Jock rock; 'M' athletes step up to the mic

By Kristen Fidh

Daily Sports Writer

They fight through 300-pound linemen to score game-winning touchdowns in front of over 100,000 fans.

They represent their respective countries against the best in the world.

They handspring, flip, twist and tumble to a No. 1 ranking.

But one crucial question is still unanswered - can Michigan's athletic elite become pop stars overnight?

In the second-annual Mock Rock, over 100 varsity athletes will lip-sync, dance and entertain an expectant crowd tonight at the Michigan Theatre.

Performing in front of a professional judging panel - including athletic director Bill Martin and former running back Jamie Morris - members of the Michigan athletic community will battle for the highly-coveted crown.

"Last year's event made the whole thing very competitive," student organizer Brad Haudan said. "Teams get very into this and volunteered to be a part of it."

Capturing young, female hearts, members of the hockey team won last year's competition with their rendition of the Backstreet Boys. But, to secure a repeat, the boys will need a gameplan of leather pants and cheesy tunes as the men's track team is armed with a unique skit of its own.

Olympic gymnast Elise Ray, All-American field hockey player Kelli Gannon as well as members of the volleyball, water polo, rowing and football teams will grace the stage.

As a charity event, the concert will raise funds with the purpose of purchasing books for Detroit public schools and endowing the Jeff Reese Scholarship Fund.

"One of our goals this year was to bridge the gap between student-athletes and the community," Haudan said. "We see these as good places to give the money."

Last year, proceeds totaled over $7,000 and with repeated success, both causes will benefit.

The Jeff Reese Scholarship Fund began in January 1998, just after the death of Michigan wrestler Jefferey Reese on December 9, 1997.

Known for his unyielding work ethic and school enthusiasm, Reese died after exercising while wearing a rubber suit. He was trying to shed 22 pounds in four days, preparing for the competition against Michigan State.

Since his death, the University, as well as the NCAA, has implemented a new set of rules for the sport, including the restriction of exercising in rubber suits or rooms above 79 degrees.

"I think it is real important that we carry on (Reese's) memory," Michigan wrestling coach Joe McFarland said. "It means a lot to the guys and it means a lot to me."

To endow a scholarship fund costs $100,000, and the athletes have been fighting for three years. Finally, the goal is only $1,000 away - easily within reach after tonight's event.

"The student body has done a great job of making money the last couple of years," McFarland said. "This is fun, too. We have been so busy between having afternoon practice and school work, but the guys did put something together at the last minute - they're pretty good dancers."

Maybe Drew Henson will come in a tutu.

Be prepared.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the curtain rises at 7:30.