. After annual debt service, the department makes $14 million a year thanks to the 81 luxury boxes and club seating added in the renovation.

"We would be insolvent if it weren't for the stadium project," Brandon said.

Brandon said the athletic department received roughly $40 million in donations toward the renovation and was able to secure a lower-than-expected interest rate on its debt.

"The project really has become a positive aspect of how our model works," he said.

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.

The Michigan Student section during a 2011 game.

Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com file

Like thousands of Michigan third-year undergraduates, Alex Edema has spent the last three years as a football season ticket holder, tailgating and cramming into the maize-clad masses of the student section.

But when he heard this week that student ticket prices are going up and seating is changing from reserved to general admission, he decided he’s had enough.

“I feel like I’m getting shafted,” Edema said.

Edema, said he doesn’t plan on buying season football tickets next year after a lifetime spent as a Michigan fan. Tyler Phillips, another senior who sat with Edema Tuesday afternoon in the Michigan Union, said he’s on the fence about whether or not to buy tickets next year.

Edema and Phillips are just two of many Michigan students who are outraged by the new ticket policies unveiled this week. The price for 2013 season tickets is going up to $280 for seven games. Each game will now cost $40, up from $32.50 last year.

To some student budgets that are already tight, the increase is significant.

“We’re students, we don’t have a lot of money to play with,” said Kenneth Engeling, a sophomore who said he plans on buying tickets next year despite the increase.

But to most of a handful of students surveyed Tuesday on campus, the bigger issue was the change in seating. Students are currently assigned a specific seat, and those who have held student tickets longer are assigned seats lower in the stadium. Next year, seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

That means students heading into their fourth football season like Edema and Phillips will sacrifice the seniority they’ve built up over three years, and be on the same plane as incoming freshmen.

Michigan fans celebrate during the Northwestern game last fall.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file

“It’s fine for anyone that’s going to be a freshman, or maybe sophomores, but upperclassmen are upset about it because they had to wait the two years to get up front,” Engeling said.

As of mid-afternoon, more than 3,200 students had signed a petition against the general admission policy on UPetition, a student government-sponsored site.

The petition claims the university is alienating upperclassmen, and requests that students who had assigned seating in the past be grandfathered in and new ticketholders be assigned general admission.

“As upperclassmen, we have worked for the past several years to earn the best seating in the big house. We were sequestered to the upper reaches of the stadium with the promise of better seats the next year. We put our time in, and it is disheartening to learn that we will not reap the benefits,” the petition reads.

A similar petition on ThePetitionSite.com had nearly 1,500 signatures.

The topic has been a popular one in conversation and on social media. Phillips said he and his housemates spent two hours debating the new prices and policies on Monday night. Edema said that of the seven other students he lives with, two of them have decided not to buy tickets next year and two others are undecided.

But of the other students Monday who spoke about the policy changes, none planned on canceling their tickets because of it, and said they didn’t know of any others who planned to.

“I’m still going to buy them,” Curtis Westbrook, a senior who will attend graduate school at Michigan next year, said. “It sucks, but oh well.”

According to the university, the change in the seating policy is to encourage students to arrive at the stadium in time for kickoff. The release did not say how long before game time gates would be opened for the general admission tickets or details about the line and simply said details would be released at a later date.

Most students surveyed agreed the fact that the student section rarely being filled at kickoff is an issue. Josh Kraus, a graduating senior, said he regularly didn’t get to his seat until 10 minutes after the game started.

“It makes sense and I think it’s good,” Kraus said. “It’s a good way to force people to be there early.”

But others questioned whether the new policy would really induce students to arrive at their seats any earlier than they already do.

“Whether it’s general admission or not, I don’t think people will care too much,” Engeling said.

The increase in ticket prices will go toward improving student recreational facilities, according to the university.

Westbrook works for the recreation department, and said that while he isn’t happy about the price increase, he understands the university’s recreation facilities could use upgrades.

“I know our rec sports facilities suck compared to Ohio State’s,” Westbrook said.

Yet the fact that students would be footing the bill for those upgrades is something not everyone agreed with.

