EQUIPMENT WATCHDOG-Popular Henry Hatch (center) is shown performing one of his many duties as custodian of Wolverine athletic gear. He and his assistant, Beryl Walker, (left) give Guard Tom Kelsey a new pair of shoulder pads. -'*'* * * * SMALL MAN DOES A BIG JOB: Winter Sports Multiply Hatch's Duties By GEORGE FLINT A small man with one of sports' toughest jobs will see his cares and duties multiplied, in this wintry month of December, simply because Michigan will be compet- ing in a number of other sports besides football. . He's Henry Hatch, equipment manager for the Wolverines for the past 26 years. and as much of an institution around the ath- letic plant as Yost Fieldhouse. FOR HATCH, the end , of the football season this year means a multiplication of worries. Instead of resting from the shipment of grid equipment to various points within the middle West and the East, Hatch now must start figur- ing what to do about getting ap- proximately forty football uni- forms, both game and practice, out to Pasadena for the dose Bowl contest. Advice to Aspiring Wrestlers: Be Ready for Long, Hard Grind, By CY CARLTON "So you want to be a college wrestler," an old timer asked a burly youth eyefully watching Michigan wrestling practice the other day. "Sure do, sir," was tbpe young- ster's quick repLy. "WELL, BEFORE y o u ever start," continued the codget," "there are a few facts about the game you should know." At this the old timer continued without waiting the lad's reply. "For one thing if you think college wrestling is a phoney sport like the professional circus act which goes under the same name, get that idea right out of your head." "It's a real tough sport and the only one here at Michigan that does require direct physical com- bat," the old fellow exclaimed. "WHEN YOU get out there on that mat you'll be strictly alone and with your own muscles and brains to provide the downfield blocking." At this point the youngster ventured a reply which was cut off in the lad's mouth by the old man's quaking voice which continued, "And the training, son do you realize that those guys with the blue shorts on have been working out since September, and the season's op- ener is still. a week off." "And the holds, do you know that there are more than 100 dif- ferent grips, pins takedowns and various other monkeyshines of the spotts. That is 100 without at least two or three variations for each." "AND THE endurance, why my boy these guys have to use their muscles for nine straight minutes wi~i only slight rest in every match they wrestle." At this point the old timer stops breathlessly and the lad has a chance to say, "Gee, may- be I'd better start practicing this week. After all I'll be in college in only three years. By this time the old timer had gone but if present he would have evorted and in this he would have been seconded by the Wolverines great coach'Cliff Keen, "Yea son, you'd better start working right now if you want to be a college wrestler." * With his assistants, the ven- erable Beryl Walker and young Chuck Olsen, Hatch not only supervises that gargantuan en- terprise, but must see to the supplying of equipment for the various winter sports, i.e., bas- ketball, hockey, wrestling, etc. In the realm of Hatch, a caged- off section on the second floor of Yost Fieldhouse, speed and effi- ciency are the watchwords. Proof of the success of the equipment room's efforts is offered visibly every time a Wolverine athletic team competes. Spectators see a well-outfitted, spic-and-span looking group of athletes when they see a Michigail team in action. And a'll because of the yeoman work of Hatch & Co. * * * A SPECIAL laundry service at Yost Fieldhouse handles the de- tails of keeping the teams' equip- nent clean and fresh-looking. The football team's padded gear, shoes, and helmets, plus the specialized egipment of other teams, are sent out to be rebuilt and steril- ized once a year. With 300 'and more football suits, innumerable items of ap- parel for the other athletic teams, such as footballs, bas- ketballs, baseballs, and on ad infintum, are included in the list of things over which Hatch and his crew exercise detailed administration. Hank himself is well-loved by all the athletes who have passed un- der the famed motto "kwitcher- bellyachin" which hangs over the door to the equipment room. Michigan wouldn't be Michigan without Hank Hatch. Ask anyone who has been exposed to the dry humor and constant goad nature of the busy little gentleman who spends a good deal' of his day be- hind the wire barrier of the equip- ment cage. I U! El 11 11 The feel of EASE and CONTENTMENT in this man is easily understood! r;; > fi 11 11 A Christmas Gift from Saffell & Bush is the height of his ambition. We are extremely proud to possess a name in Men's Wear that denotes quality and style leadership the country over. Our ser- vice and advice are at your disposal this Christma's