Austin Hatch scores against Wayne State

Submitted by michWolves2580 on

At the game in Crisler. Austin Hatch just checked into the game. The bench stood up in anticipation every time Austin touched the ball. With less than a minute left Austin got fouled and missed his first free throw. After a deep breath and a second with his eyes closed, Austin put the ball straight through the rim, nothing but net.

 

It's unbelievable to think that just 3 short years after surviving his 2nd plane crash, after relearning how to breathe, eat, and walk, Austin has scored in a Division 1 basketball game. Amazing credit to Austin as a person and credit to John Beilein for giving him the opportunity. Go Blue

gotohail

November 10th, 2014 at 9:11 PM ^

How awesome for him! I can't wait to see his progress over the next few years. I'm not expecting him to start and dominate but if he can contribute at a reasonable level it would be unbelievable.

FanNamedOzzy

November 10th, 2014 at 9:12 PM ^

I couldn't imagine going through what Austin Hatch has. When I think of Beilein's character, I don't have to look much further than the way he honored his scholarship. I could not be prouder to have this young man on the team. He provides such a huge source of inspiration of team that goes beyond words. The hug between him and Beilein was such a heartwarming moment and choked me up a bit.

Could not be prouder to be a Wolverine tonight.

TrueLT

November 10th, 2014 at 9:35 PM ^

Every time he hits the court the announcers are going to go into the same story, and every single time it's going to move me, so proud he plays for us.

 

I'd love to see him contributing regularly in a few years, I think if anyone has the work ethic and drive it's Austin, and if there's any coach I'd pick to develop a player it's Beilein...let's see how this one goes, he should also know if he goes to the NBA theres a Disney movie in it for him

pinkfloyd2000

November 10th, 2014 at 9:50 PM ^

Austin's story was so tragic -- so almost unbelievably tragic...I recall reading his story way back when for the first time and thinking, "No way...that couldn't possibly have happened!" It's great to see this young man on a basketball court, in a Michigan uniform, and it's great to see him get a much-deserved standing ovation. Kid's been to hell and back, for sure. I wish him all the best.

Baloo

November 10th, 2014 at 10:16 PM ^

There just aren't very many programs in the country where this sort of thing can happen.  Can anyone see Tom Crean or Thad Matta honoring that scholarship and then hugging him after he scores his first point?  I don't think so.

Michigasling

November 11th, 2014 at 12:28 AM ^

He's coming back from much more than an injury.  There have been many postings you can find by clicking the tag link above, but here's an MLive story Brian linked to back in August.

He was recruited here in the normal course of being a talented young basketball player from Indiana, and committed.  Then things happened.  Worth a read to learn more.

Perkis-Size Me

November 10th, 2014 at 10:36 PM ^

Sports story of the year? I think so, too. I hope we get to see many more out of him.

Stories like this are an ever present reminder that we rarely ever have it as bad as we think we do. If Austin Hatch can survive two plane crashes, the death of several loved ones, and still get himself back into physical and mental shape to play D1 basketball, what do we really have to complain about?



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