Page 10 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, October 8, 1986 4 'M' SENIOR FINALLY HEAL THY Wilcher backs running Daily Photo by PETER RO Thomas Wilcher (27) rushes for a gain behind the blocking of Gerald White (22). Since filling in for the injured Jamie Morris, Wilcher has rushed for 131 yards on 32 carries and three touchdowns. By MARK BOROWSKY Ask a football player what he fears most, and he will almost always utter "injuries." Injuries are irritating at best, a crippling nightmare at worst. For Thomas Wilcher, injuries have been a way of life. That means knee surgery, nagging ankle pain, and watching from the sidelines. It's not a lifestyle designed for the '80, but one that Wilcher has had to live with in his three previous years at Michigan. AS A RESULT, the senior tailback has yet to play a full season. Wilcher's career has been stifled by aches and pains, resulting in backup status. It's hardly the glamour one associates with running back. Nonetheless, Wilcher has been philosophical about his career at Michigan. "There's always a later phase of ss life," he said. "In the end, I'm enjoying what I am doing right now." That he is enjoying his present _ deeds is not surprising, for Wilcher has been playing lately, and playing well. Filling for the injured Jamie Morris, the 5-10, 188-pound t tailback has rushed for 131 yards on 32 attempts and three touchdowns. Coming off the bench against Florida State and starting against Wisconsin, Wilcher has given the t Wolverines no major reasons to miss Morris. "WILCHER has really helped s. us the last two games," said Michigan head coach Bo Y Schembechler. "He's given us a big boost. He started strong last year, but then he got hurt." Ah, those injuries again. Bodily ailments weren't bothering Wilcher when he rushed for a mind-boggling 19.3 yards a carry in his senior year of high school at Detroit Central. One of most recruited players in the state, Wilcher decided on Michigan over Southern Cal, despite the pitch given by Trojan alumnus O.J. Simpson. "I went over to his house and he showed me his Heisman Trophy," Wilcher said. "And then he showed me Marcus Allen's Heisman Trophy." WHILE HE brushed shoulders with of Simpson and Allen, no one is mentioning the Heisman Trophy in the same breath as Wilcher. A knee operation due to a track injury slowed him up a bit and forced him to miss his sophomore year in 1984. That doesn't mean that he hasn't put his tremedous speed (40 yards in 4.3 seconds) to good use. Wilcher was the NCAA Indoor 55- meter high hurdle champion. in 1985, the first Wolverine to win an indoor track title. What was even more impressive is that the win came right after football season, in THE FRUSTRATING -if not tragic- aspect of Wilcher's injuries is his unfufilled potential His injuries have hampered his development, and Wilcher has never established himself as a starter. To ponder "what might have been" is easy, but Wilcher has not let his lack of playing time or the thought of having gone to USC bother him. "He's taken it very well," said offensive backfield coach Tirrel Burton. "I think Tom now realizes: not matter where you go you have to win the position, there's always competition. All the major football schools usually are three or ; four deep at running back." One school that has to look down its depth charts this weekend is Michigan State. The Spartans have lost the services of Lorenzo White for the game, but that hardly- makes the contest any less intense., For Wilcher, who was recruited by MSU, this weekend's game brings with it ramifications for the next year. "It's intense because you know' people from each school," he said. "You also have the bragging rights when you go back home." With the right amount of. intensity and a little luck, Wilcher will be putting the hurt on the other team this time. Blue Banter 4 ,4 We here at Griddes Control Center have an announcement that will undoubtedly stimulate you all to enter the weekly Gridde contest. In addition to winning a free pizza from Pizza Bob's, the person who can pick the most number of games correctly will now receive a free Pick-Me-Up Bouquet from FTD florists. Is this a great country or what? GRIDDE PICKS Michigan (pick total points) 2. Wisconsin at Iowa 3. Purdue at Illinois 4. Ohio State at Indiana 5. Northwestern at Minnesota 6. Oklahoma vs. Texas at Dallas 7. USC at Washington State 8. Arizona at UCLA 9. SMU at Baylor '10. Georgia at LSU 11. North Carolina State at Georgia Tech 12. Boston College a Maryland 13. Iowa State at Kansas 14. Colorado at Missouri 15. Pitt at Notre Dame 16. South Carolina a Virginia Tech 17. Army at Tennessee 18. Navy at Air Force 19. Prairie View A&M vs Bishop at Austin 20. State News at DAILI LIBELS 1. Michigan State at -n a < What's Happening Recreational Sports ... healthy and happy which he missed the last three games with - one need not guess - an injury, this time an ankle. Like the exploits of Achilles, the start of last year's campaign was seemingly easy. After missing most of 1984, Wilcher split time with Morris and Gerald White at tailback last season. He had his most productive season, rushing for 355 yards on 71 carries, a 5.0 yard average. Wilcher put his first career start (against South Carolina) to good use, running for 106 yards on only 16 carries and a touchdown. But then he blew out an ankle late in the season, again ending the year early. -Split End Paul Jokisch may return this weekend, but with the play of backup Ken Higgins, he hasn't been missed. Higgins' eight receptions against Wisconsin was the first time a Wolverine has caught that many passes in a game since Anthony Carter caught eiglit in a 1982 contest. What's more, his 165 yards is the season high for Big Ten players. -It would be nice if Michgan could play only the third quarter of every game. The Wolverines have outscored their four opponents 34-6 in the third quarter this year, and have not allowed a point in the third quarter since Notre Dame scored two field goals in the first game of the year. 4 4 TOUCH FOOTBALL OFFICIALS NEEDED WE TRAIN - WE PAY - $4.40/hour YOU CHOOSE YOUR OWN SCHEDULE ra CALL US 1141 Broadway (769-5511) 1200 Packard (761-9393) 1200 Packard (761-9393) 1031 E. Ann* (761-1111) *OPEN 'TIL 2:00 A.M. LIMITED DELIVERY AREA FREE EXTRA CHEESE ANN ARBOR LOCATIONS ONLY © 1986 Domino's Pizza, Inc. WEDNESDAY DOUBLE FEATURE only $4.99 for two 10" cheese pizzas Additional Toppings 99G for Both Pizzas Tax not included Offer Good on Wednesdays in October only! A Call Moby Benedict - 763-3562 I You've thought about it. You've tried to imagine what it would be like. You know it would be exciting. And a challenge. And quite possibly the most rewarding experience of your life.. . Three Americans overseas in Asia, Africa and South America speak frankly on what Peace Corps life is like for them. It isn't easy and it isn't for everyone-they'll tell you that up front. But if you've ever considered going overseas in the Peace Corps, then now is your chance to see and hear for yourself what could be "the toughest job you'll ever love." Note: Former Peace Corps volunteers will be on hand to answer questions following the 25 minute film. And it's free! ~ '1 r .,/ -_ Finally, A College Job That Will Help Get You A Real Job .. . I 0 If you are nature, reliable, and able to talk persuasively about the University and its needs, University of Michigan Telefund Office is willing to pay $4.00 - $6.00/hr. plus bonuses for your time just a few evenings each week. r I INTERESTED? Come to: Michigan 19 m 1A'I