MARQUETTE – Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan may be a long trip from the middle of the Upper Peninsula, but one of the Wolverines basketball team’s biggest fans is located right here.

Brad Ruperd was rewarded for his loyal following of the Big Ten team on Wednesday morning when he was presented with a basketball by Northern Michigan University men’s basketball coach Bill Sall at Downtown EyeCare.

The Wildcats played Michigan in an exhibition game on Friday night in Ann Arbor when the Wolverines prevailed, 70-44.

The ball contained signatures from the entire Michigan team along with head coach John Beilein.

Ruperd was happy to receive the ball as he gave Sall a hug, and said that he’s been a fan of the Maize and Blue for a long time.

“Since forever,” he said, smiling and clutching his prize close to his chest. “I’ve got stuff in my bedroom at home. I just love basketball. It’s my favorite sport.”

Sall was glad to both present the ball to Ruperd and that he made a basketball fan’s day.

“This was really cool,” Sall said. “Seeing the expression on his face when he got it was awesome. When (eye doctor) Dr. Jon (Webb) set this up and said that he had a patient who was a huge Michigan fan, John Beilien was good enough to have everybody sign it.

“It’s just a nice thing. We made someone’s day and that’s what it’s all about.”

Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 246. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.