The Definition of Wal-Mart Wolverine

Submitted by Winchester Wolverine on

In my first public posting, I chose a diary in order to avoid a public execution on the message board. I've lurked on this blog for years and yet I still have a burning question that can only be answered by the likes of this board.

When I was young and growing up in southwest Ohio, I was surrounded by sameness. Red shirts promoting the block "O" clouded my peripheral vision wherever I went. It still does. Yet, occasionally, those ever-so-sweet maize and blue colors would pop up in the hallways at school. I liked that. Even before I understood what football, or any other sport for that matter, meant to the general population. So, in an effort to distinguish myself from the crowd, I unknowingly picked up the most proverbial, unholy of things to break from the school of fish swimming in one linear direction of fandom. I picked up my first hat with the honorary block "M".

It was the first of many. Winged helmet shirts and the "Suckeye" comments shortly ensued. It wasn't some stroke of generic, story-like love that led me to dream of being on campus in Ann Arbor. It was a love that built over time. I enjoyed the arguments at school about who'd win The Game. About who had better players, colors, and stadiums. I enjoyed watching every game I could. Win or lose, my increasing love for the team became unwavering and eventually spread to my passion playing the game myself. I could waste more of your time explaining my fondest memories while witnessing countless telivised games. But eventually it was those memories that built a foundation I could justify my passion on. My dream was to play football or even basketball for the Wolverines. High school came and went, proving I was too small and un-athletic to do so. So I dreamed of the next best thing:

Life in the student section. Studying in the acadimic prowess that is the University.

However, a troubled childhood and otherwise poor circumstances made my second best dream a very improbable one to come true. I'm not usually prone to excuses but a big dose of life has stymied my attempt to fulfill my passion. And yet, my empty passion still holds true. I love the University of Michigan. It's an almost strange obsession, having never gone to school there. I have no alumni in my family. In fact, no one in my family has ever furthered their education. I am another factory working descendent in the long list of blue color Americans with the same last name.

If you're still reading, you now know a little about me. Though I still wish to attend school in my favorite city in the world, right now is not exactly realistic. I'm not sure it ever will be. So my question is:

Is "my kind" heavily looked down upon by the alumni? Am I the infamous "Wal-Mart Wolverine"?

I must admit, I expect I know what the answer is. But it is a question worth asking. Whatever the reaction I get from this will not deter my fandom. Nothing ever will.

I never felt I was worthy of posting on this blog because of these questions of mine (hence the lurking for a few years). But I am truly intrigued by the responses I may or may not get. Thank you for taking the time to read my first diary post. This long entry may not be written well either, but shit, no post-high school education may do that to you.

Comments

bo_lives

January 23rd, 2015 at 5:21 AM ^

"Walmart Wolverine" term is a stupid, derogatory term the Sparties made up to offend people from Michigan's slightly larger in-state fanbase and much larger national fanbase over the last several decades. It is a popular insult because it is alliterative.

I am currently a grad student at Michigan, and also went to undergrad here. Everyone in my immediate family of college age or older has attended Michigan. I would not say that I nor any of my family look down upon people who are Michigan fans but did not go to Michigan. Being from southeast Michigan I have many friends who did not attend Michigan but are huge U-M fans. I think it's great - it's a way to connect with them even if we didn't go to the same school.

I should mention that no one in my parents' families had ever attended Michigan before they did, yet they both grew up as big Michigan fans. Both are from southeast Michigan, so obviously location played a part, but the point is that college sports in the U.S. transcend direct academic connections. Maybe one day you will attend here or your children will. But as long as you hold true to your loyalties as a fan I don't think it really matters.

As I said the term is just stupid and its usage is akin to internet trolling. I have attended Michigan vs. MSU games at Spartan Stadium as a U-M student and been called a "Walmart Wolverine" by their oblivious annoying fans.

Long story short don't let it get to you, and Go Blue!

TESOE

January 23rd, 2015 at 6:24 AM ^

Football doesn't mean much in the real world.  Neither does sport.  Yet we watch and cheer.  We'll talk about a team with a nostic "we" that can be patronizing and vilifying but is bred of a collective identity.  Since sport defines winning and losing it provides a tidy contrast for anyone to draw a sense of identity.
 
If someone calls some Wolverine fans Walmart Wolverines I wouldn't think any more of it than Michigan players calling fans muggles or collegians gathering for an alumni celebration.  Part of it is identity and part shared experience and nothing more.  Collegiality can be defined on any boundary.
 
