Character witness for the defense

Forgive me, but I am going to summarize from another site some content that I wrote up following my 13-year old's week at Michigan Football Camp this summer.
It's a tad long, but the primary message is that RR and his staff are terrific people and Rich in particular is a high-character guy -- his closing talk to the campers was off-the-cuff (seems he never reads a statement -- comes from the heart and the head) and hugely meaningful.

Evan was met at the entrance to Yost for camp sign-in by Tony Gibson -- big handshake, big smile, and asked Evan if he'd hit anyone yet today.  Great welcome.

We then were directed to a table with Coach Smith and his wife, then to a table with Coach Frey, then Coach Tall and on down the line.

After sign-in, we went over to Schembechler Hall where Evan had his picture taken with RR, who told me I had a nice looking son (ok, I'm sold).

For the week, the entire camp for 13 to 15 year olds was run by RR and his staff.  Coach Robinson and Coach Hopson worked the linebackers, which was Evan's group.  Everything they did was "on the hop".

The dorm counselor was Scott Draper, a very fine gentleman who commanded the attention and respect of the 200 or so young fellows there.

We parents were treated with great warmth and respect, while the kids had the times of their lives.  They were told that they may have come from a lot of different places, but for the camp, they were all Wolverines and all in together.

At the end of the camp, RR gave an off-the-cuff farewell that was priceless:
Take care of your parents,
take care of your brothers and sisters,
take care of your friends and teammates, 
and take care of your schoolwork.
If you do that, everything else will follow.

I also had a chance to see Mrs. R holding court with a bunch of moms -- it looked like the weekend football mom's coffee klatch -- Rita couldn't have been more charming and welcoming.

These are terrific people and our beloved program is in fine hands.  Bill Martin made a great hire, Lloyd finished with class and has remained classy, and Rich Rodriquez is a natural-born West Virginian who continues the tradition of excellence from Coach Yost on down.  Bo would be proud, would respect the emphasis on the team, and the long blue line of Michigan men and women should also be proud.