After a 15s season that didn’t meet expectations, the Wolverines were excited to get back of the field. Their 2023 7s season campaign began at the University of Pittsburgh with some non-conference play. Michigan looked to build some team chemistry early in the season before heading into Big Ten competition.
Michigan came out fighting against Rio Grande. George Janke put down the first try of the season. A first half shutout set the tone for the second. Colin Sampic scored the game sealing try to win the match 19-10.
Against Wheeling in their second match of the day, the Wolverines were tied 7-7 going into the red after the first half. A 70 meter break by Wheeling led to a Michigan poach and another large break from Nathan Feldman. After a chaotic series of play, Wheeling went the full length of the field to lead 14-7 at the half. Michigan was outplayed in the second half ultimately losing 33-7.
With a win clinching a semifinal berth, Michigan came out on all cylinders against the tournament host, University of Pittsburgh, holding Pitt to just 15 meters of offense in the first half. In that time, Michigan punched in two tries, through Devan Ekbote and George Janke, and were playing with a new type of swagger not seen in years past. Michigan completed the shutout, despite missing out on several opportunities to run up the scoreboard. The game ended 15-0, Wolverines.
Placing second in their pool, Michigan faced Notre Dame College in the semifinal match. Off to a quick start, Armen Vartanian intercepted a pass to take it under the post. NDC answered immediately, scoring off the kickoff. After an NDC high tackle, the Wolverines had a power play at the end of the first half, but failed to score. In the second half, a Tommy Hendricks try wasn’t enough to advance to the final. NDC knocks off Michigan 21-12.
Michigan traveled back to Ann Arbor, having placed 3rd at Pitt Dome 7s. Despite missing out on hardware, Michigan put together some textbook performances. The team is optimistic heading into Big Ten play.
