Best of Kornacki: Top 10 Stories from 2015
12/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
As 2015 comes to a close, MGoBlue.com feature writer Steve Kornacki reflects on some of his most compelling stories of the year covering U-M student-athletes, coaches and alumni. Starting Dec. 22 and leading up to the New Year, MGoBlue.com will count down the 10 best and include what Kornacki remembers most about each, whether it be something about the individual, a lesson learned, or a special moment shared.
April 3 // Men's Basketball
The top story of 2015 was on USBWA Most Courageous Award recipient Austin Hatch, who joined the Michigan men's basketball program after surviving two plane crashes. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: He so genuinely cares. Austin is the rare man who focuses on what he has rather than what he's lost.
August 31 // Football
At No. 2 on the countdown, Steve Kornacki visited with Brock Mealer on the five-year anniversary of his emotional walk leading the Wolverines down the Michigan Stadium tunnel and onto the field. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: The story of the Mealers and trainer Mike Barwis would make for a great, new Christmas classic movie, wouldn't it?
October 30 // Men's Cross Country
At No. 3 on the Best of Kornacki countdown is the incredible story of Vietnam veteran Ron Warhurst, who turned his second chance into success as a U-M cross country and track coach. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: Moving on from the horrors of war is a never-ending task, but Ron found a family and teams to love and prosper with. He has a great laugh, too.
November 6 // Football
The No. 4 entry in the Best of Kornacki countdown goes into how defensive back Jabrill Peppers has used a personal tragedy as fuel on the football field to become an standout all-around player. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: Jabrill later told me the story moved his mother and I smiled. It was a very nice moment, but those happen when somebody shares what love means.
May 8 // Softball
Coming in at No. 5 on the Best of Kornacki countdown, softball coach Carol Hutchins dishes on what Sierra Romero, one of the best players in the game, can do to improve herself and the team. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: Turning a great player into a great leader is something coach Carol Hutchins does so well. It struck me that so much can be accomplished in so many ways by student-athletes who not only succeed in athletics but stay long enough to graduate.
August 5 // General
Michigan Athletics launched its 150th anniversary celebration with this story on the historic Ferry Field gate and its architect, Albert Kahn. It's at No. 6 on the Best of Kornacki countdown. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: I'll never forget watching Albert Kahn's granddaughter and great-grandson looking up through the setting sun at the grandeur of a special and ornate gate that opened the way for so much.
March 17 // Ice Hockey
No. 7 on the Best of Kornacki countdown details the strong bond between 2014-15 freshmen Dylan Larkin, who is now excelling in his first year with the Detroit Red Wings, and Zach Werenski. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: While spending an afternoon with them at the South Quad dorms, I never detected they were college hockey stars destined for NHL greatness. They were unassuming for all the talent they possessed.
February 19 // Water Polo
The educational background of Dr. Marcelo Leonardi, water polo's second-year head coach, is the focus of story No. 8 on the Best of Kornacki countdown. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: If you are truly enthusiastic about learning, each day is a joy. Dr. Marcelo Leonardi exemplifies that zest for knowledge and opportunity as well as anyone.
September 11 // Football
If football coach Jim Harbaugh could have run down the Michigan Stadium tunnel with anyone, it would have been his grandfathers. That story is at No. 9 on the Best of Kornacki countdown. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: I got to learn of the roots of a family that is convinced nobody has it better than them. They reminded me of the sacrifices my own grandparents made for me and my family.
October 29 // Volleyball
Starting off the Best of Kornacki countdown at No. 10 is the story of Cindy Zhou, the volleyball team's undergraduate assistant coach who had her playing career abruptly ended due to a heart condition. » Story
Kornacki Reflects: All any of us is guaranteed is the current heartbeat, and so we should make the most of each second, each minute, and accept the challenge of an altered course.