Personally I'm a stoic.  Ultimately life is suffering with a brief interlude of knowledge and joy.  If you are a Michigan fan - I'm sure you can appreciate the suffering at least.  Let's drink to the gridiron knowledge and joy to come whatever your background.  In the end it doesn't mean as much as we let on.

THE TEAM cubed

January 24th, 2015 at 4:02 PM ^

first time i heard that term i was nine and the guy who said it to me didnt go to college and refilled vending machines for a living.  so honestly i thought it was just a reference to how michigan shirts were sold at walmart.  therfore, it never really hurts my feelings.  besides, i became a michigan fan as a child and whether or not i could get into the college has no effect on how fun it is to watch guys like woodson , desmond and braylon. next time a sparty fan says that to you, ask them who plays left tackle for their team.   I swear they are the most uninformed fanbase ive ever met.  most of them like the colors or the fact that they were the underdog for 40 years.  

Victor Hale II

January 23rd, 2015 at 5:11 AM ^

Yep, it's just another example of Sparty stupidity. The premise for their argument is laughable, IMO. They're basically saying "you and U-M suck because you're so popular and widely recognized across the entire nation."

Then they'll try to say "oh it's just those that brag about the academics but didn't actually go there." Alright, so by that logic, you're not supposed to have respect or admiration for something you were never a part of? Note to self: stop admiring the pyramids at Giza, as you weren't there to build them.

FTR: I didn't go to UM. Nobody in my family did, either.

BluByYou

January 23rd, 2015 at 6:13 AM ^

is that non ND alumni fans are lovingly called "subway alumni", but my take on the sparties is that they are jealous that you have a choice of schools to root for that does not include them, a choice they do not have.  That really bothers them, so wear the block M proudly, but not if you fall in the very rare category of having a sparty as a boss.

Blue Ninja

January 23rd, 2015 at 6:07 AM ^

I too have never had anyone in my family achieve higher education before myself and alas I did not make it into the great University of Michigan either. That did not however, stop me from becoming a supporter and fan. I grew up in the state of Michigan so am proud to be a Michigan fan, even grew up in the Sparty stronghold of western Michigan.

All that said what is ironic is EVERY fanbase out there has the so-called "Wal-Mart" fans. Without them the fanbase would be very small and college athletics would not be able to survive much less have national tv exposure. MSU has a large contingent of Wal-mart fans just as UM does, probably even more so now with their recent sucesses. I know many Wal-mart Spartan fans, most of my family belongs to that genre. So long story short it's a bunch of butt-hurt Sparty fans that found the one insult that seemed to resonate well within their fanbase, I just shrug it off when I hear it. 

alum96

January 23rd, 2015 at 6:50 AM ^

I have always found it funny when "neutrals" choose Michigan and Spartans get in a huff about it.  It's a sign of widespread popularity and a great tradition and brand that people want to be part of.  There are people on here that probably know more about Michigan / Michigan athletics than some of the people who actually went to the school so I don't see the issue.  I think it speaks of envy from an opposing fanbase.

nmumike

January 23rd, 2015 at 7:03 AM ^

I can relate as no one in my family went to Michigan, we all went to Northern Michigan, but I grew up in Oakland County and went to watch games in Ann Arbor since I was a toddler. I have no regrets about my school choice, I love Marquette, and enjoyed my experience at NMU. Having said that, I have and always will be a fan of the Wolverines.

Going to the Big House as a 4-year-old and on for years, truly changed my life and those memories will always be with me. If that makes me a Wal-Mart Wolverine, so be it. I am a damn proud Michigan fan, and always will be. To answer your question, I do not think of anyone as a Wal-Mart Wolverine, it is something that opposing fanbases want to throw at us, and it is largely based on jealousy.

Go Blue!

mahuff0

January 23rd, 2015 at 7:25 AM ^

I have been a big time UM fan since I was very young. The I went to many EMU fb gamesbut honestly I had no choice UofM was in my blood and will always be a fan. Great job for your first entry btw.

borninAnnArbor

January 24th, 2015 at 12:36 AM ^

I was born in Ann Arbor (hence the name) and lived in Michigan for 13 years before my family moved to Southwest Ohio. I get a lot of questions too about why I am a fan and just tell them what I wrote above and they still give a hard time but begrudgingly accept it.
I went to Miami of Ohio for college. I had some friends who wore Miami gear a lot, but was surprised to see them at a Michigan Miami hockey game wearing Michigan gear too.
Keep in mind that once Harbaugh gets Michigan back to its winning was again, dont be surprised to see dormant Michigan fans proudly wear Maize and blue again, even in Ohio.

