SportsLine wire reports
March 16, 1999

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Michigan football team suffered its first official setback of the 1999 season last week, when it lost speedy sophomore halfback Justin Fargas for all of the 1999 season.

March 9, Fargas spent four hours in surgery to have a new plate inserted in his broken right leg.

The leg which was originally injured in Michigan's 27-10 victory over Wisconsin Nov. 14, had been healing normally until regular wear-and-tear proved too much for one of the plates, Fargas said from his home in Encino, Calif.

Fargas said he has been at home since he returned there for spring break. At that time, it was discovered that his leg would not heal properly unless the plate was fixed.

"IT'S A LITTLE DISCOURAGING, because I had been making progress," Fargas said. "It's nothing that's going to stop me from achieving my goals."

He said his family and friends have kept his mind off the pain, as have calls from teammates Larry Foote and Dave Terrell.

"It's something that in the long run is going to make me stronger," said Fargas, a former California state champion in the 100-meters.

Last season, Fargas was the Wolverines' third-leading rusher, gaining 294 yards and scoring one touchdown. The 6-1, 185-pound speedster also gained 311 yards on 16 kick returns.