w w w w V I W, I qw w I -W -W -1 f Arnold returns as sole survivor By Pete Steinert David Arnold. His name stands alone when it comes to returning regulars in the Michigan secondary. The loss of Allen Bishop, Doug Mallory and Erik Campbell leaves the Wolver- ines with reason for concern heading into the '88 campaign. "The only position we have to work on now (defensively), I guess, is defensive back," defensive tackle Mark Messner said. "We have a lot of young people there because of SECONDARY graduation. It's the only place we've really lost anyone, and unfortu- nately, they're in a position where one mistake can be very costly and very obvious." Miami (Fla.), with whom the Wolverines open their home sched- ule, will test the Michigan secondary with its pro-set offense, directed by quarterback Steve Walsh. Once the conference season roles around, the Wolverines must deal with Chuck Hartlieb, Iowa's talented signal caller. Michigan head coach Bo Schem- bechler has switched sophomore Tripp Welborne from wideout to de- fensive back in hopes of fortifying the depleted secondary. Welborne played defensive back in high school where he intercepted nine passes in each of his last two seasons. Schembechler will try Welborne at free safety and at cornerback. "I like offense better, but I'm not go- ing to say it's my forte," Welborne said. "I don't know which I do bet- ter. I enjoy playing offense more, but I'm not saying I don't like de- M' osU no longer alone 4- 4: By Adam Schrager It surrounds us. It's invaded our society. It pervades upon our every thought. It's...aargh, PARITY!!! Yes indeed, parity has become prevalent in today's world. From the political scene to the world of col- lege football, there's no escaping the infamous p word. What then is the best example of this phenomenon? The conference that used to be the "Big Two and Little Eight." The conference that has had different champions in each of the past five seasons. The Big Ten. After no one but archrivals Ohio State and Michigan went to the Rose Bowl in the entire decade of the '70s, there has been a 180-degree change. Perennial losers like Indiana and Minnesota are now two of the con- ference's better teams. "I think our kids currently believe that they can beat anyone they play," said Indiana head coach Bill Mallory, Big Ten Coach-of-the-Year the past two seasons. "Now, when IU talks football, people listen." This climb to the top has been difficult, but definitely rewarding for the holders of its treasures. Michigan State head coach George Perles, whose team won the Rose Bowl last year, is extremely satisfied with the current status of the Big Ten. "We are now one of, if not the toughest conference in the country," said Perles. "The parity is what col- lege football has been striving for. That's the American way." Just like "football," hot dogs, and apple pie, right George? Everyone gets a chance. Anyone can beat any- one else on a given Saturday. We've all heard it before, but can it really be true? Say it ain't so, Bo. Say it ain't so. "Sure, I liked it better when it was Woody (Hayes, former Ohio State head coach) and myself," said Michigan's Bo Schembechler, the dean of Big Ten coaches. "But those days, I'm afraid, are gone forever." No, it can't be. What about tradition? This is like Wrigley Field getting lights. "Back in '84-'85, the attitude here was down," said senior Indiana linebacker Willie Bates. "I know the recruiting for coach Mallory was terrible. But we put the time and dedication into it, and now we're not C t I a i r 4, WEEKEND FILE PHOTO Michigan boasts one of the Big Ten's top defensive backs in senior David Arnold, the Wolverines' only returning starter in the secondary. Arnold led the Wolverines in interceptions last season with four despite missing two games with a leg injury. fense. I'll go out there, and I'll play my hardest and give 100 percent." Anthony Mitchell and Vada Mur- ray pose as Welborne's main competition at free safety. Either of the two could bump Welborne to cornerback. Mitchell started seven games last season in a relief of Bishop and Arnold. Senior Rick Hassel and sopho- more Otis Williams head the list of strong safety candidates. Hassel is recovering from shoulder surgery, which forced him to miss all of spring practice. Opposite Arnold at strong cornerback, David Key and Sean LaFountaine return with most of their experience coming on special teams. Murray and Williams have yet to see action as Wolverines. With all the new faces in the de- fensive backfield, Arnold has taken on a leadership role. "The guys look up to me, and they respect me," Arnold said. "I hope I can do the job if they have any questions about learning the coverages or anything. I'm sure I can help them out." "He's the stalwart of the defense," Welborne said of Arnold. Head coach Bill Mallory guided Indiana to a second-place finish in the Big Ten last year. The Hoosiers defeated Michigan and Ohio State in the same season for the first time ever. I Join us outside at our Outdoor Cafe' s y'' , ., ". ,. ? 0 9 WHAT'S HAPPENING RECREATIONAL SPORTS JOIN US DURING YOUR LEISURE TIME Facility use free to all currently enrolled students. y0 r I, I .7 g;,! 4. ! M4' L \j o o Interviewing? Women's suits at Mary Dibble S. University at Foothal iie Only $1.50 each way The Ann Arbor Transporation Authority provides shuttle bus service from most area hotels tc Michigan Stadium. Enjo) meal with your out of to at the hotel's restaurant hop on the bus for a ride gate. After the game co the Wolverine's win bac For specific boarding inf locations call (313) 996-C I THE Ag/ Ride Great programs includino Drop-In, Sort Clubs. S Lunch " Dinner - 50 Imported Beers If it's too hot come inside, it's air conditioned. Intram ra[ Children, and Outdoor Recreation. FACIL ITI ES: INTRAMURAL SPORTS BLDG 606 E. Hoover St. 763-3562 CENTRAL CAMPUS RECREATION BLDG. - 401 Washtenaw Avenue; 763-3084 NORTH CAMPUS RECREATION BLDG. 2375 Hubbard; 763-4560 WATCH FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS "WHAT'S HAPPENING' IN THE DAILY ON MON. AND WED. ,f . 4 Church * 663-2311 338 S. State St. 996-9191 PAGE 8 WEEKEND/SEPTEMBER 9, 1988 .. f . WEEKEND/SEPTEMBER 9,.1988