ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan’s football program strives to be the leaders and best.
Brady Hoke believes that goal has been reached at Schembechler Hall, which has undergone nearly completed renovations that cost $9 million.
The coach said there’s an arms race among college football programs to have the nation’s best facilities.
“You’re not going to find a better one,” Hoke told reporters Friday before the media was given a tour of the new-look building.
A life-size statue of late, great coach Bo Schembechler is the first thing visitors see outside the entrance. Inside, there is a spectacular display of the program’s history in the Towsley Museum. There are multimedia interactive features, including one that highlights Michigan Football Legends such as Desmond Howard and Tom Harmon. A floor-to-ceiling display showcases Michigan’s 910 wins.
The public can visit the museum on April 28. It will be open on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The old museum wasn’t functional,” said Hoke, recalling that players and the public did not have separate entrances.
Some took advantage of an opportunity to see the museum before the Wolverines played their spring game two weeks ago. And those who watched a controlled scrimmage at the nearby Big House did not witness an impressive display.
“We were a little sloppy,” Hoke said.
Hoke did like what he saw the week before the spring game at a scrimmage without fans watching.
“It was awesome,” he said.
Michigan struggled last season, losing its last three games and having six setbacks over the last eight games to finish 7-6.
Hoke has analyzed what he could have done better and acknowledged an area in which he fell short.
“I think I could’ve been a better leader,” he said. “I should’ve taken some of the leadership and not anointed some of that.”
Despite having a returning starter at quarterback, Hoke is not ready to say Devin Gardner will keep his job.
How much is the gap between Gardner and Shane Morris?
“I think it’s close,” Hoke insisted.
Hoke would not say what reasonable expectations were for his team next year with only one senior on offense and just 12 on the entire team, but clearly he is motivated to have success in his fourth season in charge.
“It’s urgency all the time,” Hoke said. “This is Michigan football.”
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