Monday, August 15, 2011 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com Michigan, Ohio State rivalry heads outdoors By STEPHEN J. NESBITT Daily Sports Editor An outdoor game between the Ohio State and Michigan hockey programs was imminent in May, nearly a done deal in June, and dead in July. But now it's official. The Cleveland Indians held a press conference Thursday to announce the finalized plans to host their first outdoor hockey game, dubbed The Frozen Diamond Faceoff, at Progressive Field on Jan. 15, 2012. "You have avid fans from Michi- gan and Ohio State," Indians president Mark Shapiro said in an Indians' press release. "You have a rivalry that's meaningful. You also have a unique event that will draw some event-goers just to come in to the ballpark. It'll be the first time in the state of Ohio and be a very spe- cial atmosphere. So I think when you combine all those things, it's our hope that there aren't any seats open." It will be the Buckeyes' second appearance in an outdoor game, but the Wolverines' fourth - and their third outdoor match in the past three seasons. Ohio State is 0-1 out- doors,while Michigan is 1-1-1. "We're looking forward to it," Michigan coach Red Berenson said in a Michigan press release. "It will be the first time I've ever been involved or a Michigan hockey team will be involved in an outdoor game in a baseball stadium. We've played in football stadiums before and every one of these games takes on kind of a life of its own. "Even though Michigan has played in three in a row, a lot of our players haven't had that experience. We have a big freshman class and we've got some players on our team that didn't get to dress last year. This will be right in the middle of the hockey season and something that may not get a lot of attention early in the year, but as it gets closer, this will be a big deal." Michigan was a part of the first- ever NCAA outdoor game, the Cold War against Michigan State, in Oct. 2001. But most fans will recall The Big Chill at the Big House between the Spartans and Wolverines last December at Michigan Stadium. The event drew a world-record crowd of 104,173. By measurement, The Frozen Diamond Faceoff aims to be the Big Chill's infant brother. Progres- sive Fiedd has a seating capacity of roughly 45,200 during the base- ball season. Although additional seating may well be installed for a hockey game, it won't be setting any records. "An event at a venue like Progres- sive Field is great for both the insti- tutions and the league as a whole," CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch said in a press release. "We're look- ing forward to coming to Cleveland this Januaryto see a terrific rivalry showcased in a distinctive and memorable setting." The game will be a part of Cleve- land's Snow Days, which will also feature a week-long youth tourna- ment. In 2010, the first Snow Days was highlighted by ice skating, sled- ding hills and snow tubing chutes. According to Crain's Cleveland Business, the event drew 50,000 visitors downtown from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2 last year. The location of Cleveland -s rela- tively ideal, since it lies equidistant - about 150 miles - from both Columbus and Ann Arbor. The Wolverines hold an all-time 65-30-11 edge in head-to-head matches against the Buckeyes. Michigan completed the 2010-11 season first in the CCHA, while Ohio State crawled in at No. 9. 0 0 FILE PHOTO/Da (FROM TOP) The Big Chill at the Big House drew 100,000-plus fans last Decem- ber. The Cold War in 2001 was the first outdoor game ofits kind. Anderson, Robertson represent 'M' at University Games By STEVEN BRAID Daily Sports Writer For former Michigan water polo standout Leah Robertson, it's a huge honor to compete for 4 Team USA at the World University Games taking place in Shenzhen, China. Having been in the United States National Water Polo system for a long time - playing for the Junior National team in 2005, the Senior National "B" Team in 2008, and practicing with the Senior national team in 2010 - the New- port Beach, Calif. native is excited to get her first chance to travel overseas to represent her country. She is also thrilled to be a part of the first United States women's water polo team to compete at the World University Games. But what really makes these games so special for Robertson is the opportunity to play for Matt a Anderson, her former coach at Michigan. "Its such a gift," Robertson said. "Matt and I were very close during my time at Michigan. "My four years of playing at Michigan were probably the greatest water polo experiences of my life. The chance to play for him again is really special and that made this opportunity more excit- ing for me." Robertson, a senior captain in 2010, was a prominent part of the team during her time at Michi- gan, helping the Wolverines reach three straight NCAA Champion- ships to finish off her collegiate career. Recruited to Michigan for her formidable defense, Robert- son starred. She anchored Michigan's defense throughout her years, helping the Wolverines establish an imposing presence on that side of the ball. She holds the program record for most steals in a game, season and in a career. She also ranks second all-time for career drawn rejection But w highly t( develop. one of th in the she put "It SI at work, s her imr helpingl player. "In h defensiv the two was wh ns. ful. In college, I was primarily a hile she was recruited as a defender as well, but throughout outed defender, Robertson my years - mostly towards junior ed her offense and became and senior year - (Anderson) real- he great all-around players ly pushed me to be more aggres- program's history. While sive on offense and to start being in long hours of hard more creative that way. That was really new for me because I wasn't offensive at all in high school, and I've really grown as an offensive 's just really player which has really helped me round my game out very well." )ecial to be Robertson's offense grew each season. After scoring 30 goals as )le to coach a freshman, Robertson increased her scoring as a sophomore, net- L eah. ting 43 goals. Her season total for goals dropped slightly to 41 as a junior, but she did post a higher goal per he credits Anderson for game average. mense improvement and But the most improvement can her become an even better be seen during her senior season. In only 25 games, she became an igh school, I was mostly offensive force, totaling 45 goals. 'e," Robertson said. "I was But as much as Robertson -meter defender, and that improved as a player, she enjoyed ere I was the most use- playing for Anderson because he impacted her in other parts of her life. "He really brought me out of my a shell as a player and as a person," a Robertson said. To me, he was really good at instilling confidence c and allowing me to be the player h that I wanted to be. He allowed me to be creative and make mistakes and learn as I played. "As for growing as a person, he's the type of coach who doesn't bend the rules for anyone. He holds everyone accountable and holds everyone to the highest 4 standard and it really makes you push yourself in every aspect of your life, whether it be water polo or school." For Anderson, he's just happy .t to be able to coach such a special player one more time. "It's really an honor to have the q opportunity to coach this team," Anderson said. "It's just really special to be able to coach Leah because she's just an amazing player."