Wolverines in Michigan: Our State Daily Blog
Football's Summer 2022 Trip
The University of Michigan football program will restart its series of educational and experiential learning opportunities for its student-athletes with a trip around the state of Michigan this summer. The one-week experiential learning trip includes stops in Flint, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Mackinac City, and many more! Follow the Wolverines on social media and with a daily travel log on MGoBlue.com.
DAY 9: The final day of the trip was one that saw the Wolverines stop at a number of destinations as they made their way throughout the Upper Peninsula. The first stop on the agenda was the Soo Locks, an engineering marvel that unites the Great Lakes, where team member spent an hour in the morning learning it history and relevance before traveling to Tahquamenon Falls, where views of Michigan's largest waterfalls were visible. After seeing the falls up close, Oswald's Bear Ranch was the next stop. The team walked the property and saw the 42 bears in their habitat before traveling to Pictured Rocks for a boat cruise around the scenic shoreline. Following dinner at the lakeshore, the team boarded an airplane at Sawyer International Airport and made it safely back to Ann Arbor around midnight.
?? Made sure to take plenty of pics of the Pictured Rocks pic.twitter.com/LJn5pQ2q3h
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 29, 2022
Another successful team trip is complete, and what a wonderful experience it was getting a taste of what Michigan has to offer!
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 30, 2022
The world is at our fingertips. Any suggestions on where we should take our next team trip? Let's hear 'em! ?? pic.twitter.com/7SW895dNHJ
Loved every minute of our trip around #OurState, but it’s always great to be ho??e!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/bgcv4t2dW2
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 30, 2022
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This trip was a big 'Wow' for me. I thought you needed to go out of the country to see some of the things we saw while traveling around Michigan. It was personally a great experience but also a great time being able to bond with my teammates. I strongly believe that this trip has made us closer and will have us ready for anything that comes our way this season. I'm very thankful for the opportunities that this trip presented -- now it's time for some ball! Go Blue!Blake Corum
Blake Corum
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DAY 8: With another day of outdoor activities on the horizon, the Wolverines had many choices in front of them. Some woke up before the sun to take a fishing charter out on Lake Michigan. For others, a shotgun tee time helped get 18 holes in. Others explored the Turtle Ridge area by ATV while others cruised around Lake Huron by kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Players went skeet shooting, or played tennis, or outdoor games. Following lunch, the team enjoyed an afternoon full of activities before dinner on Drummond Island. The evening ended with bonfires, stories, and a great Michigan team bonding experience.
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— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 28, 2022
But don't let that one celebration pic fool you. Team White is our 2022 Team Trip Paintball Champions! pic.twitter.com/hf3qa0jiRF
We are so incredibly grateful for Matt Lester, who generously donated his time, resources, and money to help make this trip so enjoyable.
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 29, 2022
From his farm in Charlevoix, to the resort on Drummond Island, thank you, Matt & staff, for contributing to so many memories made!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/oA6tXSE2EY
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Today, we golfed, played paintball, and then had a volleyball tournament. I didn't know before this trip just how big the state of Michigan is, and what the earth had to give here. It's beautiful up north, and a great experience. All of this is bringing us closer by allowing us to compete, work together, and be away from everyone else. It's allowing us to really understand each other more.R.J. Moten
R.J. Moten
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DAY 7: Mackinac City awaited the Maize and Blue this morning, with the team departing early to reach the ferry (Shepler's Boat) for safe transport to the Island. Once on Mackinac Island, the team got lunch together at The Grand Hotel before being cut loose for an afternoon of exploration. Wolverine team members got used to car-free living as they could ride bikes or get a carriage tour. Activities included putt putting, pool time, fudge making (at the Grand Hotel), or see historic sites like Arch Rock, St. Anne's Church, Biddle House, or Trinity Church. The day on Mackinac wrapped up with dinner at Fort Mackinac, where the team learned more history and received a tour of the Fort. After dinner, the team was transported to Drummond Island for a good night's rest.
