U-M football players to miss Heroes for Kids fundraiser

by Paul Neumeyer | The Saginaw News
Tuesday July 22, 2008, 7:37 PM

The fourth annual Heroes For Kids golf benefit likely still will take place Wednesday at Apple Mountain Golf Club, but not as originally planned.

Larry Preston, one of the directors of the event which raises money for Saginaw youth recreation, said he learned today that no University of Michigan football players are able to take part in Wednesday's benefit.

Preston said U-M officials told him first-year U-M football coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff have scheduled a mandatory strength and conditioning workout for the players on Wednesday.

"It's a big disappointment for all of us," Preston said. "The (U-M) players always have said how much they enjoy Heroes For Kids, and the strength and conditioning coach (Mike Barwis) said he wants to work with us on this next year.

"But this workout is mandatory, and all players must attend. It's coach Rod's call on that. This is his first year (at U-M), and he's doing everything he can to make sure his team is successful."

A message left with the U-M sports information office seeking comment was not returned.

Former U-M football player and current Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley started the event four years ago along with former Michigan State University football player and current St. Louis Rams defensive lineman Clifton Ryan. The two launched the Heroes For Kids benefit as a way to give back to Saginaw, where both were born and played sports when they were youngsters.

Woodley and Ryan brought along about 20 their teammates each year to take part in the golf portion of the Heroes For Kids event and to later sign autographs for Saginaw youngsters. The tradition continued after Woodley and Ryan graduated from college two years ago.

Woodley and Ryan are planning to attend Wednesday's outing, Preston said.

This year, Heroes For Kids officials expected MSU and U-M to bring 20 players apiece. Each player would join a foursome in the scramble golf benefit, which raised more than $250,000 for Saginaw youth recreation during the first three years.

Preston said he worked with former U-M running back Jamie Morris, who was serving as a liaison to arrange for U-M players' participation. Preston said Morris was gone on vacation last week, and the two communicated Monday in an effort to secure commitments from U-M players for this year's event. Preston said Morris talked to the U-M coaching staff Tuesday and learned of the scheduling conflict.

Preston said MSU plans to bring extra players, and U-M will send three student-athletes from the Wolverines' gymnastics and women's basketball teams. Preston said he also expects former U-M and NFL free agent Roy Manning Jr., a Saginaw High graduate, to participate.

Preston also said Woodley was attempting to secure additional last-minute replacements for Wednesday's outing.

"We're going to turn this thing into a positive," Preston said.

Woodley did not return a phone message.

Golfers were required to pay $250 per person to play in Wednesday's event. Participants also receive a morning brunch prior to the 11 a.m. shotgun start. An autograph session is to precede a dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Preston said he understands the change might upset some participants, and said he plans to talk with those people.

"We're hoping sponsors recognize this is for youth recreation, but if someone feels like they didn't get their full value, we're going to sit down with them and work with them until they walk away satisfied," Preston said.