“I’m sure they can find some donors to make their recreational facilities better, because that’s how they do all their expansions,” Phillips said.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

Father Gabriel Richard wide receiver Blaise Stearns will be a walk-on on the Michigan football team next season.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com file photo

• Related: Wednesday, April 17 is the opening of the regular signing period for basketball and several other sports. Check AnnArbor.com's high school sports home page later for signings from area athletes.

"I’ve always liked Michigan football and it’s a great opportunity to stay close to home and get to play college football and attend a great school,” said Stearns, who spent his senior season at Father Gabriel Richard High School.

Stearns said transferring schools was motivated by football and it was made easier by the fact that many of the friends he grew up with were already at Richard.

“I wasn’t getting any help in recruiting or any notice and really wanted to get in the college football scene, so I decided to make a switch so I could get an opportunity to play football,” Stearns said. “It was definitely a good decision, recruiting-wise, first off because the team was a lot better in the division and a better group of coaches and support.

“The coaches were really good with helping in the recruiting process.”

Stearns found himself in need of assistance from Richard head coach Brian Lemons when the coaches at Yale - the Ivy League school he planned on playing for - decided to go in a different direction late in the recruiting process.

Blaise Stearns, center, caught seven touchdown passes, ran for three and returned an interception for a score as a senior at Gabriel Richard.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com file photo

Stearns has a spot guaranteed on the squad, but won’t join until after school is in session in the fall.

“He’ll have a shot just like every other walk-on has a shot and that’s really all you can ever ask for,” Lemons said. “My understanding is he’ll get the chance to redshirt and be on scout team and can work from there.”

Stearns transferred to Father Gabriel Richard before his senior season, where he flourished for the Fighting Irish. On offense, he had 25 receptions for 540 yards and seven touchdowns despite Richard’s starting quarterback being injured for much of the season. Stearns also rushed for three touchdowns and on defense had four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and made 24 tackles.

“His senior year he was a unique player, put some things on tape, and he tested really well at camp and impressed people,” Lemons said. “I’m really excited for him.”

Richard went 11-2 and made it all the way to the Division 5 state semifinals last season. Stearns said he isn’t sure which position he’ll be looked at with Michigan.

“It’s a possibility either way, wide receiver or safety, it just depends on what they decide to put me at,” Stearns said. “It’s really great to get this opportunity.

• Related: Wednesday, April 17 is the opening of the regular signing period for basketball and several other sports. Check AnnArbor.com's high school sports home page later for signings from area athletes.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Michigan senior Blake McLimans leads the team through smoke to the court at the start of the national championship game at the Georgia in Atlanta on Monday, April 8, 2013.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

It was a fitting end to season that had its fair share of ups-and-downs and spectacular moments in between. Subscribers to the AnnArbor.com print edition will get a chance to relive the championship game, and the magical tournament run and season that preceded it with a special commemorative section. The section will be available in Thursday's paper.

The section also will feature stories from all that preceded the team's run for the ages in the NCAA Tournament like the overtime win over Ohio State, and the dramatic battle that was the one-point win over Michigan State.

The section will be included in all Thursday editions of the paper. Non-subscibers and Sunday-only subscribers can pick up the special section on newsstands Thursday morning.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

About 15 hours later, there was once again a line outside Michigan’s basketball arena. Many of those same fans were back once again. But this time, the mood was different.

Despite the team’s run ending with a loss, Wolverines fans came out to show their support for Michigan’s first final four team in 20 years in Tuesday afternoon ceremony.

The Wolverines’ team bus pulled up a little after 3 p.m. When players and coaches entered the arena, they found a gathering of a few hundred fans filling most of three sections in the south end of the Crisler Center, cheering them on as if they were national champions.

“We just want to thank you guys,” point guard Trey Burke told the crowd. “This team’s been through a lot this year. We were doubted, and toward the middle of the year we faced a lot of adversity that we overcame. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the win yesterday but we’ve got a lot to be proud of.”

The crowd of fans celebrate the Michigan basketball season at Crisler Arena on Tuesday, April 9.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

With his team in folding chairs around him on the floor, Wolverines coach John Beilein took to the microphone and thanked the fans for coming out. He said he had heard about the Monday night gathering at Crisler when the arena was nearly filled to capacity, and called it “tremendous.”

