Austin Hatch, who lost his entire family in two plane crashes eight years apart, realized his dream Sunday when he played his first game as a member of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team.
Hatch’s story is one of tragedy and redemption as he played in the last three minutes of Michigan’s pre-season game in Italy. Hatch didn't register any points, but considering what the 19-year-old has been through, the moment couldn't had been bigger.
"As you can imagine, it has been a heck of a journey to get here," Hatch said Sunday. "Playing basketball at the University of Michigan has been my goal since I was a little kid."
Hatch lost his family in two separate plane crashes in 2003 and 2011. The first in 2003 claimed the lives of his mother and two siblings, but he and his father, the pilot, survived. The second crash in 2011 killed his father and his stepmother as well as injuring him to a point where many believed he would never walk again.
Hatch had to learn to walk and use his motor functions again after an eight-week, medically-induced coma.
Michigan coach John Beilein said that sharing Hatch’s moment with him was an incredible feeling.
"Austin even led us in the fight song after the game was over," he said. "It was a great moment for our team; however, it was truly special for Austin and his grandfather, Jim, who was here in the stands."
Hatch led the Wolverines in the singing of their fight song before the start of the game.
"To lead the team in the fight song after the game is a big tradition," he said, adding that he'd watched it on his visits to the campus.
"I always thought to myself, 'I hope someday I am in a position to do that,' " he said.
Hatch verbally committed to the Wolverines only nine days before the 2011 plane crash.
[People]
Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
