toledoblade.com --

ANN ARBOR - Shelly Mealer has made it a practice not to look at most of her son Brock's medical bills. Instead, she sends them straight to the family's attorney.

"I've peeked at a couple, and they're just so horrifying," the Wauseon woman said.

Her youngest son, Elliott, is a freshman offensive lineman for the Michigan Wolverines. By throwing a "Bowling for Brock" charity event here yesterday, the team raised $15,025 to help cover his brother's medical expenses.

Brock, 23, suffered a crushed lower vertebra in an auto accident that killed his father, David, and Elliott's girlfriend, Hollis Richer, on Christmas Eve. He is conducting his rehabilitation at the UM Medical Center, and his family set up a fund to pay for the costs not covered by insurance.

Yesterday Brock and Elliott, their brother, Blake, and their mother were among those on hand at Colonial Lanes for the bowling event. The players bowled and signed autographs for fans who were asked to pay between $25 and $50 for admission - all going toward the fund.

Brock, 23, who is in a wheelchair but said he is beginning to strengthen his hip muscles in an effort to walk again, said the bowling party in his honor was

"amazing."

"It's kind of unreal to have these players you see on TV and they're actually excited to see me," Brock said. "They go out of their way to say 'hi' to me and everything. It's kind of a testament of God's hand in all of this."

It was Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez who approached Elliott about the bowling fund-raiser. Rodriguez, his staff and the university wanted to do something for the Mealers, but had to wait until Elliott was a student-athlete at the school to avoid violating NCAA rules.

Rodriguez gave credit to Brad Labadie, UM's director of football operations, for the idea. The coach said he viewed it as a way for his players to break from the grind of camp and enjoy themselves in the community.

"[It's a way] to raise awareness, not just for Brock's situation, but a lot of people are going through a similar type of situation," Rodriguez said. "What a burden it can be on them, both emotionally and financially."

The Wolverines practiced yesterday afternoon before taking the short bus ride from campus to the bowling alley. Once they arrived, music pumped through loudspeakers, pizza and pop were served, and the competition was on.

Morgan Trent, a fifth-year senior cornerback who owns bowling shoes and a ball, boasted about his 198 score in his second game.

Hey Morgan, what'd you bowl in your first game?

"Don't worry about it," he said.

"What a great event," Trent continued. "It's great to come out and get away from football, but also to help out Elliott and his brother and family. We love doing this."

Those interested in contributing to the family's fund for Brock can send checks to Christ United Methodist Church-Community Assistance Fund, 215 North Fulton St., Wauseon, 43567.

GOIN' CAMPIN': Rodriguez announced that offensive guard Cory Zirbel (knee) will undergo arthroscopic surgery and could be out for the season. "It's pretty significant," Rodriguez said of Zirbel's injury. "We're not even hopeful that he'll be able to return this year. We're waiting to see how he responds to surgery." Zirbel, a redshirt junior, had the inside track to start at guard. Redshirt junior Tim McAvoy is working with the first team in Zirbel's place now, but redshirt sophomore John Ferrara was switched from the defensive to offensive line and could challenge to start by next week's opener against Utah, Rodriguez said. … UM's other key injury is to freshman Terrence Robinson, a slot receiver who suffered a knee injury on Monday. Rodriguez said Robinson will be out several weeks. Starting cornerback Donovan Warren only participated in portions of practice yesterday, but Rodriguez said he was held out only as a precaution. … Ohio State decals were placed on many - if not all - of the Wolverines' tackling dummies. … Rodriguez said he would have an announcement shortly on redshirt junior running back Kevin Grady's status. Grady is currently suspended from playing in games after pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge this summer.

Contact Joe Vardon at:
jvardon@theblade.com
or 419-410-5055.

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