The microphone was then passed to every assistant coach and player, each of whom thanked the fans for taking time out to show their support.

Stars like Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. received the expected hearty receptions when it was their turn to speak. But the loudest cheer of the day went up for the last speaker: freshman point guard Spike Albrecht.

After averaging less than two points per game during the regular season, Albrecht exploded for 17 in the first half Monday night.

The performance instantly made Albrecht a national phenomenon. So much so that he took to Twitter Tuesday morning to send a message to Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton, thanking her for attending the game and saying he hopes to see her again.

“What you don’t know is that Spike is so big right now that Kate Upton asked him out for a date and he said he’s too busy,” Beilein said.

After all the thank yous, the ceremony ended with the final singing of The Victors for the 2012-13 team.

“It’s very emotional,” Hardaway Jr. said after the ceremony. “We love our fans to death, it was great to see them come out here and support us like they did. They took time out of their day to come out and support us.”

Hardaway Jr. is one of several Wolverines players who could have made their last Crisler appearance Tuesday. Hardaway, Burke, Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary could all declare for the NBA draft after the season. Hardaway, Burke and McGary each said they had yet to come to a decision.

"It'll be something that I'll be talking over with my coaching staff and parents over the next week or two," Burke said. "I haven't set a timeline on my future."

A wide range of fans took time to greet the Wolverines in a short-notice ceremony. Right at 3 p.m., Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson was at the Crisler Center door alongside the throng of fans. He found a seat in the bleachers alongside assistant coach Billy Powers to take in the event.

“I just wanted to show my support, and it’s hard to contact Beilein,” Berenson said. “I want them to know that everyone in the athletic department is behind them.”

While Berenson made the short walk across the parking lot from Yost Ice Arena, others traveled much farther to make it to the event. Also among the early arrivers were freshmen Kevin Conn and Gabe Gelbart, who both attended Monday night’s game in Atlanta.

Both made quick trips back to Ann Arbor, Conn arriving by car at around 12:30 p.m. and Gelbart by plane at 1 p.m. After stops at their dorms, both were in their seats at Crisler to see this Wolverines team one final time.

Gelbart called watching the Wolverines in the final four a “life-changing experience.”

“Now every championship game I watch I’ll have been there,” Gelbart said.

Conn said fans’ attachment to this Wolverines team goes beyond the players’ successes.

“You can go up and talk to them and they’ll actually talk to you and have a conversation,” Conn said. “I feel like people sense that and they feel like they’re a part of it all.”

Michigan fans Bob Trudell and Peggy Cole hold up a banner.

Kyle Austin | AnnArbor.com

One section over, Peggy Cole and Bob Trudell sat holding a large white banner congratulating “our champions,” from the residents of the St. Louis Center in Chelsea.

The St. Louis Center, a residential community for people with developmental disabilities, was chosen this year by Beilein as his charity of choice. Beilein took his players to St. Louis twice this year, where they played basketball with residents and gave them tickets to a game.

“He’s not only taught these guys how to play an incredible game and develop their skills, but he’s also teaching them how to be charitable, which lasts forever,” Cole, St. Louis’s development director, said of Beilein. “So he’s taught them really great lessons.”

Cole had the banner made Monday before the game, and had it signed by the St. Louis residents. She dropped it off at Crisler Monday morning, hoping it could be displayed for the players when they returned. But when she heard there would be a welcome home ceremony for the team, she came back and held it herself.

“It’s our way of saying thank you,” Cole said.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

The bar at R.U.B. BBQ, 640 Packard St., Ann Arbor. R.U.B. will have drink specials and giveways during the game on Saturday night.

Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

I've narrowed my choices down to an Elite 8: bars and restaurants where I could enjoy a cold beer, some good food, and the experience of watching an exciting game in the company of a crowd of enthusiastic Michigan fans. Other ideas? Let us know in the comments.

1. Fraser's Pub, 2045 Packard St., Ann Arbor: This no-nonsense, no-frills neighborhood sports bar has an anachronistic feel, but the food is good and the beer list has a nice selection of excellent microbrews. Throw in some big-screen TVs, and it's hard to beat.

Fraser's owner Ron Sartori told me it will be business as usual on Saturday, albeit with a much larger crowd.

