scrimmage was for a 71-yard gain against Indiana in 1973. As a sophomore in 1972, Heater reportedly found himself in Schembechler's doghouse after missing a day of practice after his wedding. The Chicago Tribune reported: "You know why Chuck Heater, the Michigan back, got in Coach Bo Schembechler's doghouse? Chuck skipped a day of practice for a honeymoon. Not sufficient excuse, ruled Bo." At the time he completed his college career in 1974, Heater ranked fourth all-time among Michigan's career rushing leaders since official records were maintained starting in 1949. The only players ahead of him were Billy Taylor (3,072 yards), Ron Johnson (2,417 yards) and Ed Shuttlesworth (2,333 yards). Heater also received the Fielding Yost Award in 1975 as the most outstanding academic and athletic performance by a senior. The Wolverines compiled a record of 41–3–1 during Heater's four years with the team and won or tied for the Big Ten Conference championship every season. After completing his senior year at Michigan, Heater was selected to play as a running back for the Blue team in the 1974 Blue–Gray Football Classic. Professional football Heater was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 10th round (241st overall pick) of the 1975 NFL Draft. He signed with the Saints in June 1975, but he was released in early September 1975, shortly before the opening game of the regular season. Heater played for the Pontiac Arrows of the Midwest Football League in 1976. Coaching career Northern Arizona When Heater was released by the Saints, he returned to Michigan for graduate work in educational psychology. In 1976, he learned from a friend about an opening on the coaching staff at Northern Arizona University. He was hired as the offensive backfield coach working under head coach Joe Salem. Heater took over a backfield that had fumbled 46 times in 1975. Under Heater's tutelage, the Northern Arizona backfield fumbled only 14 times in 1976. Northern Arizona running back Carl Golden also led the Big Sky Conference in rushing in 1976. Heater later recalled that he had no intention of coaching football when he graduated from Michigan. He said, "I found out it's what I know most about anyway — football. I found out it's really what I wanted to do. Coaching is suited to my abilities." Toledo In December 1976, after completing one season at Northern Arizona, Heater was hired by the University of