reporting-type substance

Tim sat in on the call this morning and scribbled a bunch of notes that I turned into something more readable; what follows is a paraphrase faithful on intent but probably somewhat heavy on sentences that start with "I". That is an artifact of our amateur process and not a reflection of megalomania.

Brandon right; some guy from Findlay winning a "gold Frannie" left.

Why leave Dominos?

I loved my job there, and the company is doing great. It takes a special opportunity to leave 11-year job. I would only leave for a couple jobs in the world, this is one of them. I love Michigan, loved it as student-athete and have been connected ever since. I was a member of regents for 8 years, which was a labor of love. I know the place

Athletics plays an important role in Michigan's profile. It creates excitement, loyalty, connection. I got an e-mail from someone in Istanbul today. Within an hour of release, people in Turkey are talking about the athletic director at Michigan.

How does your background as a CEO work for your new job?

I'm more than a pizza man, I'm a CEO. I've been in the business world 35 years, a university regent for eight years, and been in involved in other governing bodies. I've been a been a student-athlete, donor, and fundraiser at Michigan. I know the talents of athletic department from my connections. I haven't lived a career in athletics specifically, but I bring set of qualifications, interests, and experiences that will help him succeed. I 'm Fortunate to be the one chosen.

What did you learn from Bo?

My second degree from Michigan was from the Bo School of Leadership. One advantage of not playing is that you can observe and learn. Learned how to select talent from Bo. His assistants went on to be head coaches. He was surrounded with terrific people, recruited athletes on skills and ability, but also character and integrity. Bo taught how to set high expectations/goals. He taught preparation, competing at highest level, intensity. Those lessons translated to my career as a business leader and will come with me as athletic director.

Why are you forgoing public office? Is it on the backburner?

I'm the athletic director at the university of Michigan. I committed for a minimum of 5 years, and hope to get that extended. It's flattering that people think I can serve the public good. I care about positively impacting lives.

I can do that in public office, but I know I can do it as Michigan's athletic director as well. Athletics changed my life, and athletes at Michigan are experiencing that now. I have three Big Ten champioinship rings and wear them proudly. I appreciate people think I can do other things, but this is what I want to do.

What is your feeling on Rich Rodriguez's job security?

He's the coach at UM. He has an awesome responsibility, a proven track record. I have great respect for Rich. I hope to know him better and get a chance to work with him.

Can you comment on the NCAA investigation?

I can't comment on an ongoing investigation, and wouldn't if I could. I'll get briefings when the university knows more about it. Doesn't mind being put in the middle, he'll worry about doing the right thing, like Michigan always does. If we'd made mistakes, we'll correct them. We'll deal as we need to.

How is your relationship with Rich Rodriguez?

We've spent a little time together, had dinner a couple times. We're acquainted in social way. We've chatted briefly on sidelines and at one practice a couple years ago. Though we haven't had time together, I hope to get to know Rich better. He looks forward to turning the program around and being where we all want to be.

Do you have any plans for changes in the department?

I'll listen and learn first. I don't have a a prearranged agenda. I'll meet and assess the team and organizational design. Why are we doing things this way? I'll come in with a new set of eyes and without hard-fixed ideas. I can come in, ask questions, and challenge status quo, come up with some unique things.

Listen, learn, asses, then change things when we're prepared. Is the right talent in place in the right spots? We'll make goals at that time.

How are you relationships with the Regents?

Unique, because I served with some as a colleague. I worked with some for eight years. Mary Sue Coleman contacted them last night, and some got in touch with me after. I am most appreciative that I got the opportunity. I still know the ones I didn't serve with due to my role as a regent emeritus. I knows what their job is about because I've done it.

What are your plans for Crisler?
Big plans underway to put expansion and practice facilities in place. Long overdue. Other considerations underway for doing things in arena, updating and making more competitive. Team and fans deserve that consideration.

Do you have Don Canham's vision?

I was just 18 when i met him. He was bold, innovative, willing to take measured risks. I admired his skills, I'll emulate some. I'm not him or Bo, I'll do me. I'll work hard to achieve what I can as AD.

How is your relationship with Mary Sue Coleman?

She approached and gauged interest, I said yes. I was in pool of candidates, vetted carefully. I'm the one she selected and I'm appreciative of that.

[Now starts a series of questions about factions that

What's your take on factions in the athletic department? Will you seek to remove conflict?

Yes. I'm a team sport guy. Brought up that way, and believes in it. Factions are counterproductive. Needs to be fixed immediately, won't be tolerated.

How do you cure factions, reel in anti-Rodriguez guys?

