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64-mile race between MSU and UM delivers game balls, honors student

ANN ARBOR, MI - Juliana Powell still vividly remembers the passion her son Alex displayed for Michigan State football six years ago, showing up dressed head to toe in green and white as he entered the University of Michigan Hospital for cancer treatment.

Alex Powell - to put it kindly - was not a fan of the Wolverines, Powell said, but he learned to have admiration for both schools who helped him in his battle with cancer before succumbing to the disease in 2011.

"He appreciated what the University of Michigan gave him, so I think he would really proud of this - how we are coming together the day before the game - but on gameday, he's definitely a Spartan and would never be cheering from the University of Michigan," Juliana Powell said.