the just released schedules were a flat-out statement that the B10 doesn't believe SOS will matter in playoff selection
Michigan Legend #s get special lockers!
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I just returned from the BIg House, where a great fellow named John Simon gave an awesome tour to my 42 preschoolers (and a bunch of dads!)
So, we did an abbreviated tour of the towers, only going up to the club level. 4-yr-olds really want to get to the locker room and have lots of time on the field!
Anyway, we spent quite a while in the locker room, and there was one major change from my visit there a week year ago:
The #21 locker is now completely different from the rest of them. It is done up in dark wood, the top says "Michigan Legend - Desmond Howard" and inside the locker where the block M goes is an oval plaque that resembles the jersey patch. Here's the locker:
Here's the locker in context:
John, our very informative tour guide, told me that there was a work order for another FOUR legends lockers. So we heard back in June that Ford, Oosterban, and Kramer's numbers were being "legended," so who do we think the fourth is? Harmon? Woodson? Wistert? John did not speculate.
Other items of interest:
As an earlier poster noted, Fitz's 28 is no longer there. However, removing it has seemed to wreak some havoc with locker placement, as Kenny Wilkin's #41 is now in its place:
John said that would have to change as Hoke demands the lockers be arranged numerically.
Finally, a completely gratuitous pic of Denard's locker:
August 1st, 2012 at 1:51 PM | 
Fifth Legends Locker?
Fifth Legends Locker?
August 1st, 2012 at 2:12 PM |
can we give it
can we give it
To a tall, slow, white guy a few years before that though?
Follow me on Twitter @gfraley05
August 1st, 2012 at 4:58 PM |
That will be the
That will be the
32 Locker
History is written by the victors-Winston Churchill
August 1st, 2012 at 1:51 PM |
Awesome pictures
Awesome pictures
I understand the whole idea behind honoring past legends...just seems odd though that we preach..."The Team, The Team, The Team"... yet certain players stand out from the team? Again, this doesn't bother me that much...just always seemed contrasting...again...great pictures!
Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:12 PM |
You are a cog in the wheel
You are a cog in the wheel
You are a cog in the wheel until you leave the team, at which time your accomplishments earn you recognition and become something for the current cogs to strive for. I really like the idea.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:42 PM |
Not the legend
Not the legend
I don't think he was talking so much about the legend being singled out as much as the current player who gets the fancy locker.
Keep the change ya filthy animal.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:53 PM |
Yeah that's
Yeah that's
All I was talking about...are these going to be awarded every year? I mean honestly...Desmond is a legend...does Roy Toundtree fall under that category?
Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:26 PM |
Hmmm...
Hmmm...
Maybe you should change your name to TheTeamTheTeamTheTeam'sPose. Just sayin'.
Should we point instead of fist pump during the Victors?
August 1st, 2012 at 2:29 PM |
True
True
I don't really care, just seemed trivial to me that no man is more important than the team except...
Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:38 PM |
In death, a member of Project
In death, a member of Project
In death, a member of Project Mayhem has a name. His name was Robert Paulson.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:13 PM |
(echo) His name was Robert Paulson.
(echo) His name was Robert Paulson.
(echo) His name was Robert Paulson...
August 1st, 2012 at 4:58 PM |
(echo) His name was Robert
(echo) His name was Robert
(echo) His name was Robert Pattinson...
August 1st, 2012 at 9:49 PM |
WHO?!? Are we talking about
WHO?!? Are we talking about
WHO?!? Are we talking about Mike Jones?
August 1st, 2012 at 2:41 PM |
Every team has
Every team has
Leaders and Best
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
August 1st, 2012 at 1:51 PM |
I enjoy seeing these pics...
I enjoy seeing these pics...
but I think this was known from way back when they announced the patches last year.
August 1st, 2012 at 2:00 PM |
somehow I missed that
somehow I missed that
during the legends rollout - it was a total surprise to me when I saw it today!
August 1st, 2012 at 1:52 PM |
That is awesome
That is awesome
Easy to find, also.
If the haters don't hate you then you're doing something wrong. - David Cone
August 1st, 2012 at 1:54 PM |
Quick question. I always see
Quick question. I always see
Quick question. I always see pics of people in the big house locker room which this one is but never in the Schembeler hall locker room which is so much nicer and has a lot more eye candy. Does the tour not go in that one? I assume because it would always be full of players after workouts, practice etc....
August 1st, 2012 at 1:55 PM |
Roy Roundtree, I hope, will
Roy Roundtree, I hope, will
Roy Roundtree, I hope, will have a special season.
Do you bleed blue?
August 1st, 2012 at 2:07 PM |
Nicer lockers for newbies?
Nicer lockers for newbies?
