Team trips before the season starts are not uncommon for the Michigan Wolverines. The team has previously taken trips to Italy, France and South Africa. The purpose was bonding, getting to know teammates and building relationships within the team. One criticism that many had of these trips were they seemed like expensive vacations rather than team building experiences. This year, Harbaugh decided to take a different approach with the team going on a state wide tour. The first stop was Flint, Michigan. While there, the Michigan Wolverines decided to give back to the community in their trip to Flint.
Michigan Gives Back to Flint
Caden Kolesar and the Sheriff got into a push-up contest pic.twitter.com/5CtSWTLHN5
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) July 21, 2022
The day kicked off with everyone in a gym with Genesee County sheriff Christopher Swanson giving a speech for the players. He talked about the importance of servant leadership and praised Harbaugh and the players for coming on the trip. This is not a required trip for the team so the fact that so many players came speaks to the character of the people Michigan has playing for their football team. After the speech and an impromptu push up contest between Swanson and senior defensive back Caden Kolesar, the day would get started. One group would go to the Boys and Girls Club and another to Flint International Academy. Harbaugh went with 15 players to the Genesee County jail for an amazing experience.
Wolverines Help with IGNITE Program
Second stop of the day was at the Genesee County Jail, where players served lunches and spoke to inmates this afternoon.
Cade McNamara and Mazi Smith among the players here. Jim Harbaugh also part of it. pic.twitter.com/pmEmSjsWlx
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) July 21, 2022
Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education (IGNITE) is a program that Sheriff Swanson began in 2020. The goal is to help inmates gain education and skills that will help them once they get out of jail. Harbaugh and 15 players, including QB Cade McNamara and DT Mazi Smith, spent the day serving food and conversing with inmates. One player that drew a lot of attention was Mazi Smith because of his size. At 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, many inmates were curious about his workout routine and how many sacks he was planning on recording. As the Wolverines were preparing to leave, the inmates gave an unprompted round of applause showing their appreciation for the visit.
Ending With a Carnival
After the day was done, the whole team was bussed to Dort Financial Center for a community carnival. Harbaugh and all of the players were willing participants throughout the evening. Mazi Smith competed with a group of children in a tug of war. Similarly, TE Colton Loveland caught passes while being covered by an army of kids. Freshman WR Darius Clemons was a standout participant playing catch and keep away with kids all afternoon.
Jim Harbaugh is in the dunk tank.
Up comes @chengelis to throw…
A moment 8 years in the making. pic.twitter.com/UoQrG75LXT
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) July 21, 2022
Harbaugh even got into the action and hopped in the dunk tank. Members of the media got the first crack and Harbaugh was quickly dunked. It was a great end to a great day.
It is great to see the Michigan Wolverines out in the community. The state of Michigan is where the fans are and these types of trips strengthen the relationships between the program and fans. It was great to see the Michigan Wolverines give back in a trip to Flint.
