Austin Hatch Makes His Comeback

College basketball, and simply college sports in general is surrounded by thousands of triumphant stories that include loss and inspiration. There is one story, however, of a freshman basketball player at the University of Michigan that culminates all these aspects and more.

In 2003, Austin Hatch who is now 20, was involved in a tragic plane crash that took the lives of his mother and two siblings. Eight years later,  the young athlete was involved in another plane crash which robbed him of his father and his stepmother. Not much can be said for these string of events as it tends to leave one speechless, and recognizes that it is a true and terrible tragedy.

Hatch stood out as a player at Caterbury High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he averaged 23 points and nine rebounds per game. He was undoubtedly well on his way to a successful career in college ball, which he had the hopes of doing at his father’s alma mater, the University of Michigan.

The second plane crash, however, left Hatch in a fragile state, not only emotionally, but physically. He endured a two month coma, a brain injury, fractured ribs and a punctured lung. This second tragedy not only took the lives of his family, but endeavored to end his dreams of playing for the Wolverines.

Hatch had to relearn the basics of life: breathing, eating and walking. Slowly, but surely, he started to make his recovery and moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle where he would eventually take back to the court for his senior year.

At the time Hatch said of his hardships that “the emotional pain is never going to subside. Over time, the way I cope with my loss is going to change.”

Michigan honored the young man’s scholarship to play Wolverine basketball. His dream was once again a reality. Monday night in an exhibition blowout of Wayne State, Hatch got his moment to shine in front of thousands.

With 1:41 left in the second half, Hatch was sent to the court. A few catches and passes were made, and it was evident that the crowd wanted Hatch to get his chance for a shot. An attempt landed him with a penally shot at the free-throw line.

Hatch missed his first attempt, but wouldn’t miss the second and in that moment got everything he has wished for as the Crisler Center erupted in applause and cheers. Hatch was met at the sidelines by coach John Beilein with a grin and a hug.

Coach Beilein was with Hatch every step of the way, and the two have undoubtedly formed a special bond. Hatch made his verbal commitment to Michigan just two days before the second crash in 2011. Many have noted that hugs do not come freely from coach Beilein before the final buzzer. This was a special moment not just for Hatch, but for all those who have rooted for him over the past few years.

“The transition he is still going through is not easy, coach Beilein said. “Every day we say, let’s just do today. He smiles and he’s happy to be at Michigan and that certainly was a great moment.”

 

*Section Photo credit to Tony Ding, AP; Featured Photo (above) credit to Melanie Maxwell/The Ann Arbor News/mlive.com.

Time For Old School Basketball
Time For Old School Basketball