The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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State — the choice was easy. "I just want to say this decision couldn't have been less difficult," he said. "This is a team I've admired all throughout my childhood. I've decided I'm going to go with the big blue." He put on the Michigan cap, and all was right with the world. SHARING THE BROTHERHOOD It hasn't always been that way the past few years. He lost the chance to participate in sports following his freshman year, helping his dad coach younger players instead. Always, there were more check- ups, trips to the hospital, and far too many confinements. That's where the Wolverines played a role, even before he became one. "One of the challenges is simply being in a hospital room, and be- cause of my condition, not being able to leave that room for very extended periods of time," he said. "I'm sure that can get to anyone. Sometimes, it's something as simple as taking my mind off things, something to make me comfortable in that room again. "There are days that get pretty rough. To see those guys fighting through what they do on the football field, being able to be tough, reminds me of where I was when I played football. I've been through physical and mental obstacles before in my life, and this is just another one." Greg Loszewski, a lifelong Michi- gan fan, noted there have been many standing alongside. "We have not fought alone," he said. "Our community has been amazing. The school district has been amazing. Everybody in the commu- nity knows the Loszewski boys … they have been very supportive of anything we've needed. "He had a lot of friends who, as soon as they found out, immediately shaved their heads in support of him. He went back to school the next day, and there were a dozen kids who had already shaved their heads. There has been a lot of support." Then, dad himself grew emotional. "The greatest moment for me," he said, fighting back tears, "was to see him strap a helmet on again, when I thought he never would. It was very, very special. And it's a moment I'll never forget." It was a winged helmet, and for a family of Michigan fans — which named family Chihuahuas "Bo Schem" and "Desi" — an encourag- ing bond became cemented beyond all fracture. "These people are just down to earth and genuine," Kristi Loszewski said. "To do what they've done for a kid, whose dream would have been to go to this school, has just been phenomenal. They will always have our hearts. "They had our hearts before, but they have our hearts forever — for- ever and ever." Stephen Loszewski himself fielded a question on what he likes best about the sport of football. He kept the response brief, and perfect. "It teaches brotherhood," he said. It was never more so, than on an overcast, brilliant afternoon at Michi- gan Stadium. ❑