I think we might have our first bit of evidence for an answer as to whether legend numbers will be worn by certain players for the duration of their careers in the future. If guys wearing the legend number are going to be awarded better facilities than the rest of the team, then it certainly seems we'll be awarding numbers to deserving upperclassmen. I can't imagine we'd give some incoming freshman the nicest locker just because he wants to wear #21 when we have juniors and seniors who have sacrificed and earned a perk.
"...what do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"
"Fix the cigarette lighter."
August 1st, 2012 at 2:16 PM |
They don't really look nicer.
They don't really look nicer.
If you flipped the varnish and the rest of the lockers were dark and the "legends" lockers were light, would that change how nice they are? They're different, sure, but only with a different coat of paint and a little plaque saying basically "Desmond put on his jockstrap here".
Don't get me wrong, I think they're cool and all, but I don't see them as something nice that would have to be earned. If anything I think you could argue it's supposed to be a humbling experience, since it's a constant public reminder of the expectations of wearing 21.
Go Blue!
August 1st, 2012 at 3:48 PM |
Disagree
Disagree
Even though it is "just" a different color of paint, I think it IS something special that needs to be earned. What they represent is an honor and I think current players on the roster would strive to earn it. What happens when you give it to a freshman and a less heralded classmate out performs that player thoughout their career?
Keep the change ya filthy animal.
August 1st, 2012 at 4:35 PM |
I disagree, but just for the
I disagree, but just for the
I disagree, but just for the record my original point was just that the lockers aren't inherently nicer.
We should stick with the #1 jersey model (pre-Braylon), even if it's being formalized with lockers and such, IMO. That gives players like Denard the chance to stick with the number they've risen to stardom with, and lets fans associate one number with one player most of the time.
Go Blue!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:08 PM |
Aren't preschoolers a little
Aren't preschoolers a little
Aren't preschoolers a little young to take a tour of the Big House? It can't be that meaningful to a four-year-old to see a Michigan Legend locker.
August 1st, 2012 at 2:18 PM |
That's NCLB
That's NCLB
At work..hahahaha
Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:25 PM |
Good question
Good question
When I took our group last year, they gave us the full-on tour featuring both towers, and lots of talking to the kids about Michigan history. While well-appreciated by the adults, that was totally over the heads of the kids. This year, I worked with Bill Austin to adjust our tour for our age group, and John did a nice job.
But while the kids don't know or care about the differences between the lockers, they think the locker room is really cool, and they love running down the tunnel and playing on the field.
Since the first "reading" most children do is of environmental print, the block M is a major part of any Ann Arbor child's emergent literacy experience. Also, things that are important to their parents are important to them. So going to this place where the block M is everywhere turns out to be very meaningful!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:32 PM |
The OP stated that it was one of the things the kids wanted to
The OP stated that it was one of the things the kids wanted to
see.
You can never predict what will resonate with kids. My daughter is an adult. I have been amazed at the things her friends recall, those things that were important at a given age. I don't even recall half of them, yet they were a significant memory for at least one person.
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
August 1st, 2012 at 2:35 PM |
Some kid probably colored all
Some kid probably colored all
Some kid probably colored all over the walls of Schembechler Hall with a crayon.
August 1st, 2012 at 2:10 PM |
John Simon in the Big House?
John Simon in the Big House?
We may have an infiltrator in our midst...
My username is spelled "mgordoblue", but it's pronounced "Throat Warbler Mangrove".
August 1st, 2012 at 2:12 PM |
A locker room sans Fitz leads
A locker room sans Fitz leads
A locker room sans Fitz leads one to believe he will be missing some of Fall camp...???
August 1st, 2012 at 2:17 PM |
This is probably
This is probably
A stupid question.but how much do those lockers get used before first home game? Not sure I'd read too much into Fitzgerald not being there.
Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!
August 1st, 2012 at 2:27 PM |
Yeah, they went and not only
Yeah, they went and not only
Yeah, they went and not only took away his locker in the stadium (which won't be utilized until 9/8) but also gave it to somebody else.
Probably nothing.
August 1st, 2012 at 2:36 PM |
Probably nothing
Probably nothing
He's not getting kicked off the team...he's more than likely paying part of his punishment now and will probably be suspended for the first 2 games...the fact that he is not there is part of the punishment I'm sure.
Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!
August 1st, 2012 at 3:06 PM |
yeah, last year the team only
yeah, last year the team only
yeah, last year the team only used the big house locker rooms to get ready for 2 practices that simulated pregame routines, etc. and those took place about a week prior to the start of the season, so this is not a big deal imo.
More telling would be if his locker was taken away at Schembechler, as that is used pretty much every day.
August 1st, 2012 at 4:07 PM |
If they went to the trouble
If they went to the trouble
If they went to the trouble of removing his locker from the stadium, I'd imagine they did likewise at Schembechler Hall.
