michigandaily. com/sports sportsdesk@umich.edu New Student Edition pojr ts SECTION E WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2000 *DAVID DEN HERDER Look who's varsity now? Men's soccer _M'sports, more noble than you think Confession No. 1: 1 don't mind listening to the Backstreet Boys. Their tunes are catchy, and ifI " c could dance to them, 1 probably would. And they tell me I'm larger than life. Fortunately, I know enough of this university to realize that's not possible. At least not here. Not in Ann Arbor. It's relatively insane to think I could be larger than any- thing around here. Some scrub sports editor for a local daily paper. That's not even enough to get me into Bollinger's "freedom of the press" class. Around here, even people like Tom Goss aren't larger than life. Who is he? More like who "was" he: Michigan's athletic director until about six months ago. He presided over three national titles - in football, hockey and gymnastics. He expanded the Big House to accommodate every student that wanted a ticket. He reclaimed Michigan Stadium as biggest in all the land, with the two largest video screens in college to boot. He created mgohlue.co. lie made men's soccer and women's water polo varsity sports, although he never saw them don the maize and blue. Why not'? Because he wasn't bigger than Michigan. And after a few missteps, he was forced to resign. Perhaps simply "overseeing" success doesn't make you 'large enough around here. Maybe you have to win some- thing for yourself. Gary Moeller was a winner. Roses were Blue in 1993 when he guided the Wolverines to victory in Pasadena. And he was there the year before, too - with a beloved, pose- striking Heisman Trophy receiver - although that trip to California left an aching in everybody's heart. Still, he had two Big Ten titles in four seasons. Not bad, but not larger than life. Mo got the axe because he couldn't earn his keep in Michigan's House of the Holy, and roses couldn't save him. 'Even so, maybe it takes more than a bowl game to really #levate someone's status on this campus. Maybe it takes someone who really takes care of business. How about a man that captured Michigan's only NCAA basketball title? How about a man like Steve Fisher, who took the Wolverines to three Final Fours in his first four seasons? Fisher is responsible for putting Michigan basketball on the globe (not just the "map"). He has the best winning percent- age in Michigan history. He was the commander of a black- socked, baggy-shorts legion, and he led his troops to the NCAA final two years in a row, changing the face of col- lege basketball in the process. * The Fab Five were legends in their own time, and Steve Fisher was truly larger than life. Just not larger than Michigan. So, for better or worse, he was fired four weeks before the 1998 season. Fired by a man who wanted to "change the program." Ironically, Tom Goss would find that no man was larger than that program - not even himself. So what should you do about this? Take a slow sigh, and let a grin creep slowly onto your face as you exhale. Be happy you are about to attend a university where integrity is the unquestionable and sometimes painful rule. It may not mean much to you now, and it will mean even ess after an intro-level philosophy class has you questioning whether anything really matters at all. But any way the wind blows, your diploma will carry a lot more weight because of the involuntary sacrifices of Moeller, Fisher and Goss. Believe it or not, there are universities out there that don't care about their reputation, or how the name of their institu- tion might look slightly soiled on resumes due to their inac- tion. There are universities out there with coaches who pub- eicly embarrass them on a regular basis. Coaches who love to dress down for any occasion, and verbally abuse co-work- ers, athletes and the media. Out there, somewhere south of Ann Arbor, there are coaches who can throw tantrums and other objects all over the court on national television. Somewhere out there, beneath the red and white, there are coaches who are allowed say whatever they please, act in the lockerroom however they please, detain players by the throat whenever they please. And when their disgraceful actions are broadcast all over the world on ESPN, and when the wall of denial begins to crumble, they have nothing to worry about. Because some old boys are larger than life. Real life. And *very time they're down, their cronies can make it right. Every time. Those are the red sweater-wearing boys that will continue to sit behind microphones in the Crisler press lounge, ironi- cally scolding Michigan fans for "their" inappropriate screaming, calling "their" behavior "bullshit." One phrase you'll be sick of by the time you leave here is the Athletic Department's famous jingle (to be read in a deep, mock-authoritative voice): At Michigan, we hold our- selves to a higher standard. I don't know if it is the "highest" standard, or if Michigan is somehow the "last man standing" on the moral front. For heaven's sake, Ohio State even fired Woody Hayes. But I am confident that the standard here is higher than most. At the end of the day, that's worth a pat on the back. On your diploma, it's priceless. David Den herder can be reached at A dden(a)umich.edu. finally hits the big time By Arun Gopal Daily Sports Writer For decades, soccer has been the most popular sport on the planet. From Mexico to Morocco, Chile to Cameroon, people of all ages and all ethnicities have played "foot- ball," whether in the streets or in packed stadiums. In addition, soccer fans the world over have gained notoriety for their unparalleled devotion to their favorite teams. For proof, one Women's water polo enters the main pool By Arun Gopal Daily,Sports X nter Next year, Michigan welcomes two new teams to the varsity sports family. One of the newly-minted varsity programs - imen's soccer - should be famil- iar to virtually all sports fans at this university. Most everyone has seen part of a World Cup game on televi- sion or has at least heard of legendary clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid. But, the other new varsi- ty team does not enjoy nearly as much familiarity with the fans. This program has toiled in relative obscu- rity, even by club standards, for several years. This is certainly unfortunate, because this particular team has had a run of suc- cess that is unmatched by any other sport at this school. Still wondering what See WATER POLO, Page 9E Going all DANNY KAUCK/Dady A fan favorite - the Michigan hockey team could be preseason No. 1 and have its best shot at a national championship in years. Inside: Recap of the 1999-2000 season, Geoff Gagnon's column, plus five reasons why hockey will win it all. Page 5E Courtesy Michigan men's soccer club The Michigan men's soccer team will play at Elbel Field this season. need look no further than the World Cup --over a billion people See SOCCER, Page 9E c I The schedule non nie the Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Bowling Green Rice at UCLA at Illinois Wisconsin at Purdue Indiana Michigan State Bye at Northwestern Penn State at Ohio State 12:10 ESPN TBA TBA 5:30, ESPN2 TBA TBA 3:30, ABC 3:30, ABC TBA TBA Noon, ABC train Football has the schedule to go the distance this' season y- , By Mark Francescutti Daily Sports Editor For a freshman coming to Michigan. find- ing the right classes is important for the future. Getting to know that complete stranger of a roommate is vital to a happy dorm campaign; But football - well why come to school if the football team is going to suck? But thankfully for the latest incoming class of freshmen, the Michigan football team will not embarrass itself. One of the lightest nonconference sched- ules in years combined with a rebuilding Big Ten could create a path for the Wolverines to cruise through its 11-game schedule. Penn State lost its defense, Minnesota had its one Cinderella season per decade, Michigan State is now a basketball school and Ohio State is still refueling. So who's left'? Upstart Illinois and Drew Brees-led Purdue - each could reach the Top 15 preseason AP and both are road games on Michigan's schedule. Probably the easiest schedule in years doesnt necessarily mean perfect success. Several questions still revolve around the prospects of the 20C0 season. Will Drew Henson shine? He signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Yankees. Will he stay? He's got a talent level not seen in a Michigan quarterback in years, but the Yankees are serious in their claim to the Golden Boy. And what if he gets hurt? Which leads to the question of Henson's backup. With no prior game experience behind them, 6-4, 225-pound Andy Mignery and 6-6, 220-pound John Navarre will battle it out. With the loss of senior linebackers Dhani LOUIS BROWN/Daily Anthony Thomas, also known as the "A Train,' returns for his senior season. This time, though, he should have some help in the backfield from Justin Fargas, who comes back from last year's season-ending injury. Jones, Ian Gold and James Hall, some people point to the possibility of a lackluster defense. But with all the talent last season, the defense still struggled at times. Maybe an. underrated defense will do better than an overrated one. Senior James Whitley and juniors Todd Howard and Cato June will try to bolster a "suspect" set of pass defense. As usual, expect David Terrell to play Charles Woodson and do double duty as wide receiv- er and corner. Terrell already is making headlines as a Heisman prospect. With Henson behind the gun, the junior wideout should have plenty of chances to fill the ticket. If the Wolverines beat the teams they're supposed to beat, a 11-0 record entering the bowl game is not out of the question. But will an "Illinois" debacle crush Michigan's hopes again this season? We'll find out in September. Oh, and be sure to grab a copy of Daily Sports Kickoff handed out at the Rice game on Sept. 9. 'M' basketball: A tale of a tumultuous season Fafl 1999 A quick start Spurred by a fairly easy nonconference schedule, Michigan cruises to a 12-3 record entering the Big Ten season, including a victory over Georgia Tech and a close loss to national championship contender Duke. February 2000 The streak With Crawford on the bench, the Wolverines lose seven straight games, six by double figures. Crawford was supposed to return Feb. 24 against Purdue, but was instead suspended eight more games for filing for the NBA draft before college. January 2000y Scandal erupts A Michigan student accuses Brandon Smith of stealing several items from her including a palm pilot. It was later revealed that Smith had nothing to do with the thefts, and instead it was two other players involved. Coach Ellerbe stepped in and convinced the girl not to press charges once her items were returned. February 1, 2000 The Jamal Crawford saga begins It's the night of the Michigan State game at Crisler and Michigan's best player doesn't appear. Crawford is suspended for six games for receiving improper benefits from a family friend - Barry Henthorn. Henthorn is linked to a sports agency, and Jamal watches Mateen Cleaves handle Michigan 82-62. March 2000 Ellerbe safe, as 'M' bows out of NIT The Wolverines make first-round exits in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NIT. Still, Interim Athletic Director Bill Martin maintains Ellerbe is his coach. Assistant coach Lorenzo Neely bolts for Western Michigan after a physical confrontation with Crawford. Flint recruiter Terrence Greene will take his place. Excitement not new for hoops By Raphael Goodstein Daily Sports Writer "We're very excited about the season," Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said at last year's Michigan Media Day. Unfortunately for the Maize Rage and Michigan faith- ful, excitement turned to frustration, which turned to dis- appointment last season. The 1999-2000 season was a depressing one. A promising 12-3 opening record was marred by a six- game losing streak in which Michigan was outscored by 129 points in the last five games of the streak. Two wins later, Michigan was taken behind the wood- shed by rival Michigan State, losing 114-63, the worst loss in the program's history. The 15-14 season ended with a wimper, a 75-65 loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the NIT. But with all of last year's ups-and- downs, one thing overshadowed the season - the ongo- ing saga of Jamal Crawford. The freshman shooting guard was Michigan's best player for the first 17 games of the season. But before the Wolverines' game against Michigan State, the NCAA suspended the headbanded star because he accepted improper benefits including cash and cars from a family friend - Barry Henthorn. Crawford would never play for Michigan again, as an investigation turned into a career-ending suspension. Michigan bargained the punishment down to the rest of last season and the first two games of this upcoming sea- son; but the young freshman would bolt for the NBA draft before the suspension was finished. See HOOPS. Page 4E Spring 2000 Spring cleaning? Crawford announces he's entering the NBA draft. Kevin Gaines is fluctuating with academic eligibility. Recruit Avery Queen's troubles mar another top 10 recruiting class. The Ed Martin scandal haunts the program again. II