petered0518

Once upon a time I was child who was introduced to Michigan football by my father, who went to U of M.  I liked the game and I thought Michigan's colors were cool and my dad liked them.  That is where it started.  Somewhere along the way, though, I developed a mysterious sort of emotional connection to the Maize and Blue, subject to their every up and their every down.  I don't think there was ever a moment when I thought, "I will be obsessive about Michigan football from now on."  After years of watching the Wolverines play, though, a love developed for this team.  They may not always be the best, or the most exciting to watch, but it really isn't about that, is it?  I care about Michigan's players, about their coaches, about their national perception.  Cheering for a sports team is about so much more than watching a team that wins or is exciting.  It is about loyalty and familiarity and tradition. 

I try explaining this to my friends who are casual fans.  To them watching a sport is about getting something out of it, whether that is entertainment or a sense of superiority for their school or whatever.  To the Michigan Man, though, watching Michigan football is more like going to watch your little brother play.  You want to see them do well, to carry themselves well, to be the best.  You don't watch your brother's team play because they are the best but because his team is the one that you care the most about.

I am a senior at U of M this year.  Saturday will be my last Michigan football game as a student (unless we make a bowl).  After this year I will be graduating and getting a job (I hope) and getting married.  I will always love the Wolverines but that some of the obsession, of the close connection, will fade with time as I am away from the campus and friends and classes.  Even though I will probably never miss a game on tv, there is still a sense of moving on after this year.  

This brings me back to this year, to Saturday.  The most hallowed and honored of all Michigan traditions, the yearly game with Ohio State.  I too am disappointed with our play over the last couple of years.  I too want to see Michigan always win and never lose.  Those things I can't control, but I can control the way I go out.  

My plan is to go to the game and have fun, to appreciate the years of cheering for Michigan football.  I will sing the victors every time the band plays it, I will go crazy every time we score, I will stay upbeat every time they score, and I will love being a Michigan fan.  

I ask that you, too, will join me in appreciating our Wolverines.  I am not here to debate about Rich Rod, since cheering for the Wolverines is not about cheering for one individual but for a University.  Don't boo if we do poorly, cheer even if we are down by 30.  Don't let the Buckeyes atrocious fight song be heard.  Have fun with your friends.  Stay upbeat about next year.  This is the way I want to remember my time as a student fan of Michigan. 

Go Blue