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Field conditions cancel spring game

Drainage problems render Michigan Stadium unusable

Last year, injuries prevented the Michigan football team from playing its normal spring game.

This year, the blame lies in Michigan Stadium -- on it, to be exact.

Due to drainage problems with the stadium's turf, and work being done to correct the problem, there will not be a spring game this year.

Injuries to numerous players caused former coach Gary Moeller to hold a controlled scrimmage in the place of the normal intrasquad game last April.

"Our players look forward to it. I think everyone looks forward to it," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said of the game. "I'm disappointed we can't have it."

Moving the game to another location was ruled out because there is no adequate facility available nearby.

Eastern Michigan's Rynearson Stadium is large enough, but the Eagles are having problems with their artificial turf and are actually talking to Michigan about using its practice facilities.

Carr does, however, plan on opening up a practice for players' parents to come and watch.

KICKING OFF: Carr said one of his biggest priorities during spring practice will be to improve the Wolverines' kicking game.

"I think two of our four losses a year ago were directly attributable to the kicking game," Carr said, referring to defeats against Michigan State and Texas A&M.

Carr also said that the kicking game was a big part of the Wolverines' loss to Penn State.

DOWN AND BACK: Two players will miss the beginning of spring practice, but one will be back.

Linebacker Mike Elston and defensive end Juaquin Feazell are both recovering from injuries and will not be with the squad when workouts begin today.

However, cornerback Charles Woodson, who injured his knee in the Wolverines' 22-20 loss to Texas A&M in the Dec. 28 Alamo Bowl, will be back.

Carr said Woodson will be held out of contact drills for the first week to see how the knee reacts.

Woodson won last year's Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor and was named first team All-Big Ten by the conference's coaches.

MOVING ON: Two players who were on last season's roster won't be there this year, even though they are eligible to play.

Offensive guard Ron Acheson has decided to give up football, and fullback George Howell has made the decision to transfer. Howell saw limited action last year after moving from linebacker to fullback.