Want to see some real history this weekend? You know, the kind of achievement that may never be surpassed? Something like Wayne Gretzky’s single-season record of 92 goals or Cal Ripken Jr.'s "Iron Man" streak of 2,632 consecutive games played in the major leagues?

Michigan volleyball senior setter Lexi Zimmerman is on pace to accomplish something pretty special on Friday. With just 25 assists separating her from Linnea Mendoza — the Wolverines' all-time assists leader — the spotlight will shine ever so brightly on the Barrington, Illinois native inside Cliff Keen Arena tonight.

The only question is when last year's Michigan Female Athlete of the Year will finally eclipse the historic mark. Early in the second set? Toward the end of the frame? Possibly as late as the third? This I'll guarantee: barring any unforeseen circumstances, Zimmerman will make some real history against Iowa.

All of Zimmerman’s hard work — extra workout sessions and dedication in the gym — will culminate in a record-breaking performance, even if it isn’t a surprise, and one that you need to truly witness.

Arguably the best volleyball player to have worn the maize and blue in program history, Zimmerman has been at the heart of all the Wolverines' success in the past three seasons, the program's most successful stretch run.

Just look at the wall next to the electronic scoreboard at Cliff Keen and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Since her freshman year, Zimmerman has started in every set of every Wolverine match, a total of 119 consecutive matches. She’s overcome an injury to her right thumb last October, not missing a beat as she led Michigan to an Elite Eight appearance, its best finish ever.

Oh, by the way, she also led the nation in assists in 2009.

Not to mention that Zimmerman isn’t going to barely squeak by or just topple the all-time mark. She is going to crush the record.

If Zimmerman continues at this pace, by season’s end she will have roughly 1,000 more assists than the closest setter. That seems pretty unreachable — for a while at least.

With a host of other Michigan records to her name — first freshman setter to start an NCAA Tournament match, most assists in a single season and first Wolverine to be named to the AVCA All-American first team — this one is the record.

Even if you don’t care at all for volleyball or aren’t too crazy about sports in general, head to State and Hoover tonight. Grab a few friends. Throw on some maize garb. Witness some real history.

Oh, and remember how I was telling you Zimmerman will probably crush Michigan’s all-time assist record by 1,000. Well, she’s at 5,048 now.

The Big Ten record is 6,087.

Think about it.

Burns can reached at burnmark@umich.edu