I'm leaving a job in which I had to get 1200 franchisees on the same page, and accept the plans I initiated. If I can pull that off, I can pull together 275 [athletic department employees] using some of the same techniques. It takes vision. You need to surround yourself with people who share that and your values. You hold people accountable. Every business I've led has been #1 in its industry. I don't know any other way. I want the athletic department to be number 1 in the nation. Talent, accomplishment, all the ways success can be measured. You surround yourself with people who will bring work ethic to achieve that.

Will playing under Bo brings factions together?

I was proud to play for Bo, but my initial recruiting was under Bump, and I would have been proud to play for him. I was proud to have Mo as a position coach, would have been as a head coach. I would be proud under Carr, under Rodriguez. Anyone who wears that winged helmet, or runs through that tunnel, I support.

Are you a quintessential Michigan Man?

Not quintessential anything, but I understand what it means to be Michigan Man. I understand traditions and role in the community, and that will be an asset in the job.

How important is it coming back to M?

It's huge. It's huge.

What was the hiring timetable?

I was contacted several weeks ago by search firm hired by Coleman and asked whether he'd be interested in interviewing. I said yes and submitted a letter of interest. I made it very clear that the process had to remain confidential, as sitting CEO of a public company. I was interested in pursuing opportunity, but had to maintain interests in Dominos. The private process culminated in meeting with Coleman and the search committee for several hours. I told my story and explained why I was going to be the right choice for the job.

What will you do in terms of branding?

I understand brand management. Brands, promotion, and marketing has been my background. I understand innovation and how to build a brand, how to bring innovation and freshness to a brand. But being inconsistent with brand can undermine it.

[Editor's note: I choose to interpret this as a desire to put Special K, piped-in music droid, in a catapult calibrated to provide him a soft landing in a war-torn former Soviet republic.]

As a football observer what is your level of concern with the program?

I am as concerned as everybody. The program likes and needs to win. We sing about being champions, the leaders and best. We want that to be true. Nobody wants that more than Rodriguez.

What are the business ramifications? How does the departure impact Dominos?

I am proud of many things at Dominos, including succession planning. My role includes active involvement at the board level. My successor at Dominos has been there longer than me, has gone through every unit of the company, president for past 3 years, completes the loop and is prepared to succeed me seamlessly. Interest of shareholders will be protected. I'm an investor, will continue to serve on board of directors.

How can the athletic department affect the university?

There are so many components. It has a 90 million dollar budget. It has a huge impact on the Michigan brand. It's somewhat of a selling organization for the entire university. When we won the NC, admissions to school were up 22%. The athletic department propagates what the university is all about. The university competes at the highest level in all aspects.

If you can help out finding articles on any of the commits, e-mail me, and I'll try to include your contribution. This week, I made it to two games, and they're listed at the top.

MI RB Austin White

Last week: Stevenson defeats South Lyon 37-0. Austin ran 8 times for 173 yards (21.63 YPC) and 3 touchdowns while only playing in the first half. I was there, so enjoy some rockin' HD video. Paul FAILs at titling, so you'll just have to trust me that this game took place at Stevenson, not Pioneer.

Ace from The Wolverine Blog also has video of the great performance.
This week: Stevenson (2-2) v. Northville.

Austin White 2009
		Rushing				Receiving
Game	Result	Rush	Yds	TD	Avg	Rec	Yds	TD	Avg
Franklin	L 7-21	14	64	1	4.57	-	-	-	-
Howell	L 14-28	16	119	2	12.44	4	59	0	14.75
Salem	W 34-7			2
South Lyon	W 37-0	8	173	3	21.63	0	0	0	-
Totals	(2-2)	38+	119	8	9.37	4	59	0	14.75

MI WR Ricardo Miller

Last week: Pioneer pounds Saginaw Arthur Hill 58-20. Ricardo had a quiet night, catching only 1 ball for 20 yards. He was open a number of other times, but was not thrown to. He also had a decent night blocking. Again, I was there, which means you get video highlights:

This week: Pioneer (4-0) @ Temperance Bedford.

Ricardo Miller 2009
		Receiving
Game	Result	Rec	Yds	TD	Avg
Inkster	W 35-32	3	70	0	23.33
Dexter	W 45-0	2	100	2	50.00
Saline	W 36-17	3	48	1	16.00
Arthur Hill	W 58-20	1	20	0	20.00
Totals	(2-0)	9	238	3	26.44

MI QB Devin Gardner

Last week: Inkster defeats Lakewood (OH) St. Edward 14-7. No real word on stats, except that Gardner had a run for a successful 2-point conversion.
This week: Inkster (1-2) @ Highland Park.
Etc.: The WCBN blog interviews Gardner.

