March 17, 2005- Ann Arbor, Mich. -- For the Michigan Thunderbirds, the 2004-2005 has been a true learning experience. The T-Birds Invitational Tournament March 5-6 at Concordia University was no exception.

In a tune-up for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Regional Tournament (March 19-20, Rockford, IL), the Thunderbirds were on the losing end of four games, twice falling short to the Indiana and Grand Rapids Pacers. Despite Glen Ashlock's 18 points (8-13 FG), Michigan couldn't overcome a slow start, dropping the opener 49-42. Bob Smith led all scorers with 26 points and Terry Niccum added 10 for the Pacers.

Game Two matched the T-Birds against their in-state rivals, the Grand Rapids Pacers. Thunderbirds Head Coach Joe Sutika said the team's effort was much better, with a similar result, losing a close decision 50-47. "The second game was a total opposite; the effort was there for 40 minutes. We came up on the short end, which is never a good thing, but overall the effort was excellent the second game."

Ashlock again led the T-Bird attack with 17 points, while Mo Morales chipped in 12 points. Eric Schwartz scored 13 points for Grand Rapids, anchoring a balanced lineup which featured three players in double figures. Leading 28-23 at halftime, the Thunderbirds were on top by as many as seven in the second stanza, but couldn't hang on. A bucket by Larry Hagley with 3:33 left put the Pacers ahead for good.

The Thunderbirds hoped to get off to a quick start Sunday's Game Three vs. Indiana. However, it was the Pacers who started fast, jumping out to a 40-14 halftime lead. Ashlock poured in a game-high 21 points for the T-Birds, while Niccum and Dave Reynolds paced Indiana with 20 and 18 points, respectively. The Pacers cruised to a 65-54 win.

Wrapping up the tournament vs. Grand Rapids, the T-Birds made it a game in the second half. Unfortunately, the come back effort was too little, too late as the Pacers went home with a 44-35 victory. For the third time in four games, Ashlock finished as the high-point man with 16 and Schwartz led Grand Rapids scoring 13 points.

While the T-Birds were winless for the weekend, they learned valuable lessons along the way. Most importantly, play hard for 40 minutes every game. "There are certain guys on this team who haven't played at this level (NWBA Division II) so they aren't used to the intensity being there from the other team," Sutika said. "They are used to a 'pick-up' style, where it's fun. All of a sudden, they begin to realize the other teams play as hard the first minute as they do the last."

Heading into the NWBA Midwest Regional Tournament, the Thunderbirds will have their work cut out, taking on #2 seeded Rockford. In the two previous meetings between the two teams, the Chariots have won decisively. On a positive note, the Thunderbirds will be prepared and know what to expect. "We know that they are a better team and we are going to have to play almost a perfect game to beat them," Ashlock said.

A 15-year NWBA veteran, Ashlock understands what it takes to win a national championship, helping the T-Birds to their first ever crown in 1997. He will use this experience to teach the younger players what to expect this time of year.

"You just have to tell them they've seen the (NBA) playoffs on TV and the NCAA tournament and how everybody steps up," he said. "It's win or go home and everybody comes to play."

"The key is for us to play smart and follow the game plan. I think the biggest advantage we have is (Rockford) underestimates us. If we execute what we do in practice this week, we can be right there with them."

During March Madness, anything can happen, right?

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October 14, 2004 -Dearborn, Mich. -- Maurice "Mo" Phillips, Jr. was inducted into the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame (ADHOF) at the sixth annual awards ceremony and dinner held at the Ford Conference and Event Center. A six-time National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) All-American, Phillips has won three national championships during his illustrious career.

In 1998, he served as head coach for the Michigan Thunderbirds before heading to Dallas to lead the Mavericks in 1999. Making his mark in the international ranks, Phillips was an assistant coach for Team USA, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the Pan-Am Games. For the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, Greece, he was chosen as head coach for the United States, further developing some of the best players in the game today.

Off the court, Phillips is a leader in the community, promoting sports and education for people with disabilities. A member of the Michigan Protection Advocacy Organization, Phillips often works with therapists and physicians increase participation in wheelchair sports. "Mo has shown great respect for this position that he is in for others, both in terms of playing style and personal interactions, said ADHOF Alumnus Darlene Quinlan, who nominated Phillips for this award.

Additional 2004 honorees include Andy Siwarski (Inductee), Aaron Scheidies, Elizabeth Stone (Athletes of the Year), Ducan Wyeth (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Scout Bassett (Rising Star Award).

October 12, 2004 - The Thunderbirds had a strong presence at the 2004 Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game at Calihan Hall at the University of Detroit Mercy. Presented by Wright and Filippis, the contest matched the Detroit Sports Legends vs. Detroit Motor Mouths. The Legends team, coached by Detroit Pistons star Tayshaun Prince and Detroit Red Wings Assistant Coach Joe Kocur, featured current T-Birds Myreo Dixon, Weusi Olusola and Jerry Sarasin along with former Detroit Tiger great Milt Wilcox. Led by Red Wings Head Coach Dave Lewis, the Motor Mouths took the court with some of Detroit's most favorite media personalities, including Dan Dickerson and Mario Impemba, the radio and television voices of the Tigers. T-Birds Curtis Carter, Deneen Hampton and Antonio Butler spurred the attack for the Motor Mouths, as they cruised to a decisive victory. In addition, former T-Birds Assistant Coach Corey Bell served as a referee.

All fans in attendance enjoyed play-by-play from "Stoney and Wojo" of Sports Radio 1130 WDFN, while Pistons Public Address Announcer and WDMK Radio personality John Mason was the Emcee for the evening.