Canadian

January 23rd, 2015 at 7:27 AM ^

I knew from the start of my love affair with the University of Michigan that I wouldn't attend the school. I'm not athletic enough and wasn't dedicated enough in the classroom to get any financial help and even though we were pretty well off there was no way the international fees were a little much.

You can call me what you will but my undying passion for Michigan will continue for as long as I'm still kicking. When I was able to move back down to the Windsor area the first thing I did was donate the money to get on the football interest list and within a month I had hockey and football season tickets that I plan on using until my love affair with the Leaders and Best is done.

mgobobb

January 23rd, 2015 at 7:46 AM ^

my dad graduated from there. I did well in high school (National Honor Society, etc) but was turned down for acceptance by U of M. Later I was accepted for grad school but never went.

My love for UM grows each day and it is NOT easy being a Wolverine fan here in Ohio. Regardless of what many of them say, they simply hate UM but I can't call them a Wal-Mart Buckeye as everyone from Ohio is accepted to Ohio State. Well, they claim that's not true anymore as they have tightened up entrance requirements or so they say?!?!

Go Blue!!

Hotel Putingrad

January 23rd, 2015 at 7:47 AM ^

Fandom is often rooted in geography, but allegiance persists because of one's ability to connect with something larger than himself or herself. I'm not an alumnus (Vandy) but grew up in Detroit and bonded with the team over their ritualistic excellence on Saturday afternoons. Winning is a powerful memory from an otherwise joyless childhood. I admired Bo and cannot wait to see what Coach Harbaugh can accomplish. If you love the school and its teams, be proud. Sometimes we all need a little extended family to make it through life.

Jayvandy23

January 23rd, 2015 at 8:01 AM ^

    I always thought the beginnings of the "Walmart Wolverine" was a diss on poorer people who would wear the cheapest gear they could get, and alot of times it coincided with a good Michigan team.  It's kind of like the MSU pizza delivery guy joke.  Over time, it began to be applied to those who cheer for the team, but did not attend the school.

    I also think it is an inferiority complex for the average Spartan fan.  The Irony is that as Michigan struggled, the number of "Walmart Spartan" fans has increased.  Now that diss can be applied to them.  Cheering for them because they are good, but having no real affiliation to them except for the shirt on their back.

    I say cheer for who you love, regardless of where you went to school.  I graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, but have always been Blue.  My mother worked at Michigan in the early 60's, and a great, great uncle was a football all-American back in the early 1900's.     

litwild

January 23rd, 2015 at 8:05 AM ^

Yes, it does hurt. This Walmart Wolverine. I have been a fan for about 30 years now. I remember watching the 82' or 83' Rose Bowl and was hooked for life. I've been going to at least one game a year since 1995. Even catching road games at NW(2000), ND(2011) & MSU(2012). Even though all 3 were losses I proudly donned the maize n blue. The last 2 times with my son in tow. I didn't have the grades or the major (hotel & restaurant management) to go to UofM, but hopefully my son will. I will support the university till the day I die. Unlike like all these sparty bandwagon jumpers, who have only opened their pie holes since Lloyd Carr resigned. I can't wait for Harbaugh to get Michigan back to "MICHIGAN". It's been a rough patch but this walmart wolverine has been right there through it all. I wouldn have it any other way. Go Blue!

TSimpson77

January 23rd, 2015 at 8:23 AM ^

I didn't attend the school nor did any of my family, but I will damn near fist fight you for running it down. I grew up and still live in southwest Indiana 1.5 hours from IU. I fell in love with the Wolverines when I was a freshman in high school, this coincided with the Fab 5's freshman year in college, I loved their swagger and how they played. I loved the black socks, baggy shorts, trash talking and winning. I then started following the football and realized this school had it all, even the baseball team was good. I was set and have never waivered from the Maize and Blue, I have now met a couple guys in my same town (Sullivan) that share my affection for the Wolverines and we watch and go to a couple games a year now. My wife and I attended the Cowboys Classic and met an alum there, we ended up buying each other a few drinks but she never looked down on us for not being alums and openly welcomed us to the fanbase. All I can say is rock that block M even if you did buy it from Walmart or Meijer, someone somewhere will give you a Go Blue guaranteed.

BIGBLUEWORLD

January 23rd, 2015 at 9:03 AM ^

I had to overcome struggles to graduate from the University of Michigan; and also worked in the Chrysler auto plant in the summer to pay my way.  Never let anything rob your passion or steal your dream.  You're not a Wal-Mart Wolverine.  Don't listen to that.  Listen to what's in your heart.  You are a Wolverine.

Here's a really good suggestion.  Take a University of Michigan online course.  There's also a different curriculum at the U of M Dearborn campus.  You can find a subject that is interesting.  