Time moves a little slower on Mackinac Island, and that’s perfectly fine with us. pic.twitter.com/iXhwvRKMPO
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 27, 2022
You ring a bell to announce when dinner is ready
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 27, 2022
We fire a cannon ?? pic.twitter.com/NYzUGlehj0
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Today, we were at Mackinac Island and the views were nice! It felt like a movie, honestly. Being from Georgia, I have seen horses before, but the ones here were a lot bigger than any I've seen up close. It's crazy that this is the way of transportation here with no cars on the island. The island seems so peaceful and all the people here were really nice.Michael Barrett
Michael Barrett
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DAY 6: With Coach Harbaugh and team members Erick All, Cade McNamara, Mazi Smith and DJ Turner traveling to Indianapolis for Big Ten Media Day, the rest of the team began a slew of outdoor activities made available to them at the property of Matthew and Nicole Lester, after whom the Defensive Coordinator position is endowed. A sprawling, 1,000-acre farm, the Lesters opened up everything to the team; activities included paintball, boating, jet skis, tennis, pickle ball, fishing, farming education, and more. A generous cookout/barbecue made for an enjoyable dinner. A small subset of student-athletes (about 30) made their way to Camp Michigania, to visit and interact with alumni before rejoining the team for a bonfire back on the Lester Farm.
Always up for a friendly competition with family. We had a great time visiting Camp Michigania this evening!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/w1JX1EjMgz
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 27, 2022
Giving it our best shot pic.twitter.com/VZKAaJIQdp
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 26, 2022
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The activities we have been participating in not only strengthen the body, but also strengthen the mind as well as the bonds between teammates. Days like this bring the team together. Saying 'I'll cover you, push forward' in these environments -- games, community service, and more -- carries onto the playing field. Our team is so grateful to the Lester family for today's experiences, and we cannot wait for the fall.Brad Robbins
Brad Robbins
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DAY 5: Now in the Traverse City area, the team had a morning to relax or go workout on their own. Leading into lunch at the Red Mesa Grill, the team learned about the majesty of Sleeping Bear Dunes and all that was awaiting them that afternoon. The dunes and bluffs tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, and the area is known for scenic lighthouse views. Then teammates got into groups, with some opting for kayak/canoe/biking as their method for exploring the area, while others explored the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay on a catamaran and others walked around the downtown Traverse City area.
We’ll be sleeping good tonight after taking on Sleeping Bear Dunes ?? pic.twitter.com/0Eeu3cN6Yk
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 26, 2022
Another beautiful day in Pure Michigan??#GoBlue #TeamTrip pic.twitter.com/Zcr4nGcBia
— Christina DeRuyter (@cderute) July 25, 2022
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Today was pretty shocking, honestly. The view was a lot prettier than I thought it would be. The water was super blue; it reminded me of the islands. I haven't really spent any time up here before, so I am definitely intrigued enough to come back and I want to tell my parents to come up here, too.Zak Zinter
Zak Zinter
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DAY 4: Another day of outdoor activities awaited the Wolverines on Sunday. The day began with a unique view of Lake Michigan and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- from inside one of Mac Wood's Dune Scooters. These unique vehicles took team members up and down the tallest dunes for picturesque views across a seven-mile tour. Following the fun, the Wolverines embraced an opportunity to give back, arriving in Idlewild, Michigan, for a number of service projects. The team learned more about the history of the community, which held the mid-20th century role of being one of the few resorts in the country where African Americans could vacation and purchase property. Then, the team split up into six groups and completed projects over the course of more than four hours. Following clean-up, the team settled in for a nice dinner at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, one of the state's premier courses with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, before driving to the Grand Traverse Resort for the night.
