Very Encouraging Update on Austin Hatch

Submitted by Raoul on

This is by far the most encouraging CaringBridge update on Austin Hatch yet, complete with no fewer than two Michigan mentions:

Austin is well underway with his a-maize-ing comeback. Although his recovery will be long and difficult, his progress causes us to rejoice and hope. A few highlights from the past week are:

-So far Austin prefers chili rather than hamburger or ravioli

-Austin sang 'Hail to the Victors' with us

-Austin is working hard on his mobility skills

'Team Austin' includes a wonderful group of therapists who push him hard and all of us celebrate his success. Austin and his family are especially mindful of all his classmates and the entire Canterbury family as they returned to school today.

M-Go-Away

August 22nd, 2011 at 9:40 PM ^

Praying that those huge strides keep coming for Austin. Hopefully he's wearing blue a year from now with a very normal college life. Keep up the good work Mr Hatch and know that the whole Michigan family is following your every step.

SGRWebster

August 22nd, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^

in 2013, Lord willing.

So you'll have to wait a little longer to see him suit up. 

Very encouraging, though.  Had lunch with a good friend of his today and we continue to hold out hope as he works hard toward what has already been a remarkable recovery.

 

 

justingoblue

August 22nd, 2011 at 10:07 PM ^

Honestly, the first thing that goes through my head when I hear another Austin Hatch story is hoping that he can still get a scholarship at Michigan when he graduates. If I could afford it (and I can't even pay my own tuition at this point) I would pay every last dime for his education without one care in the world about NCAA rules.

bacon1431

August 22nd, 2011 at 10:12 PM ^

I would hope that Beilein and the university would do everything in their power to get him a scholarship to UofM whether or not he will be able to play again. And if he doesn't play again, it's not a violation for any booster or coach to pay for him, correct?

Anyways, very encouraging to hear this. Hopefully the good news keeps coming.

Tater

August 23rd, 2011 at 1:52 AM ^

Someone from Michigan has already said that he will have a scholarship waiting for him, regardless of whether or not he ever sets foot on a court in uniform again.  

It is remarkable that he has come as far as he has.  I am hoping that he makes it to school and becomes Dr Hatch someday.  I am not counting on him to ever play ball again.  After what he has gone through, the risk of concussion will probably be too great for him to ever play competitive sports that involve collisions with other participants.  

Basketball's loss will probably be the medical profession's gain.  That isn't really a bad trade-off at all.

Section 1

August 22nd, 2011 at 10:45 PM ^

has done a nice writeup on Austin and his Michigan family in the current issue of The Wolverine.  It was necessary to get NCAA approval for Beilein and the coaching staff to visit the extended Hatch family and to attend memorial services, etc.  To its credit, the NCAA did its part and made the allowance(s).

rockydude

August 22nd, 2011 at 10:50 PM ^

Good job, Austin - Keep up all the hard work. I know that the rehab must be incredibly tough, but we're all pulling for you. One day you'll be the doctor taking care of the patients . . . .

Look Up_See Blue

August 22nd, 2011 at 11:30 PM ^

This is great news for sure, definitely a mircale.  Jeremy Schapp is probably already gathering one of his feature stories that he does when things like this happen.  Can't wait to see him take the floor at Crisler.

Michigasling

August 22nd, 2011 at 11:45 PM ^

Checked his Caring Bridge site twice yesterday and was concerned there wasn't what seems to be the regular Sunday update.  Obviously I should have checked a third time.  The specifics make the progress much more real. 

Webber's Pimp

August 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 AM ^

Great news! I didn't realize he had regained conciousness. This kid is going to realize his lifelong dream of being a doctor and he's going to start that journey at UM...

MikeUM85

August 23rd, 2011 at 11:19 AM ^

So glad to hear a positive update.  

Thinking of them singing The Victors is so uplifting.

Best wishes to Austin from a former Saginaw boy and Go Blue!