Brief Austin Hatch Update
I thought the following tweet from Kyle Bogenschutz of Fox Sports/Scout was encouraging to hear and worth posting:
Talking with [Mark] Donnal he mentioned his good friend Austin Hatch told him he's shooting "about as good as he did before the accident" #awesome
— Kyle Bogenschutz (@KyleBogie) February 18, 2012
Also, Sam Webb has tweeted that Hatch will be in attendance at the Ohio game tonight, along with Mark Donnal and Derrick Walton Jr. I believe I read earlier that Zak Irvin will be there as well. (EDIT: That's the entire 2013 class.)
February 18th, 2012 at 1:19 PM ^
so..does this mean hes still coming to Ann Arbor?
February 18th, 2012 at 4:30 PM ^
I've heard from people like Dylan at UMhoops that he may reclassify. I don't think that's any inside info, just a guess that he may have to push his college back a year and play prep to get back to full game-playing shape.
If he comes back with permanent issues he may take a Cronin role and come to be a part of the team, but as great of a story as he is, you know Beilein won't give a schollie to a kid if he's not back in D-I shape.
February 18th, 2012 at 6:12 PM ^
Regardless, you know the school - whether it's a full basketball scholarship or something else - WILL find a way to honor his commitment.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:22 PM ^
This kid has been through a lot in his life and the Michigan family showed its support with donations and well wishes throughout his recovery process even though he was only a commit and not even taking classes yet. GO BLUE!
February 18th, 2012 at 1:20 PM ^
great news! thanks for the info
February 18th, 2012 at 1:21 PM ^
Nothing but hopes and prayers for this kid, if he can't play ball again than hopefully he will at least get a great education for free.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:26 PM ^
This young man has endured a lot in his young life. Best wishes to Austin in all his present & future endeavors.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:26 PM ^
This sounds super toolish but my girlfriend runs the tanning salon in Ft Wayne that Austin, and his brother Austin frequent. She would give me updates about him weekly. Great kid, parents were huge in that community and it was a tragic loss. I can think of no better accomplishment for him to honor that then at least putting on the uniform. Great kids, tragic situations. His brother Austin was adament that he would play again fwiw!!
February 18th, 2012 at 1:27 PM ^
That must have been a confusing ass childhood.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:28 PM ^
Absolutely awesome for Austin. If he's shooting that well right now, it says a lot about how the rest of his recovery is going as well.
I wouldn't have ever imagined he'd be back to play for us, but if he is, it would be one of the better Michigan sports stories of all time.
Also, on a slightly selfish note, imagine all the positive media coverage something like this would bring. Can't hurt.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:28 PM ^
Zak told me he is going but DW told me he is not.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:28 PM ^
Zak told me he is going but DW told me he is not.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:33 PM ^
He's already one of my favorite Wolverines without yet playing, but if he ever sets foot on the floor for the Maize N Blue I just may break down. There should be a movie about this kid if that happens.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:35 PM ^
Remind me, is this the kid who was in two plane crashes?
February 18th, 2012 at 2:29 PM ^
Thanks. That seems statistically impossible. Hope he ends up alright.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:36 PM ^
In your recovery, may you have a wonderful future ahead of you, I'm proud as an M fan to have you in AA. Stay strong, you sound like a terrific young man. Go Blue!!!....Go Austin!!!
February 18th, 2012 at 2:05 PM ^
February 18th, 2012 at 2:56 PM ^
I am from Fort Wayne and yes his parents were very well-off and big contributors in the community. He goes to Canterbury which is a private school and everyone I know that has gone to Canterbury has said nothing but good things about the kid. Even if he doesn't end up playing basketball I think he will be very successful in whatever he decides to pursue at Michigan. I thought I heard something about him possibly going to medical school because his parents were doctors, but I am unsure how accurate that is. Either way he will do well at Michigan and I am glad he is part of the Michigan family.
February 18th, 2012 at 3:24 PM ^
Keep up the good work, Austin! None of us will be satisfied until you are an officially enrolled Wolverine in the program of your choice!
February 18th, 2012 at 4:32 PM ^
This is amazing! I was away from my computer about 5 hours and came back to 4 commits and this story about Austin. As absolutely geeked as I am about the 4 commits (so far, apparently), I am so excited for Austin. If I were to only hear one bit of good news today, his progress would be it. I hope this kid makes it all the way back, for his sake. I am absolutely tickled pink for him!
February 18th, 2012 at 4:38 PM ^
but too shy to ask. Noting the uncertainty posted above, it's possible that tonight may be too much of a zoo, knowing the family wants to protect his privacy. But so good to know he's made plans with friends, whether it happens this time or not. Of course tonight would be make a pleasant evening out for a bunch of co-interested buddies...