“RELEASE THE HOUNDS...”

This is the eighth entry of the 2009 MGoShirt Alert, a design project that will enable MgoBlog readers to vote for upcoming designs in the brand spankin’ new MGoBlogStore.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAIL OF SHIRT

To see the same design in blue ink on a maize shirt, click here.

Mike Barwis.  The man, the myth, the gravel-voiced legend.  If you don't know the story about Barwis and his pet wolves, I invite you to come up to the surface and stay with society for awhile.  Basically, our collective obsession with this man-god can best be summed up with one word:

BadAss.

I'm not sure if that's actually one word, two words, should be hyphenated, is an adjective, a noun, a state of being, a limeade flavor at Sonic, etc.  Discuss amongst yourselves.  But we all know what it is, and Mike Barwis makes our players learn to sweat the stuff.  And love it.

So that's pretty much where I was going with this shirt. Pure Barwis-Inspired BadAss.  I envisioned a design that would empower those who have survived the strength and conditioning program.  Imagine, if you will, our team winning a tight conference game by just refusing to let the opponent in the end zone as time expires... let's say Michigan 14, Iowa 10.  Our D wins the game... and so, scrambling into the locker room, tired yet victorious, bruised yet proud, our team begins to sing "The Victors" like only the Michigan football team can.  And, amidst the celebration and hoopla, Brandon Graham slides off his jersey, pulls himself out of his shoulder pads, and there it is... Barwis Hell.

So, time to vote!  What do you guys think?

***** Five Stars:  My fear/fascination of Barwis is controlled with medication.
**** Four Stars:   When I turn out the lights, I know Barwis is there.  Somewhere.
*** Three Stars:  Barwis is a scary pretty dude-- good for us, bad for them.
** Two Stars:  He can't really be that tough.  I was a wrestler in high school.
* One Star:  I ain't afraid a' no Barwis!

Yesterday was clearly the biggest success story of MGoShirt yet... thanks for the love.  I will say that if you liked "The Desmond," you'll probably also enjoy "The Charles," which will be debuted next week.  Tomorrow I'll reveal my own Tacopants design, so if imaginary receivers is not your thing, prepare to be unimpressed.  BUT I will say that I think it's a great way to incorporate MGoBlog lore into the excitement of the upcoming season.  So I'll see you then for another exciting edition of-- MGoShirt Alert!