August 1st, 2012 at 6:02 PM |
Both John and Bill (the head
Both John and Bill (the head
Both John and Bill (the head tour guy) have both told me that every Friday night before a home game event staff set the lockers up with game-day uniforms, pads, shoes, and helmet. John also said that on Thursday nights, six hand-picked event staffers tend to each helmet, painting over scratches and shining each helmet.
Just passing on what I was told...
August 1st, 2012 at 2:21 PM |
wow
wow
arranging them numerically would suck if Vincent Smith (god forbid) was excused. Every locker has to move down lol. Wouldn't seem to work with the legend lockers though.
August 1st, 2012 at 2:26 PM |
I think that is why
I think that is why
they havn't easily re-arranged after the removal of Fitz's # 28.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:53 PM |
The locker itself doesnt
The locker itself doesnt
The locker itself doesnt move, only the name plate and contents. #21 locker will always be in the same location.
I poop excellence
August 1st, 2012 at 4:49 PM |
I have a feeling its going to
I have a feeling its going to
I have a feeling its going to cause some numbering headaches in the future... .e.g., if you permanently place #21, you better have 20 lockers ahead of it or else what happens when you get a class that actually uses all 20.... and you still want to have numerical lockers...
August 1st, 2012 at 6:39 PM |
Duplicate numbers
Duplicate numbers
What if 1-20 are taken, and there's a duplicate number (eg, two number 20s)? I'm guessing they'd make one of the players switch, no?
"A Michigan man will coach Michigan."
August 1st, 2012 at 2:32 PM |
The Legends Lockers
The Legends Lockers
I actually like how they have differentiated the "legends lockers" from the other ones. It certainly is all about the team, but like most things in life, you have a deeper view of where the team is going if you know where the team has been. Here, you see Desmond's name (and apparently four others soon) and would undoubtedly think, "Wow, where this team has been...". It's a cool idea, and it looks great as well.
I have to think that corraling 42 preschoolers during a tour of the football facilities had to be interesting though. Actually, I am impressed you had a moment to get thoughtful shots like these. Doubly good work!
"Funny isn't it, how naughty dentists always make that one fatal mistake."
Follow the random tweets of a Michigan alum - http://twitter.com/#!/LorneEC3
August 1st, 2012 at 2:34 PM |
The idea of having the
The idea of having the
The idea of having the lockers arranged by number adds a level of intrigue to the numbers game. Who's on either side of you matters. You can kind of see the numeric apprenticeships in the freshman as they're assigned numbers (and thus lockers) beside the guy they're supposed to be learning from.
(Blogger alias: "Misopogon") This team is under construction. We thank you for your patience.
August 1st, 2012 at 2:36 PM |
Illegal benefits!
Illegal benefits!
ILLEGAL BENEFITS!!!
/s
"I have three kids and no money. Why can't I have no kids and three money?"
August 1st, 2012 at 2:56 PM |
I'm really split
I'm really split
Between this legends thing.
On one hand, it is great to honor players who left such prolific legacies at Michigan. It is important to recognize and remember them.
However, signaling individual players out while currently on the team by designating them "legend" numbers and such really seems to be that it could cause resentment and effect cohesion on the team.
Yet again, it gives players something to strive for.
Do you see my dilemma?
HAIL.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:02 PM |
Went on a tour last week.
Went on a tour last week.
Went on a tour last week. Bill Austin said the woodshop crew is making the lockers for #47 Oosterbaan, #48 Ford and #87 Kramer. He also said, NOBODY WILL WEAR THOSE NUMBERS THIS YEAR.
When the ADept sells special jerseys and gear, you'll see my picture next to the targeted customer crowd. A sheep.....but a Blue one.....
August 1st, 2012 at 6:04 PM |
Did Bill give anything away
Did Bill give anything away
Did Bill give anything away on who the fourth might be? John didn't have any idea today, but we chatted about CWood.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:19 PM |
If there is another legacy
If there is another legacy
If there is another legacy locker on order, I'm guessing it's for Charles Woodson's #2. It's been stated in the past, I believe, that it will be a legacy # once Vincent Smith graduates.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. - Ephesians 6:11
August 1st, 2012 at 3:35 PM |
Not enough points, hopefully
Not enough points, hopefully
Not enough points, hopefully someone who does agrees with me for a possible thread...hopefully those who are able to visit Chick-Fil-A for Family Day can and support a good cause. Lines are incredibly long but who cares!!
If I tell you it's Easter, you better start looking for eggs.
Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade.
August 1st, 2012 at 3:45 PM |
Not the place man
Not the place man
not the place
"Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is!"
#16, Denard Robinson, to be issued once every 20 years to the fastest kid you've ever seen with a 1000 Watt smile.
"This is the EMU game, not the emo game."