"It's first come, first served, no reservations," said Sartori. "We're expecting to have to turn people away, so come early. And hopefully we will do it again on Monday!"

2. Casey's Tavern, 304 Depot St., Ann Arbor: It's business at usual at this Depot Street restaurant and bar on Saturday, too. If you're looking for a low-key, food oriented experience, this might be your top pick.

"We'll have the game on," said Casey's general manager Paul Thomas. "Come on in and watch it. We're open until 11."

3. Colonial Lanes/Cubs A.C. 950 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor: A coworker referred to this as a "hidden gem" for watching high-profile games. All screens will be tuned to the ballgame, so whether you're hanging out in the bar or bowling a few games, you can't miss the fun.

The place fills up fast, so events manager Elizabeth Swanguarin recommends you make a reservation in advance.

"Things get started at around 7:30," said Swanguarin. "We'll have giveaways — including Tigers tickets — throughout the game. It's a lot of fun."

4. Knight's Steakhouse, 2324 Dexter Ave., Ann Arbor: Knight's might not be top of mind when you think of places to watch a game, but where else can you enjoy a stiff drink, a good steak, and that unique Ann Arbor old-school townie vibe?

"We get a great bar crowd. A fun crowd," said manager Lindsay Bedolla. "We've got three or four TVs, and comfortable booths all around the TVs. And,of course, we've got the best drinks in town!"

5. Aubree's Saloon, 39 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti: "It's going to be crazy," laughed assistant manager Robert Gluch. "We'll fire up the game everywhere — on TVs and the loudspeakers — and the fight song will be cued up to play whenever something exciting happens."

Aubrees will have 20-ounce Budweisers for $2.75, and $4 20-ounce pours of Arbor Brewing Co. Bollywood Blonde on special for the game.

"I think we get busy a little later than some of the Ann Arbor bars," said Gluch. "We expect to fill up at around 7:20 or so."

6. R.U.B. BBQ and Pub, 640 Packard St., Ann Arbor: Located at the corner of State and Packard in the former Packard Pub space, R.U.B. BBQ is chock full of meat, beer and TVs. It's the perfect spot for a Final Four viewing.

"It’s going to be absolutely mayhem here for us. We’re certainly excited for it," said regional manager Omar Mitchell. "We're open until 2 a.m. Bud Light pitchers will be $5. We'll have other drink specials starting at 10 p.m. We'll have a special dish called 'The Big House Is On Fire' with a 'Fab Five' of different smoked meats. And there will be giveaways — trinkets, T-shirts and hats — all night."

7. The Arena Sports Bar & Grill, 203 E Washington St., Ann Arbor: Owner Mike Flore is a Spartan through and through, but he's happy to celebrate Michigan's Final Four appearance with his customers.

"We're going to be stupid busy," laughed Flore. "We (as a staff) try to have as much fun as everyone else is having. It gets crazy, but it’s a great atmosphere."

Flore says they'll have food and drink specials all night, and they're working on a special blue drink to celebrate the team.

"We've already got a drink called the Blue Smurf. We might just rename that 'The Wolverine' for Saturday night."

Expect big crowds at The Arena. Flore anticipates that they will be at capacity by 7 p.m. or so. And noise. Lots of noise.

"Last weekend a customer told me it was the loudest he'd ever heard it here."

8. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St., Ann Arbor: Want to knock back a beer and enjoy some fish and chips or shepherd's pie while you cheer for Michigan? Conor's will have all televisions tuned to the game, and they are running a Stella Artois promotion all day. The pub attracts a nice blend of students and locals.

Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at JessicaWebster@annarbor.com. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

Michigan fans Joan Raphael, left, and Penelope "Penny" Bekiares pose for a portrait on Tuesday before leaving for the Final Four in Atlanta.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

The stinging memory is still fresh for 71-year-old Ann Arbor residents.

Despite the unhappy ending, the overall experience of the weekend in New Orleans had the two hooked. They haven't missed a Final Four since, and are glad they're finally getting a chance to watch their beloved Wolverines in the Final Four again this weekend.

"We go every year and we always joke that one of these years we want Michigan to come with us," said Bekiares, who goes by Penny. "They're finally coming with us!"

