How the Signing of the Stars event went down
All hail Jim Harbaugh
During the packed Signing of the Stars event Wednesday, Feb. 3 in Hill auditorium, Michigan took National Signing Day to a whole new level. Featuring the new recruits for the 2016-2017 season, head coach Jim Harbaugh and emcee Randy Sklar kept fans highly entertained for over two hours. The event included highlight reels, guest celebrity appearances and a panel of commentators consisting of Lou Holtz (the real star of the show), Mike Shanahan, and Todd McShay.
Hill Auditorium set for the Signing of the Stars event
Holtz kept the attitude light with his stories, quick comments, and gracious participation in the Fight song led by Devin Gardner. The event also featured the ChadTough Foundation and donations of up to $50,000 were matched by private donors.
Jim Harbaugh kicking off the event
“United we out work them all,” said Harbaugh, kicking the event off after opening acts Josh Gracin and the Michigan band. He followed up by relaying two more quotes: “Those who try will stay” and “Those who stay will be champions.”
After top quarterback recruit Brandon Peters was announced and led on stage, celebrity guests took over the show to announce the rest of the recruits.
Tom Brady received a standing ovation and a flash of bright lights as everyone whipped out their phones to snag a photo. In fact, anytime a great Michigan alumnus or celebrity took the stage, the audience jumped out of their seats cheering.
Left to Right: Randy Sklar, Tom Brady, Jim Harbaugh, Brandon Peters
Derek Jeter came out and announced several recruits, while highlighting his new organization, The Players’ Tribune. Helping to sponsor this event, Jeter said The Players’ Tribune gives players a chance to tell their own story amidst recruiters and the media.
Ric Flair entered the stage amidst a chant of his signature “woo’s” and hyped up the audience even more by sharing snippets from his glory days before announcing two more recruits. Flair and Harbaugh’s brother John hung out on stage for a while talking about the new recruits.
In a video break of celebrities discussing the new recruits, Owen Wilson played a piano version of the Michigan Fight song. Afterwards, Devin Gardner led the audience through the cheer before continuing on to announce even more top recruits.
As the event wound down, Denard Robinson and Jake Rudock led the final introduction for the last two recruits from Florida.
As Harbaugh added his last remarks, the signing of the #1 recruit in the nation was alluded to as the audience shouted “Rashan Gary” and Harbaugh flashed a smile.
The event was non-stop entertainment from the moment Matt Kennedy took the stage to open with an original rap. From several awkward moments with Sklar, to videos featuring celebrities and alumni from across the nation wishing Michigan a great upcoming season, the only question left is: What will Michigan do next year to top this?
Perhaps Brady will fly the recruits in on a private jet. Anything is possible when the largest alumni association in the nation rallies around the real number one recruit — Jim Harbaugh.