Devin Gardner 2009
		Passing							Rushing
Game	Result	Comp	Att	Yds	TD	Int	%	Yds/Att	Rush	Yds	TD	Avg
Pioneer	L 32-35	10	14	97	1	0	71.43	6.93	16	113	1	7.06
East Kentwood	L 33-52	19	30	389	3	1	63.33	12.97	10	102	2	10.20
St. Edward	W 14-7
Totals	(1-2)	29	44	486	0	0	65.91	11.05	26	215	3	8.27

SC QB Conelius Jones

Last week: Spartanburg falls to Greenwood 9-21. Jones coughed up two fumbles, but ran 7 yards for the Vikings' lone score. Spartanburg outgained Greenwood 336-120 in the loss.
This week: Spartanburg (2-3) has a bye week.

Conelius Jones 2009
		Passing							Rushing
Game	Result	Comp	Att	Yds	TD	Int	%	Yds/Att	Rush	Yds	TD	Avg
Dorman	L 7-20	7	24	42	0	0	29.17	1.75
Union	W 35-0	6	7	91	1	0	85.71	13.00	9	63	4	7.00
Northwestern	W 20-10			125	1	0				45	1
Sumter	L 21-24	17	27	187	1	1	62.96	6.93	23	53	1	2.30
Greenwood	L 9-21										1
Totals	(1-1)	30	58	320+	0	0	51.72	5.52	32	116+	7	3.63

TX RB Stephen Hopkins

Last week: Marcus is downed by Katy 24-34. #2. Hopkins ran 13 times for 38 yards and one touchdown:

Stephen Hopkins cut the deficit in half with a 7-yard run, and the Marcus defense forced a Katy three-and-out on the next drive.

This week: Marcus (2-1) v. Lee.

TX RB Tony Drake

Last week: Skyline beats Plano East 45-19. Drake ran 15 times for 167 yards and a touchdown.
This week: Skyline (3-0) @ Lake Highlands.

Tony Drake 2009
		Rushing				Receiving
Game	Result	Rush	Yds	TD	Avg	Rec	Yds	TD	Avg
Kimball	W 51-2	8	69	1	8.63	0	0	0	-
Bowie	W 35-27	13	92	1	7.08	2	14	0	7.00
Plano East	W 45-19	15	167	1	11.13	0	0	0	-
Totals	(3-0)	36	328	3	9.11	2	14	0	7.00

LA Slot WR Drew Dileo

Last week: Parkview Baptist rocks Church Point 54-0.

Dileo also scored on a 38-yard punt return.

Article 2:

Michigan commitment Drew Dileo caught two of those passes for 40 yards and a touchdown.

This week: Parkview Baptist (3-0) v. Port Allen.

OH WR Jerald Robinson

Last week: Canton South falls to Louisville 14-17.

South made plays first. Bowles, in South’s second possession, found Jerald Robinson over the middle and the 6-2 speedster did the rest.

Robinson broke two tackles and went 64 yards for a 7-0 lead. Robinson added a brilliant 26-yard, one-handed grab the next possession...

Robinson (#4) photo by Julie Vennitti for the Canton Repository.
This week: Canton South (1-3) @ Minerva.

MI WR Jeremy Jackson

Last week: Huron is beaten by Monroe 7-14.

Jeremy Jackson caught seven passes for 103 yards, but penalties and turnovers kept halting drives.

This week: Huron (1-3) v. Dearborn.

OH WR DJ Williamson

Last week: Harding loses to Cardinal Mooney 6-31.
This week: Harding (2-1-1) v. Euclid.

OH OL Christian Pace

Last week: Avon Lake drops one to Olmstead Falls, 14-20.
This week: Avon Lake (1-3) v. North Olmstead.

OH DT Terry Talbott

Last week: Wayne beats Trotwood-Madison 21-19.
This week: Wayne (3-1) v. Troy.

PA DE Ken Wilkins

Last week: Trinity is beaten by Jefferson 7-34.
This week: Trinity (0-3) v. Elizabeth.

PA DE Jordan Paskorz

Last week: Hampton falls to Shaler Area 7-28.
This week: Hampton (1-2) @ Pine-Richland.

OH LB Antonio Kinard

Last week: Liberty beats Struthers 13-7.
This week: Liberty (3-1) @ Salem.

FL S Marvin Robinson

Last week: Lake Region falls to Sebring 21-29. Marvin starred for the Thunder on both offense and defense:

Led by linebacker Luke Lehning, tackle Matt Wells and safety Marvin Robinson, the Thunder defense took nearly everything out of Sebring's offense except Clarke, holding the Blue Streaks to just 20 rushing yards on their first 20 carries...

On the first play from scrimmage after Clark's 40-yard TD, Robinson burst through the Sebring secondary, took a pass from Carr in full stride and sprinted to a 64-yard touchdown.

This week: Lake Region (0-3) @ Haines City.

OH CB Courtney Avery

Last week: Lexington falls to Orrville 21-41. Avery injured his ankle in the game, and only got limited time.

Not having Jefferson (6 carries, 69 yards; 2 receptions) and Avery (13-of-22 passing, 133 yards) was a factor.