After having a blast in New Orleans in 1993, Penny and Joan — both Wolverines season ticket holders since 1985 — decided to make a trip to the Final Four an annual weekend event. When the Big Ten Tournament began in 1998, they made it part of their routine too.

When they return home from Atlanta — which they’ll travel to and from by train - they’ll start making arrangements for next year's trips to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Tournament — both of their favorite sports town - and Arlington, Texas for the Final Four.

It’s not a cheap hobby, but it’s worth every penny to Joan and Penny.

“I always tell people, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink. I spend a lot of money on basketball,” Joan said.

They don’t break the bank on courtside seats. They’re just happy to be in the building.

“We might not be that close and all that jazz, but we’re in the house,” Penny said.

Both Penny and Joan still have the sweatshirts they wore on their 1993 trip and Joan has the iconic photo of the Fab Five — with Webber sitting on a lowered rim, surround by his teammates -- framed and on proud display in her retirement home apartment.

Dyed-in-the-wool Wolverines fans, they both say they loved the Fab Five teams and every one before and since. Even during the fallout from the NCAA sanctions — when morale among the fan base and stadium attendance dipped — Joan and Penny stayed true.

Michigan fans Joan Raphael, left, and Penny Bekiares with a basketball signed by former Michigan coach Tommy Amaker.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

Some people run away from Michigan’s winters to Florida. For Joan and Penny, the Crisler Center is their Boca Raton.

Penny gave the Sunshine state a try years ago, but stopped going because, “we would miss critical games in the height of the season and it just wasn’t worth it.”

“Basketball gets me through the winter,” said Joan.

Penny and Joan started buying NCAA Tournament T-shirts every year on their trips, but Joan “switched to buying socks because they take up less space.”

They don’t wear the keepsakes to the game, though. They are decked out from head-to-toe in Michigan garb no matter who is playing.

“I always tell friends and family, ‘look for me, I’ll be the one waiving to you in maize and blue,’” Joan said. “I might be a little harder to pick out this year.”

There is one exception to their dress code. Joan — who had two daughters graduate from Michigan State - will don green and white if the Spartans are involved, something Penny can’t bring herself to do.

“I’ll root for ‘em, but I wouldn’t wear Michigan State,” Penny said. “I just couldn’t do it.”

Without Michigan to cheer for at the past 19 tournaments, Joan and Penny have pulled for any Big Ten team involved, which Joan said has caught some Buckeyes fans by surprise through the years.

The basketball is great, but both Joan and Penny said their favorite part of the weekend is “all of the interesting people” they get to meet. Both like to tell the story of the 1995 Final Four in Seattle. They were walking down the street in their Michigan gear, as usual, when a limousine pulled up next to them and a man yelled at them.

“This man says to us, ‘you ladies are in the wrong place with those clothes on,’” recalls Penny.

“He said ‘you ladies go home and take those clothes off,’” Joan remembers.

Both may have been offended had they not recognized former Michigan State head coach Jud Heathcote right away.

“We had a good laugh about that,” Joan said.

Both miss the days when Michigan had its postgame meals at Thano’s Lamplighter, where they’d occasionally interact with the players. Joan said one of her favorite all-time players, Jalen Rose, would give her a hug and call her "mamma,” when she’d congratulate him on a good game.

She used to send get well cards to injured players and the occasional birthday card.

She said she’s never tried to stay in contact with any of them and just did it out of the kindness of her heart.

“They move on,” Joan said. "I was just another fan who told them I appreciated them."

These days, the players are more protected, but from what they've seen in the media, both rank this year’s squad as one of their favorites.

“They seem like good kids,” Joan said. “They have good grammar. They play like a team.”

Both have faith that they’ll be unrecognizable in a sea of Michigan gear during Saturday's semifinal and Monday's final round. They hope their next memory of Michigan in the championship game is better than their only one so far.

“I’m looking forward to going all the way!” Joan said with confidence.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. he can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Jacob Trouba has officially left Michigan and will join the NHL's Winnipeg Jets after just one season in Ann Arbor.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

Better start warming up the car, Red.

Michigan freshman defenseman Jacob Trouba has reached a deal with the Winnipeg Jets the team announced on Tuesday.

