ANN ARBOR, MI –– Late Tuesday, Jan. 9, rain poured down on hundreds of Maidens and Bluejackets on the turf at Michigan's practice field.
The Michigan football team was welcomed home after defeating Washington, securing a perfect season and winning the college football national championship.
The Wolverines defeated Washington 34-13 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 8 in Houston. It is the program's first national championship since 1997.
RELATED: National champion! Michigan stuffs Washington and wins its first title since 1997
Despite the weather, fans waited to give their team a hero's welcome. Cheers erupted and rain fell as players and coaches waved their arms.
Select chants directed at Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and star quarterback JJ McCarthy were attempts to lobby for a second national title in two years.
“Sign the contract,” fans cheered Harbaugh, who has yet to announce a return to the Michigan sideline next year.
And cries of “one more year” were directed at McCarthy — the winningest quarterback in Michigan football history and a projected first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
McCarthy responded to the overwhelming support and demand with a laugh.
“I don’t know how I could leave you all,” McCarthy said. “Everything in this place is home to me.”
Details of a formal parade celebration will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 10, officials said. The date of the celebration is expected to be Saturday, January 13th.
“Saturday is the real parade and I want to see everyone there,” running back Blake Corum told the crowd.
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More Michigan football coverage from MLive:
Celebrate Michigan football's national title with this special cover
'It was electrifying': Michigan football fans are ecstatic after winning the national championship
On the field and in the locker room for Michigan's championship celebration