It remains to be seen whether the injury will keep Avery out of any games in the near future.

This week: Lexington (2-1) @ Lago Vista.

OH CB Terrence Talbott

Last week: Wayne beats Trotwood-Madison 21-19. I believe Terrence is still out with a leg injury.
This week: Wayne (3-1) v. Troy.

2011 OH CB Greg Brown

Last week: Ross defeats Cleveland Benedictine 28-21 in overtime.

Brown added six receptions for 99 yards.

He also scored a 6-yard touchdown in the game. This week: Ross (3-1) v. Bloomfield Hills (MI) Lahser.

So yesterday I tagged along on the tour of the new Michigan Stadium suites/pressboxes/tradition imploders that spurred today's flurry of articles on the things. Favorite bit of opinion:

It's hard to believe that only two summers ago, a segment of Michigan supporters ardently opposed this project, that the group called Save The Big House formed and worried luxury boxes desecrating a timeless landmark.

The Big House was indeed saved, not by groups stuck in the past, but by Bill Martin and his construction shovels.

From the exterior, Michigan Stadium had become dumpy and dated. The interior had become known for its crowded walkways, long lines and cramped seating.

Watching a game at The Big House may have evoked some sort of nostalgia for fans, but using the stadium in a practical sense had become somewhat of a miserable experience.

That's AnnArbor.com's Dave Birkett. Obviously, I'm with him. I'm not sure how anyone can see the gorgeous brick exterior going up and think that tin walls that were so plain that someone thought slapping a halo on them would be a good idea were better.

Tim has a bunch of pictures below and some key numbers, including the number of commitments they have for the 82 suites (58). That's 70% full; club seats are in the 60-70% claimed. That sounds well on its way to selling out, but it seems like that number hasn't budged in a while. Not that selling suites in the face of a 3-9 season and the END OF AMERICA is an easy thing.

My impressions, which are based entirely on a comparison with a Tiger Stadium suite I was in earlier this year because of corporate ticket fatigue:

• They are swank. The Tigers' digs aren't particularly old but they suffer in comparison: granite versus 50's-era laminate countertops, flatscreens versus tube TVs that seem like they're from the 50s.
• They are way less inconvenient. If you don't want to order 80 bucks worth of food at a Tigers' game you have to hoof it down to the plebes and get a taco salad or whatever and miss at least a half-inning. I assume this won't be a problem at Michigan since there should be points of sale on that level if the food doesn't come with your 70k.
• The bathroom thing is a little odd. One advantage for the Tigers: you get your own bathroom; here you get access to a bunch of concourse bathrooms only the patricians can access. That might be better, I guess, since I assume the bathrooms will be so plentiful that one will always be open and that might not be the case in a sixteen-person suite.

There was a fierce debate about whether or not the window configuration—you can open them—blocks line of sight. A lot of media members thought it did but since we were all standing up I think maybe it's not a problem when you're seated. It's probably a ton better than the Tigers, who inexplicably put unnecessary pieces of metal directly in your LOS.

They also showed us around the club seats underneath the new structures. If a magic fairy came down and told me I could sit anywhere in the premium seating I wanted and if I didn't he'd shoot me* I'd probably go with those. They sit below an overhang, which should keep rain and less pleasant things off and also make the stadium seem electrically loud—the Tiger suite had a similar noise-catching configuration and it was surprisingly lively. They've also got access to an air-conditioned Donor Whose Name I Forgot Lounge that's got bathrooms and points of sale and whatnot. But I have different requirements than men in suits with 55-85k.

Speaking of: yes, 55-85k "gift" per suite, which is approximately $5.7 million per year without considering the 3000 club seats. This thing is going to be a money factory. And now I realize there's a word for "money factory": mint. If only I had the power to delete.

Oh also noes! The day's most-discussed topic:

They're switching from Pepsi to Coke, which several eagle-eyed reporters picked out. I wouldn't have been able to tell you which company had the previous contract.

Greg also points out something I noticed and winced at as we clambered up the stairs:

Crisler looks sadder and sadder with every new touch they put on the renovation.  That place has got to go.

Looking out the window of the brick, glass, and class structure being erected, Crisler looked dingy and old. A new practice facility will help, but only so much.

BONUS rumor debunk/start! Debunk: the classic art deco lettering on top of the press box is going to be saved but they don't know what they're going to do with it. It had previously been rumored to be headed for the entrance tunnel.

Start: I heard tell there are vague plans for another 27 rows in the endzones at some indeterminate future date in case Beaver Stadium ever gets uppity.

Thing that wasn't even a rumor but I asked about anyway, mostly in jest: there are no plans to but bleachers on top of the new luxury box structures.

*(The family heirlooms are season tickets that have been in continuous use since the 50s; they are good seats.)