Trouba was the Jets' first round draft pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, selected ninth overall. He finished the season with 12 goals and 17 assists for Michigan, one goal shy of the record for a Wolverines freshman defenseman. He was named the CCHA’s Best Offensive Defenseman, was named All-CCHA first team and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

Trouba told reporters last week that he had not made a decision yet and a spokesperson for the Michigan hockey said the team had not been informed otherwise as of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night.

But Trouba took to social media to say his thanks to Michigan and express excitement in joining the Jets.

I'm proud to be signing with the @nhljets. Looking forward to starting my career with a great organization. #gojetsgo

— Jacob Trouba (@JacobTrouba) April 3, 2013

Thank you to @umichhockey, my coaches, and my teammates for a great year. It has been a blast. Forever a Wolverine. #goblue

— Jacob Trouba (@JacobTrouba) April 3, 2013

Trouba is the second defenseman to leave the Wolverines in a week. Junior Jon Merrill signed an Amateur Try Out contract to play with the Albany Devils -- the New Jersey Devils' American Hockey League affiliate -- last week with the expectation he'll sign a three-year entry level NHL deal after this season. Merrill has registered five points in three games played so far with Albany.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

• Update: It's official: Jacob Trouba leaving Michigan for NHL's Winnipeg Jets

Michigan freshman defenseman Jacob Trouba will not be returning to the Michigan hockey team for his sophomore season, according to a report from the Winnipeg News.

Citing two "NHL sources," the Winnipeg News report said Trouba could be joining the Winnipeg Jets immediately if a contract can be agreed upon. Trouba was the first round draft pick of the Jets in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, ninth overall.

Michigan defenseman Jacob Trouba will reportedly leave the Wolverines for the NHL after just one season in Ann Arbor.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com file photo

Trouba told reporters last week that he was undecided on whether or not to turn pro or stay in school. As of Tuesday night, Trouba had yet to inform the team of his decision according to an official Michigan spokesperson.

Trouba finished the season with 12 goals and 17 assists for Michigan, one goal shy of the record for a Wolverines freshman defenseman. He was named the CCHA’s Best Offensive Defenseman, was named All-CCHA first team and was a finalist for Rookie of the Year.

Last week, Michigan coach Red Berenson said he "couldn't deny him if he wanted to go (to the NHL)." Berenson said he's not an advocate of players leaving school for the minor leagues, but if the NHL comes calling, he's all for it.

"I've told kids in the past if they're ready to play in the NHL, I'll drive 'em to the airport," Berenson said.

Trouba would be the second defenseman to leave the Wolverines in a week. Junior Jon Merrill signed an Amateur Try Out contract to play with the Albany Devils -- the New Jersey Devils' American Hockey League affiliate -- last week. He's registered three points in three games played so far.

• Read the entire Winnipeg News report.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Approximately 350 people had to wait a couple of more hours than anticipated to welcome the Michigan men's basketball team back to the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor Sunday night.

The team had just returned from Arlington, Texas, where earlier in the day the Wolverines beat Florida to advance to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

Though temperatures were low the entire evening and a light drizzle started to fall, it did not deter the crowd, nor did a slight delay in the festivities. The team originally announced via Twitter it would be arriving at 9:30 p.m., but didn't pull in until 11:30 p.m. The crowd only grew larger during the delay.

After all, what's two hours, compared to the two decades it's been since the program's last Final Four trip?

“We did not expect this at all,” Michigan coach John Beilein said over a megaphone. “We heard that people might be here, but this is amazing. It goes to show what great students we have; what great men and women you are.”

Watch the team get off of the bus with the South Regional Championship trophy:

Once the players and coaches got off the bus, Beilein read through the whole roster, starting with the seniors and ending with the five freshmen who have had a tremendous impact on the program. He took extra time to praise Max Bielfeldt as a standout performer in practice.

One of the loudest cheers came for another player that doesn't get nearly as much playing time as the starters, but who has given the Wolverines a spark off the bench of late.

“We have, after today, the most eligible bachelor on campus here, Spike Albrecht!” Beilein said as players lifted the freshman, who is generously listed as 5-foot-11 on MIchigan's roster, onto their shoulders.