When you complete that single online course, you will be a certified member of the University of Michigan academic community.  Who knows, taking one course might lead to another course, then maybe another...

My cousin worked for years, and got her degree at the age of fifty.  Maybe there is more to your feelings for the University of Michigan than just being a sports fan.  Could this be a lighthouse beacon that's shining a light toward something you have yet to accomplish?

Thanks for posting your story.  Go Blue!  

Mjoeblue86

January 23rd, 2015 at 9:10 AM ^

We come in all stripes. Who cares? My dad was an alum, instilled in me a love of the university, then promptly moved the family to Florida from Troy when I was three. When it was time for me to go to college, I could have attended UM, spent an exorbinant amount of money on out-of-state tution with no familial anchors for thousands of miles, or taken advantage of Florida's fantastic Bright Futures scholarship program and attended UF for free, an hour away from my family. What do you think I did? That's right, I went to culinary school in New England because I fucking hate UF, and I distrust institutional learning. But it isn't keeping me from getting a block M tattoo at some point in the future.

LSA91

January 23rd, 2015 at 9:46 AM ^

IMHO, fans are fans.   I like some schools I have no connection to, and I'm happy to share my love for Michigan sports with anyone, whether or not they went.    

I grew up in MI and recently moved to SW Ohio, and I will say that Ohio has its own thing - people who root for Michigan as a reaction to all the OSU hype.   I'm fine with that, and if some kid from Deerfield wants to root for OSU because he just liked them growing up, I'd be . . . OK, now that I've said it, I would try to be a good sport about that and fail.

So I can see how an OSU fan might be irritated by your existence, but how can I blame you for picking Michigan!

BlueKoj

January 23rd, 2015 at 9:46 AM ^

I grew up in Flint. My family is full of alum at both Flint and A2 (also full of factory workers, union stewards and GM execs). My mom, Dad and brother are. My grandma was the valedictorian at UM-F in 1958. I was born in '69 and am told I saw Bo's first W over Woody. I've seen every version of The Game since too. I applied only to UM-F and got into the Honors program. I've never regretted the decision, and had my own reasons at the time. I will say that the "F" is an asterisk for anyone who ever asks "are you an alum." I've always found it interesting when UM-A2 alums have said they have a richer and deeper fandom/love for UM FB than non-alums. The assertion has been it isn't a bad thing and they don't "look down" on non-alums, but it just is a richer experience and something more visceral because "I went there. It's my team." I know a Sparty alum who claims the same thing. I find it humorous that my 46 years of fandom isn't as deep and rich as the 5 year fandom of a recent grad from UM-A2. I'm glad to see none on here desparage OP or so-called "WW" in general. I've personally seen it from alums, and have even experienced some of it as an alum* ;) myself.  Sometimes, (from some people) "UM arrogance" isn't reserved for our Sparty/OH friends.
 
Nice first post, OP...GO BLUE! HARBAUGH!!

MaizeJacket

January 23rd, 2015 at 10:09 AM ^

It's been really cool to read everyone's story on how they became Michigan fans.  I remain amazed at how broad Michigan's brand reaches, across the USA and beyond.

 

One thing I will add is I hear the term "Michigan family" a lot and having had the opportunities and privilege to visit Ann Arbor several times over the past few years, I can't think of a more accurate term.  I have no familial roots in Michigan, nor did I attend the school, but my best friend from my childhood did (and now contributes to this blog!).  Over time, his intense fandom grew on me so much, that we jointly decided it was time I make it up for a game; Purdue, 2007.  Ever since then, with the exception of 2009, I have made an annual trek up to AA for a football weekend.  Every year I meet great people, and when I tell them my story and how I got there, I can safely say that the "acceptance" of my fandom is just as genuine as that of an alumni.  I think it's clear that most fans have a very rational and deep-rooted love and admiration for the University of Michigan, whether they attended the school or not.  Which is how it's supposed to be.

drtpushr

January 23rd, 2015 at 10:16 AM ^

I was easily influenced by some older cousins that lived in central ohio. Of course, they were all about the bugeyes. I even had an OSU shirt they gave me on a stay there one summer. Then a righteous thing happened to me at the ripe old age of 13. That was a man named Bo. I listened to THAT game in 1969 against the #1 team in the land and while i started the game rooting for the Bugeyes by the end I had formed my own opinion who was the best in the land. I never looked back and still harrass the hell out of the cousins whenever possible.I never attended classes at M but I have always been recognized in a positive manner from all sorts of M fans when they see me in my gear.  It is whats in the heart. Go Blue Forever.

goblueram

January 23rd, 2015 at 10:32 AM ^

I welcome all "Walmart Wolverines" with open arms.  Many of these fans are much more passionate then a large chunk of the alumni base.  

