football

I’ve mentioned before that I attended the 1969 Michigan victory over OSU.  Being in the stands that day, getting to rush the field and take down the goal posts, is my personal Wolverine football landmark.  I know.  Who cares?  You are absolutely right.  However, in the stands for that game, in the stands for the first time ever, was a high school senior who did matter.   He was sitting next to his sister.  He’s five foot, nine inches—maybe—and 170 pounds.  Michigan boy.  Decided at that very game he wanted to be a Michigan Wolverine.  Offensive lineman.  Walk on.

“….don’t let anyone talk you out of it.” 

Donnie Warner, who didn’t even know how to pronounce Bo’s last name, had just sprung a trap on Old Blood & Guts.  Quoted a speech Bo gave at his high school about never giving up.   Told him about attending “The Game” last fall.  “He had me, and he knew it.”    Bo was in full retreat.

Donnie sacrificed for the team and switched from offensive guard to defensive tackle.  He was not afraid of Reggie McKenzie and Tom Coyle.  Bo played on the demo team that year and watched him get knocked around like a “volleyball”.   Donnie endeavored to persevere. 

By his junior year Donnie was quickly becoming quite a pest for Bo’s offense and was not shy about celebrating his victories on the field.  Bo fretted over his offensive line.  “For cryin’ out loud, if we can’t stop little Donnie Warner from breaking up our plays, how in the hell are we going to stop Purdue?”

By his senior year Donnie was on full scholarship and starting.  Try as he might, Bo simply couldn’t find anyone to beat him out.  Donnie started calling him “Bo” and advised him how to beat OSU that year—and was right.   The 1973 team is the one that got ganked, so Donnie Warner smelled no Roses in his final year at Michigan, which is a shame.  Bo described him as the greatest player he ever coached.  Wow.  Just think of all the names on THAT list and Donnie Warner is on TOP!
 
And just think, it all started with the last game of the season in 1969 versus OSU.  Just sayin’.  There’s magic in that game.  And, uh, thank you Donnie Warner’s sister.

If you haven’t already read “Bo’s Lasting Lessons”, by John U. Bacon (pg. 142-150), do so now.  That is where this entire story comes from.  Turn off your computer, run to the book store, don’t walk, and get this book.  Why are you still sitting there! Go!

Beyer ripped apart both the Salem offense and defense last night en route to a 48-0 win last night. Tim tweeted these:

Beyer blocks a punt and recovers for a TD. Plymouth leads Salem 14-0 with 8:56 to go in the first half.

Beyer's 2nd TD grab makes it 21-0 Plymouth. Beyer has accounted for 18 points, ND commit Kyle Brindza has 3 extra points.

At the half, Brennen Beyer's Plymouth Wildcats lead Salem 35-0. Beyer has 2 rec for 43 yds and 2 TDs, punt block TD, and 3 QB knockdowns.

And Plymouth Canton sports ran this article late last night... quotes!

Senior Brennen Beyer, who has committed to play football for the University of Michigan beginning next fall, scored three touchdowns in a five-minute span of the second quarter Friday night to lead the Wildcats to a 48-0 triumph over Salem.

"That's why he's going to Michigan," Plymouth head coach Mike Sawchuk said, when asked about Beyer's game-changing exploits. "He worked his butt off during the off-season. He's even better now than he was last year."

Beyer's offensive explosion was ignited 55 seconds into the second quarter when the 6-foot-4, 225-pound wide-out out-jumped Salem defensive back Evian Pardo for a 32-touchdown pass from junior quarterback Shaun Austin.

There should be video up from Tim by Monday, thanks Tim!

A2.com is reporting that:

An old tradition is returning this season to the newly expanded and renovated Big House: Vendors in the stands.

For the first time in at least two decades, vendors selling beverages and snacks will walk the stands of Michigan Stadium.

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The in-seat vending for home games was resurrected as a result of the $226 million renovation, which will alleviate at least some of the crowding, said Bruce Madej, associate athletic director for communications.

“We’re back to the point where we will be taking concessions out to the stadium. Years ago, we used to do it, but the crowds got so big it became impossible. 

"Before, when you’d walk in the stadium, you felt like fish spawning in a stream,” he said. “Now, there is more room between the aisles.” 

In-seat vending will offer a better experience for fans, Madej said, who won’t have to spend time standing in line in the concourse and missing the action. “Now it will be a better experience for the fan base, not just for those in the suites.”

At the Big House, EMS vendors will sell bottled soda pop and water ($4), hot cocoa in commemorative mugs ($8), Cracker Jacks ($4) and other snacks such as packaged cotton candy. They will not sell beer or hot dogs.

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Job fairs began last week to fill about 200 positions needed for the seven home University of Michigan football games, said Matt Young, owner of South Carolina-based Event Management Solutions.

Anyone who submits an application can have a chance at vending, Young said: "We’re constantly hiring.”

If you're interested, here's the job posting. Sounds like a great way to take in a game if you're unable to score tickets.

Kelsey Gensler of Monroe has a day job and likes the idea of picking up some extra money. But she also likes the idea of being around the action.  “I love Michigan football,” she said. “Instead of paying to see it, I’ll be able to make money while seeing it and be part of the tradition.”

...days...

...until Devin Gardner does a lot of this (hopefully).

Just read an interesting article on Tony Washington on ESPN. I wasn't familiar with the story and thought it was an interesting one. Not the best-written article, but a powerful story of the struggles some athletes face in their personal lives and the mental strength it takes to rise above them. Anyway, just thought a few of you might enjoy this. If nothing else, it will be 15 minutes less of the agonizing wait for UConn.

Hart rushed for 76 yards and a TD. He also had 108 return yards.

2012 QB Patti Jr ran for 2 TD's and passed for another. Patti threw for 106 yards and rushed for 79 more.

They won 42-0