Continuing our journey to make a meaningful impact in our state, it’s been a pleasure to help preserve and restore the Idlewild community this afternoon.#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/xzsoldSlea
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 24, 2022
No relaxing on this Sunday morning. Loved the thrill of a dune ride to start our day! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/EDnFnDmEMi
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 24, 2022
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We were able to use what we have, being at a top-notch university like Michigan, and use that to give (Idlewild) something. The work we did may not have been professional, but if (the community) had wanted to contract that work, it would have cost a lot of money. We gave them able hands and able bodies, and hopefully that gets them started. And hopefully that's not the end of it.Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith
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DAY 3: It was a beach day at Pere Marquette Beach! The team made its way to the water at Muskegon for a day of fun in the sun, hosted by Meijer. The Michigan-based grocery chain helped the Wolverines retrieve the necessary beach gear for a warm day full of activities. Following lunch, student-athletes had the chance to tour the U.S.S. Silversides Museum, filled with Naval Military history, or to get on the water themselves through pre-arranged fishing charters. All team members reunited in the evening for dinner at The Deck on Lake Michigan in Muskegon.
Beach Day! ??
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 23, 2022
We're ready for some fun in the sun in Muskegon with a special thanks to our presenting sponsor of the 2022 Michigan Football season, @meijer! pic.twitter.com/7bfQyKcjir
Sorry for the lack of posts. Having too much fun.#GoBlue | @meijer pic.twitter.com/6i2qeKFN24
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 23, 2022
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We were ready for a fun day on the beach and for some lake fishing in the afternoon. The beach was great, and we had so many fans come out to meet us. When it came time to fish, we got on the boats and everyone was laughing and smiling. But then we had some big waves, and after a quick turnaround we had some guys (getting sick). Overall, it was good to spend time with our teammates, learn about each other, and have different conversations while catching some fish. I would do it again if we had the chance.Mike Sainristil
Mike Sainristil
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DAY 2: An early morning departure saw the Wolverines traveling to the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan. After touring the capitol and capturing a team photo, the buses continued northwest to Grand Rapids. There, the team heard from Buzz Thomas (grandson of Willis Ward), among other guest speakers, while exploring the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. The museum offered players a chance to take a holographic tour of the Ford White House, and to see the full-scale replica of President Ford's oval office. Hotel check-in followed, and the team ended the day with a social event -- Fowling -- which is similar to bowling, but different in that the participant uses a football instead of a bowling ball to knock down the pins.
Feeling ???????????????????????? at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum pic.twitter.com/H92WWZ1sdQ
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 22, 2022
One good looking team with one good looking trophy at the state capitol ??#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/nRNL747fb7
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 22, 2022
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I'm a big history guy, so today was fun for me. My biggest takeaway was probably all the connections so many important people have to the University of Michigan. There were a lot of cool stories and it makes me proud to be part of the university. We got to walk around and see the state capitol building in person. The architecture and art in the building were impressive and it was a really interesting experience.Joel Honigford
Joel Honigford
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DAY 1: Following a morning workout at Schembechler Hall, the team traveled to Flint. The roster was divided into three groups for Community Service projects: one which volunteered at the Genesee County Jail, another which painted a mural, packed school supplies and created care packages for area assisted living facilities at the Boys and Girls Club/The United Way, and the final group which assisted students in the creation of a sensory pathway, planted flowers and painted fences at the International Academy of Flint. The team then found its way to the Dort Event Center for the Maize and Blue Big Top Event; a carnival for kids from the area, before finishing the day with a famous chicken dinner from Zehnder's of Frankenmuth. The Wolverines returned to the Ann Arbor area for a final night of sleep at home before journeying through the rest of the state.
Making an impact. The Michigan Difference.#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/BhYllsFM5o
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 21, 2022
Day 1 ??
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 22, 2022
A great day in Flint and Frankenmuth to kick off our tour of Michigan!#GoBlue | #OurState pic.twitter.com/wBrzhG4hr0
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Today was a reminder of how important it is for us to give back to young fans, especially in the state. We could see how much it meant to them; seeing the looks on their faces and how much they were enjoying it. You never know who’s watching or how many people you may inspire.Kris Jenkins
Kris Jenkins
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