I made my decision on where to go to school in large part thanks to Michigan Athletics.  Being a fan all my life, I just knew it's where I would end up.  Of course, most people go to Michigan primarily because of academics, and plenty of these folks aren't Michigan fans prior to attending.  There is something to be said for making the choice to become a Michigan fan rather than becoming one by default.

klctlc

January 23rd, 2015 at 11:00 AM ^

Thanks, I am in same boat.  A WMU grad who strongly roots for the Wolverines when the Bronco's come to town.

I admit when I post on the board I do feel a little self conscious of the fact I did not go to Ann Arbor. I am jealous of the posters who reference bars, professors and classes. However, I could not even apply to M,  my HS grades got me into WMU on probation.  Luckily, I saw the light in college.

I have two boys in HS, one is a senior he is accepted at IU and also applying to Uof I. I am trying to convince him to lob an application to M, but not sure he will. Plus his act (31) is definitely borderline for even getting in.

That leaves son number two who is a soph.  I feel if one of my kids gets in and I pay out of state tuition, I am officially a wolverine!

klctlc

January 23rd, 2015 at 3:27 PM ^

I play bball with a bunch of guys, one is a little older than me. His son goes to a magnet school in Chicago, can't remember which one.  Got a 36. Graduated with the highest GPA in the high school. Played in orchestra and did volunteer work. 

Stanford said no.  Amazing.  

31 for M as a white male is pretty low for M.  

The competition for elite schools like M is incredible.

Winchester Wolverine

January 23rd, 2015 at 11:32 AM ^

Your heartfelt comments are very much appreciated! Who knows what the future holds. I'm young and I just had a son recently. Perhaps I'll take online courses when I'm better prepared or maybe I can groom my son to becoming a successful U-M attendee. I must admit, posting on this blog is intimidating. I compare it to posting pictures of your mediocre artwork for very reputable artists to see. Thanks again for the support and as always, GO BLUE!

Hab

January 23rd, 2015 at 11:40 AM ^

As was mentioned above, labels are lazy.  No alum will call you a Wal-Mart Wolverine, just other teams' fans who want to get a rise out of you.  There's nothing wrong with not having attended UM.  Though most of us here are passionate and marginally well informed, nothing I do here is going on my gravestone.  So keep it all in perspective and don't let anyone get you down. 

ammer758

January 23rd, 2015 at 12:33 PM ^

It was great reading all of these stories.  This is my first post also, but I was never comfortable posting because I didn't go to school in Ann Arbor.  In fact I just registered recently because I was going to post something about the QB's...  Even more likely to after reading the posts above.

Anyway, I grew up in New Mexico (I don't know Gentry, it is a big place).  On Saturday's in NM in the '80's you watched Texas, Nebraska, or the Sooners.  Period.  Just like you either chose the Broncos or Cowboys for the NFL.  I would get up extra early, and see the Big Ten game on ABC and fell in love with the Michigan.  Luckily, Michigan was almost always the early game in ABC in NM. 

Super long story short.  I went to NMSU because that is what I could afford, but that is not a bad thing.  I love my school and the memories and friends I met there.  In fact, I don't own much Michigan gear because even though they were first, it kinda of feels like cheating on my alma mater.  While many people at NMSU wore other schools gear around campus, I couldn't do it.  

So I took some time off from Michigan during school, still rooting for them when I could.  Then I moved to NY and was surrounded by Big Ten alumi, it became easy to rekindle my hatred for Penn State and Ohio and renew my love for the blue.  Now on Saturdays I am all Michigan fan with NMSU streaming on my computer.  In case you didn't know NMSU has a football team they do and they are only 700-800 years away from making a statement.

I love the Wolverines and this blog, I read it daily religously.  I also read the tiny bit available for NMSU.  It is nice to know I am not the only person on here with similar background.

It is pretty common for me to have to update the Michigan alumni I know in Chicago about the coaching search and recruiting efforts, so I definitely feel like a real fan.  Reading all of the posts above make it more so.  

Thanks,

Ammer758

efrisbee

January 23rd, 2015 at 12:40 PM ^

From one first time poster (or close enough) to another: The term WalMart Wolverine exists only for our rivals to try to demean a chunk of our fan base.  If "WalMart" fans do exist, then every single school in the country has them.  Every single school with an athletic program worth a damn has a larger fan base than they do student body and alumni base.  The only difference between "WalMart Wolverines" (if we must) and "WalMart Spartans" or "WalMart Buckeyes" etc. is alliteration.

