As a new era begins for the Michigan men's soccer program, its leader understands the expectations that come with coaching in Ann Arbor.

“I know the aspirations are very high with the university, with the players and with me,” said Chaka Daley, who was named the second head coach in program history on Dec. 23 after Steve Burns resigned on Nov. 30.

Daley comes to Ann Arbor after leading the Providence Friars for the past 12 seasons.

“I was ecstatic. Obviously from my growth standpoint moving from Big East to Big Ten. But also going from the smallest school (Providence) to one of the biggest in country,” Daley said.

Settling in and getting to know the “lay of the land” will be the first step for Daley. After getting his family comfortable, Daley plans on becoming familiar with the academic culture. He also wants to learn more about the competition he’ll face in the Big Ten.

And while he hasn’t had a chance to meet with players one on one, Daley has had conversations with them. Daley said he has no idea how or if he will make major changes to the style of play and who plays.

“It depends on the players. I know they were young last year, which is great for us in the future,” Daley said.

Daley said he likes to stress possession and game management to players. He also feels that because of the reputation the Michigan name carries across the country, he will be able to attract high-level recruits.

“That was a big attraction for me. It’s a national name, it’s an international name. I think a lot of people know about Michigan, if not everybody. Its academic reputation speaks for itself. “

Depth leads Michigan to wrestling victory

Five Michigan wrestlers captured first place in their respective weight classes, helping the Wolverines to victory at the Mat Town Invitational.

“We’re always looking to increase our competition in all our weight classes,” Michigan coach Joe McFarland said. “I was happy with the way those guys came back from their short break. They looked refreshed.”

Michigan was dominant in its class championship matches as Kellen Russell (141), Dan Yates (165), Ben Apland (heavyweight), Zac Stevens (133) and Justin Zeerip (174) did not lose a single point in any of their final matches.

The Wolverines scored 141 points beating second place Pittsburgh (which defeated Michigan 19-13 in November) by 16 points.

The Wolverines have been on a roll as of late, finishing second out of 34 teams at the Cliff Keen Invitational in early December and knocking off Wisconsin, 21-12, to open Big Ten play on Dec. 11.

“I think our guys have had some really good workouts. We’re excited about getting into these dual meets,” McFarland said. “The guys understand how important this weekend is.”

Michigan will be back in action Friday at Northwestern before returning home on Sunday for a meet against Illinois at Cliff Keen Arena.

Eastern Michigan women play today

The Eastern Michigan women's basketball team opens Mid-American Conference action today with a 7 p.m. game at Ball State. Eastern is 8-5 after a 65-43 victory Monday against Wyoming.

Michigan freshmen divers clean up at invitational

Divers from both the Michigan men’s and women’s diving team were victorious at the Fort Lauderdale Invitational on Dec. 31. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

For the women, Marina Nazario captured first place with a score of 277.95. Nazario is a native of Fort Lauderdale and the win marked the second time this season she has won when diving from the three-meter springboard. Emily Boyd finished third in the competition, posting a score of 234.75. Both Nazario and Boyd are freshmen.

On the men’s side, another pair of freshmen led the way as Kevin Bain (Northville High School) took first place in the three-meter dive after managing a score of 294.60. Former Ann Arbor Huron diver Jeff Camalo finished second with 281.31.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will compete Saturday against Indiana University at Canham Natatorium.

Upcoming home schedule:

Friday:

U-M hockey - 7:35 vs. Lake Superior State @ Yost Ice Arena

Saturday:

U-M men’s and women’s swimming - noon vs. Indiana @ Donald B. Canham Natatorium

U-M women’s basketball - 5 p.m. vs. Ohio State @ Crisler Center

U-M hockey - 7:35 p.m. vs. Lake Superior State @ Yost Ice Arena

Sunday:

U-M men’s basketball - noon vs. Wisconsin @ Crisler Center

U-M wrestling - 2 p.m. vs. Illinois @ Cliff Keen Arena

EMU women’s basketball - 2 p.m. vs. Northern Illinois @ Convocation Center

Wednesday:

U-M men’s basketball - 6:30 p.m. vs. Northwestern @ Crisler Center

EMU men’s basketball - 7 p.m. vs. Central Michigan @ Convocation Center