Getting to know Michigan basketball fan Robert Zavala
Michigan basketball fan Robert Zavala does more than watch the games, he works them while passionately – and covertly – cheering for his Wolverines.
Michigan basketball and football saved his life. Some people may say that, but for Robert Zavala, life wasn’t going as planned and the Wolverine family he found himself surrounded by truly saved his life.
Robert didn’t expect some of the things that were thrown at him and the pressure from daily activities became insurmountable. And right when the tipping point arrived, Michigan nation stepped in to help. The friends, fans, and Michigan family were there precisely when Robert needed them.
The story of Robert Zavala.
Q: Tell me a little about yourself.
A: “My name is Robert Zavala, and I am from Bay City, Michigan. As the youngest of 7 kids, I have 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and a ton of nephews and nieces. I am 48 years old be 49 in June. I am a huge Michigan fan. Live and die by the maize and blue.”
Q: Working at UM on the event team, you must meet some interesting people. Tell me, who did you enjoy meeting/conversating with the most over the years?
A: “The people that I’ve met is crazy: Thomas ‘Hit Man’ Hearns, Tim Hardaway Sr and Jr, The Fab Five, Hank Aaron, Archie Griffin, Blake Griffin, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson and the list goes on and on. But the conversation I cherish the most was with Coach Juwan Howard at the Rutgers Football game. I met Coach a few times before because I work the Tunnel entrance of the stadium. At the end of the third quarter coach and the police officer that follows him were coming my way. I said ‘what’s up coach’ and he said ‘Rob I see you working hard before the game,’ and we both just laughed. He put his arm around my shoulder and I had my arm around his waist looking up at him. I just started to ask him questions about 2020 recruits for basketball, he was shocked and asked if I worked BB game, I said ‘yup.’ We talked for about 10 mins but it was cool as heck.”
Q: What does the University of Michigan mean to you?
A: “Michigan means the world to me. My Michigan family is awesome. They are more family than my family. This job saved my life…
“I was having a hard time with life. I was taking care of my mom, I was her caregiver and it was taking a toll on me. There were times I didn’t want to live anymore due to the pressure of taking care of a parent. I would always find someone to watch my mom while I went to Ann Arbor for a football or basketball game. The time there for 3-6 hours during gameday my mind was clear. I didn’t have to think about what was going on at home. My Michigan family would check on me daily, to see if I was ok and if I needed anything. The week my mom passed away, Michigan had their last home game for basketball. I asked my siblings if I could go cuz I needed to get out. I had a friend of mine come with me cuz I didn’t want to drive alone. As I got to the tunnel I looked up and there were 25-30 waiting for me. I told my supervisor I was gonna be at the game to clear my head. I walked up the tunnel with nothing but tears, my Michigan Family there again for me.”