But none of that matters.  College sports are bigger than student bodies and bigger than alumni.  College sports rival professional sports, and in many cases surpass them.  But no one would ever ostracize you from being a Red Wings fan if you didn't work for the team, or criticize you for being a Lions fan if you didn't personally know one of the players.  There are literally thousands of reasons people become fans, and being a student or alumni is only one of them. 

Whatever your reason for being a Michigan fan, its not a wrong one.  I am an alumni of the University, but if for whatever reason we found ourselves at a bar in Columbus during The Game, it doesn't matter if you're a student, an alumni, or a fan for any other reason - I'm buying you a beer because we are one in the same, we're Wolverines.

bronxblue

January 23rd, 2015 at 12:44 PM ^

The term "Wal-Mart Wolverines" occurred because a bunch of rival fans (particlarly MSU in my experience) figured out what alliteration means and had a limited number of establishments that started with 'W' from which to pull.  It was basically Wal-Mart, WaWa's, and Whole Foods, and I'm guessing only one of those also sells sports apparel.  So it became this dumb rally cry, along with scUM and whatever dumb animted gifs RCMB pumps out, to belittle fans of a sports team because they didn't attend said school, as if every Bucknut and Sparty graced those hallowed halls of academia.  

And the term clearly comes with a bit of classism that UM fans, for years, fed into; virtually every UM alum has, at one time or another, looked at Spartan and Buckeye fans and thought, if not verbalized, the fact that Michigan is a great academic school and, well, OSU and MSU are steps back on that front.  It's obviously more nuanced than this, but UM students feel they are smarter and successful than the OSU and MSU student bodies, and rankings, awards, and alumni donations bear that out.  And unlike in sports, where year-to-year teams can improve or falter, academic standings are student bodies are much more static, far less prone to swings or changes.  In other words, for the foreseeable future Michigan will continue to attract high-caliber students and then produce high-achieving graduates.  And that isn't something other schools can really change.

But I'm sure what drives other fanbases crazy is that lots of UM fans come across as incredibly smug and condescending, and in MSU's case this is the longest sustained run of success that program has had in 50+ years.  Imagine generations of kids going to that school and watching its football team get crushed on the field, hearing from former HS classmates and friends how much they suck, how MSU is a "safety" school, how admission standards at MSU are whether or not you know to push or pull the front door.  It has to suck, and while people with a connection to the school are one thing, the guys who buy the hats and wear the jerseys but who basically adopted UM because they won a bunch and like to root for a winner, who act entitled and elite without the "work", are quite another.  And that's where the blanket Wal-mart Wolverine part comes in, because it gives those other fans some ammo to defend against the idiots, the jerks, the same way people call MSU hanger-ons Juggalos and the like, or OSU adjacent fans Suckeyes.  

But it should really only be used to combat assholes, people who rub it in other fans faces in inappropriate context - after the game, by all means celebrate, but when I lived in MI you'd hear guys talking about "ass-whoopings" weeks or months later, on both sides.  It's when a UM fan walks up to an MSU fan and tells him he's dumb, this school sucks, yes I'd like fries with that, etc.  And while I think all of this name-calling is stupid and reductive, I understand its usage in limited contexts.

In your care, though, it sounds like you are just a fan.  That's great - you can be a fan and don't let anyone tell you that passion, that love is invalid because you didn't pay the school $42k/yr to attend.  When you hear stuff like Wal-mart Wolverines, remember it is coming from a place of insecurity and annoyance, of dealing with jerks you've never met but who bothered the speaker for years.  And fire back if you want, but just leave it at that.  There are dozens of ways to argue with opposing sports fans without resorting to the stupidity of name-calling, and maybe if more fans showcase that ability nobody would have to worry about where they buy their favorite hat.

NFG

January 23rd, 2015 at 1:22 PM ^

"Wal-Mart Wolverine" does not exist. It's a fake sub-class invented by other fan bases who cannot understand how people with no affiliation love Michigan the way you do. You are just as good as an alumni or student. Pay no heed my brother.

Kmaize

January 23rd, 2015 at 1:50 PM ^

I've been following this site for some time now but this is my first time ever posting. I saw this thread and had to give my perspective. The "Walmart Wolverine" name is ridiculously childish but it can sting deeply. I have been a fan of UM since childhood and more involved and dedicated fan since the 90's in HS. I'm a native of Chicago so I've been a distant fan but have visited AA and the campus plenty of times to visit friends and attend sporting events, or just to walk around the campus. I had the opportunity to attend UM-AA out of high school and decided to follow my "heart" (the then GF that didn't get into UM) and follow her to a different university. That University just so happened to be THE Ohio State University. How ironic. My love for a girl had me choose a different school, typical. While at  tOSU, I got a quality education and had quite a bit of fun in that state. That being said, there were those times where the students and fans of tOSU didn't understand how I could have a place on High St. my junior year with everything covered in Maize and Blue without anything being damaged or destroyed. There was a bit of an aggressive opposition when I first got to campus, but for the most part people respected my property and even came over on gameday sometimes. Was a fun time overall.