Michigan players lift freshman Spike Albrecht on their shoulders during a celebration at the Crisler Center on Sunday, March 31.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

“I know you all see that we love playing for each other,” senior captain Josh Bartelstein said. “But we love playing for this school, playing for Michigan, and playing for you guys!”

While Tim Hardaway Jr. said he was at a loss for words, Mitch McGary could hardly contain his excitement. The freshman had a piece of the net the team cut down to celebrate the South Regional championship tied to his hat, and his unbridled joy was evident throughout the event.

He wasn't given the megaphone, but he didn't need one as he shouted out to the crowd that he had goosebumps.

Beilein continued his work as emcee throughout the rally. He introduced sophomore point guard Trey Burke as “someone who hit a pretty good shot against Kansas.” Before leading everyone in singing "The Victors", Beilein told the crowd that the first time he ever heard Michigan’s fight song was at a Final Four “years ago” with his wife.

While the crowd was mostly students, there was also some Ann Arbor residents scattered amongst it, including a number of middle school and elementary school aged children.

Will Foster, 9, said it was his dad’s idea to come out to the rally and that it was definitely past his bedtime. While some of the college students might have classes or exams Monday morning, the timing was perfect for the younger attendees at the rally as Ann Arbor Public Schools are on spring break this week.

The Wolverines will play Syracuse in the second semifinal game at 8:49 p.m. Saturday night in Atlanta. If they win, they will play the winner of Louisville-Wichita State on Monday night.

Beilein said he hoped that a large fan contingent will travel to help the team with its “unfinished business,” and he cautioned the crowd against over-celebrating after the rally.

“I want everyone to behave tonight,” he said.

Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. You can sign up here to receive Business Review updates every week. Reach out to Ben at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2

Red Berenson has spent 29 years as Michigan's hockey coach.

AnnArbor.com file photo

The Michigan hockey team’s late nine-game win streak restored some respectability to an otherwise dismal season.

It also may have convinced coach Red Berenson to return for his 30th year on the bench.

Berenson said that if not for Michigan’s late surge, he would have considered retiring after the season.

“If this team wouldn’t have got any better, I would have really thought about not coming back next year, because I don’t want to get in the way of this program doing well,” Berenson said.

After starting the year 4-3-1, Michigan went 4-13-1 from early November until January. Its final record of 18-19-3 marks the team's first season under .500 since 1986-87, Berenson’s third year as head coach.

Berenson signed a three-year contract extension during the last offseason that keeps him under contract through the 2015-16 season. But despite the length of his contract, Berenson said he continues to evaluate his position year-by-year.

“I’ve told Dave Brandon from day one, and I wasn’t excited for making a commitment for those three years plus this year, because I want to do what’s best for the program,” Berenson said.

“I’m not afraid to walk away from a situation, be it really good or really bad, that it’s just not the best thing for the program.”

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

Jon Merrill, pictured above, has reportedly signed a pro contract.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo

On Tuesday, Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson said he thought it was time for defenseman Jon Merrill to move on to professional hockey.

A day later, it appears he has.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Merrill has signed an entry level contract with the New Jersey Devils, which would end his career at Michigan after three seasons.

The Record of Bergen County, N.J., also reported the deal, and said Merrill has also signed an amateur tryout contract to join the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League for the remainder of the season.

An Albany spokesperson reached for comment said the team had "no transaction updates to report at this time." A representative for New Jersey had no comment at this time.

Merrill was a second-round pick of the Devils in 2010. In his three seasons at Michigan, Merrill compiled 11 goals and 36 assists in 86 games.

After a standout freshman season that included seven goals and 18 assists, Merrill missed part of his sophomore season due to a suspension and part of this past season with a cracked vertebrae.

“I think the kid on one side wanted to come back and finish, and the other side is excited about the next step,” Berenson said.

Merrill participated in an optional skate with the Michigan hockey team on Tuesday, but was not available for comment. Attempts to reach him on Wednesday have been unsuccessful.

The Wolverines will now wait to see if freshman defenseman Jacob Trouba will also be leaving Ann Arbor for the professional ranks. Trouba was the ninth overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets last year, and said Tuesday that he's in the process of deciding between signing a contract or returning for his sophomore year.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.