I still scream GO BLUE and FkaSuckeye on a daily basis. I still plan on getting a graduate degree at UM one day, but now it's about what's more practical. All this being said, tOSU is a great educational facility, as are so many other places in the world. Where you attend school is not necessarily a determination of a persona fandom of anything at all. There are plenty of reasons people choose to attend different colleges and universities. The "Walmart Wolverine" idea is plain stupid. If that lable were to be given to ANYONE, it should be the bandwagon fans that only cheer during the great times and hide during the not so great times. I went to the dark side and came out middle fingers raised screaming GO BLUE forever and I am definitely not a "Walmart Wolverine"!

 

Go Blue! 

quercus99

January 23rd, 2015 at 3:03 PM ^

This has all been covered beautifully in the posts above, but here is some additional information to consider.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/03/upshot/ncaa-football-map…

I hope that you are all familiar with the recent cartographic explosion that has arisen from mainstream social networking sites.  We can track the spatial extent and even demographic information for football fandom, baseball fandom, etc. from Facebook and twitter.  Incidentally, my favorite is a beer vs wine map- A2 is the lone standout in an otherwise beer swilling Michigan.

When you look at the map in the NY times URL I linked above, you can see that the college football fandom extends well beyond the confines of university towns.  There are certainly a number of teams whose fandom is still limited to a very specific locale, but the vast majority of state level institutions are regional in nature and some are truly nationwide in scope.  I am fully convinced that the trend for the future is an increasingly complex map for this subject.  Look at the Oregon Ducks and their popularity in North Dakota, or consider that Notre Dame and Michigan can be found as a top 3 in popularity in portions of New York City and Long Island.  Fans of teams are everywhere and the lines of these formerly regional divisions are increasingly blurred by a media coverage that is nationwide in scope.

For my story, I grew up in Flint, Michigan and fell in love with Michigan Football as a kid in the 80's.  My father loves Michigan Football and can cite details and specific game facts from all of Bo's teams.  He never went to Michigan, but his passion has been handed down now for three generations (although some of the younger grandkids are Spartan fans, so we need to get things fixed ASAP).  I went to Michigan and it was a big deal for my family, but I am the only one to have gone there and I am certain that my family is not any more a family of Wolverine fans for my degree from Michigan.  We were all fans before, were fans during those glorious days in the late 90's, and with the exception of two of my pesky young nephews are fans now.

So considering my experience with the topic, I can't believe that the categorization "walmart wolverine" is a valid one.  We are talking about collegiate athletics here- being a fan of a team or school does not require that you are actually a member of that team or school.  All that it requires is that you are passionate, loyal and committed, particularly after seven years of frustration.

Chitown Kev

January 23rd, 2015 at 3:11 PM ^

and I have loved The University of Michigan all of my life but in high school, I didn't have the grades to get in and didn't even apply.

 

I did get accepted to Michigan State and I turned Sparty down for an out-of state school (frankly, I wasn't ready to go to college right out of HS).

 

I returned to school in my mid-30's and finished my degree at a Catholic university in Chicago.

 

Hell, I cried in the streets ofd Evanston when i found out that Bo had passed. My Michigan fandom is second to noone's.

MgoTango

January 23rd, 2015 at 3:31 PM ^

I went to a small college where a successful football season was defined by the quality of the tailgating. When I started dating my husband (quite a long time ago...), I was taught about all things Michigan. He's has been a true fan since he lived in Ann Arbor since age 6, both parents are grads, and he is a grad. He has been a season ticket holder since the year he graduated (quite a VERY long time ago). That said, I have grown into such a dedicated Wolverine fan that most games find me screaming louder than he screams. I know I take the losses worse than he does (my post-loss behavior can be pitiful). I can't tell whether my passion for Michigan is as great as his, but it has got to come close. Though I didn't go to Michigan for my degree, I am there in the stadium for every home game. And we stay for the very last minute of every home game....win or lose. Most of the stadium is empty by then. Most of the other posts seem consistent that being a true fan does not necessitate a degree from the school. Passion and dedication through the ups and downs of the program define true fandom. Go Blue!

drjaws

January 23rd, 2015 at 4:24 PM ^

My father works at UM.  I was born at UM hospital.  First two years of my life were spent in a house right down the road from Yost in sight of the Big House.  I have pics of me in UM jerseys at every age from 3 until now.  Went to almost every spring game and have Harbaugh, Jaime Morris et al autograph.  Lived in AA and Ypsilanti through High School.

Went to college at a podunk little school in Indiana, then chose UC Berekeley over my beloved UM because the doctoral program at Berkeley was rated #1 in the countrry (at the time; still have no idea how I got in).

The point is, if you can sit through the last seven years of UM football, watch womens softball, mens hockey, watch wrestling and cheer on the baseball team, all because you love that damned block ][V][ no matter what, you're OK.

Your alma mater is where you went.  Your team is what you love and stick with through all the good and bad.

Mr. Owl

January 23rd, 2015 at 6:39 PM ^

I've always seen it as a Sparty spewed derogitory term which is a method of attempting to bring Michigan fans down to the level of those of "Moo-U."  A good number of those yucking it up when using it just came back from Wal-Mart themselves, wearing some green sweat pants that are two sizes too small and flip-flops in the snow.

Basically, I laugh when I hear/read it.  It says more about the user than anything else.

 

As for me, I didn't go to college straight out of high school.  I got a job & started living.  I hated school.  A decade later, I decided to further my education.  The closest I got to sitting in the student section was being told by the admissions office that it had been a decade since I had been in a classroom.  Combined with my H.S. transcript not being good enough to get in to Michigan, they recommended going to community college for a year to get back into being a student & build my academic reputation.  I then ended up moving to NYC and doing just that.  Unfortunately this didn't lead me back to AA, but nonetheless in my little brain there is no finer university (outside of a select few Ivy's) and no greater privilage for a football player than to don that winged helmet.  (I did dream of being a 28 year old walk-on!)

If that makes me a "Wal-Mart Wolverine" then whateve.  I don't shop at Wal-Mart.  Do they?



PS.  Why aren't there "Wal-Mart Spartans?"  It's a tautology.  Being a Sparty is enough.

Zarniwoop

January 23rd, 2015 at 7:01 PM ^

I have two degrees from Michigan State University.

I was more than qualified to get into Michigan with a 3.8 GPA, lots of extracurricular activities, 4 different varsity letters, and I was generally a decent kid.

But, I couldn't afford Michigan.  Just couldn't.  MSU essentially offered me a half-price degree with grants and partial scholarships. I have rooted for Michigan since I was 4 or 5 years old and spent most of my pre-adult life living about 12 minutes from Ann Arbor (which I also love - how can there not be another Zingerman's anywhere else?), but reality was reality.

I got 2 engineering degrees (not at the same time), have succeeded in my career, and I have fond memories of my time there. But even while I was in school, I wore my Michigan shirt on game days to class and around town. I also attended as many Michigan games as I could with a friend who went to Michigan while I was in Lansing. I was there on the day Biakabatuka ran wild against ohio (still the "in person"  Big House highlight of my life).

I've had people that attended Michigan say to me, "you didn't even go to school here, I hate it when people that aren't "FROM MICHIGAN" pretend to be fans!"

It made me angry when I was young, now I just accept it.

NEVER apologize for the things you love. Never rationalize your hobbies. It will just make you old.

I've had more joy and more agony with my Wolverines over the years from the late 70s when I first fell in love with them until today than is fair for any one man to have. I'll never stop rooting for them, no matter what anyone who attended that fine school might think.

However, I do still dream that after I retire, I will move back to Michigan (from Florida) and get one more degree. Any excuse to be in Ann Arbor.  Any excuse to associate with Michigan.

Edit: I don't know how it is elsewhere, but in Windermere, FL the Wal Mart neighborhood market is nicer than any of the main chains in the state (outside of the premium ones).

nogit

January 23rd, 2015 at 8:38 PM ^

its just a term made up by msu fans. Actually, it's strange to me. Normally you'd expect rivals to make fun of you for attending their rival. It's pretty telling that the best msu grads can do is make fun of someone for not attending michigan.

Anyway, go blue.

DrAwkward

January 23rd, 2015 at 10:59 PM ^

I'm from California and currently live in North Carolina. I am a Wolverine fan because I spent 4 years living in A2 while attending grad school. This diary has been a major education for me (I was not previously familiar with the term "Walmart Wolverine").

Winchester Wolverine deserves an honory UM degree in my book. That diary post was a masterpiece. If someday I post something half as awesome, I will be very pleased with myself. Until then, I'm proud to root for the same team as WW.