Responding to the Letter in Michigan Alumnus
The following letter appears in the Fall issue of the Alumni Association Magazine. I have wrote a letter in response. I encourage you all to do the same and/or offer some feedback on my letter. This dude graduated in '61 and is probably completely out of touch with reality, but I still want to slap him across the face. And if the Alumni Association prints something like this, I think it says a lot about the pressure David Brandon will be faced with if this season does not go well.
Let's Return to Athletic Tradition
I have been a long-time supporter of U-M athletics. My dad was a track man, holding a Big Ten record for nine years. My daughter was a swimmer and lettered for four years. I went to school at U-M in the late '50s and graduated in 1961.
Now please ask me how I can support our two major sports teams when our University has let things go so far away from any and every Michigan tradition. I still have season tickets for football and basketball (sustaining member of the Victors Club), but sometimes I ask myself why. I am not alone with this very negative attitude, and only the future will tell the University how its supporters are disgusted. Just another example was that terrible defensive call for the last 2.2 seconds of the OSU game during the Big Ten Tournament. The University, regents and president are not responsible caretakers of our athletic tradition. Why Michigan fell in love with coaches from West Virginia, I have no idea, but they have put us back way before our glory days starting with 1969. The entire thing makes me upset.
The president is very kind to send us all a nice Christmas card every year, but I wish she could understand what is happening on State Street. The only positive thing I can think of is our new athletic director, but it bothers me he seems to support these coaches and that one of them was on the president’s selection team for his new position. I would assume his hands are tied for at least the next few years. Maybe when Michigan gets NCAA sanctions in August, we will all really understand how far we have fallen. Oh, but the football coach’s job is secure for yet another season. I guess someone forgot the old and new investments that the University has on State and Stadium streets.
T.H. Smith, '61
Clarkson Michigan
My letter to the Michigan Alumnus:
Stick By Our Teams, Keep Believing
T.H. Smith (’61) wrote a letter that appeared in the Fall ’10 edition of the Michigan Alumnus. Mr. Smith asked how he can support our two major sports teams. To Mr. Smith and anyone else who may feel similarly, I would like to offer a response to that question.
Coach Beilein, in just his second season in Ann Arbor, took a squad to the second round of the tournament – the first time Michigan had even made the NCAA tournament in over a decade. Additionally, Coach Beilein is highly regarded throughout the collegiate basketball sphere and is the head of the NCAA Ethics Coalition, a major reason that President Coleman trusted him for insight on the search for a new athletic director. Coach Beilein is a man of the utmost dignity and respect and deserves every Michigan fan and alum’s support.
Coach Rodriguez came into a difficult situation. Our football team happened upon a severe lack of depth in talent on both sides of the football, forcing Coach Rodriguez to rebuild from the bottom. He has come under fire for major violations even though they appear to be the result of a lack of institutional accountability in the athletic department.* And, yes, on the field he may have underachieved in the first two years of his tenure. However, he has said and done nothing but proudly represent the University of Michigan. Most importantly, he is the coach of 105 student athletes that proudly play for Michigan, and that should be reason enough to earn your support.
Last year Michigan Athletics saw great accomplishments in volleyball, hockey, softball, women’s tennis, women’s gymnastics, and water polo in addition to a National Championship in men’s gymnastics. All reasons to support the athletic program we love.
In closing, I leave you with this quote, and urge you to support our coaches and student-athletes in all sports:
“When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft; on the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.” – Bo Schembechler
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EDIT: * Updated. Previous sentence referenced the Lloyd Carr era b/c that was when Labadie and Draper were hired, but it came off as being accusing of Lloyd, which I did not intend.
August 15th, 2010 at 1:05 PM ^
tree has some rotten ones.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^
the negative comments about the university and their athletic programs. I'm an alum from '73 and I don't agree with a thing Mr. Smith wrote. I don't always agree with the things the university does or the policies they have but It's at times like these that I support them more then ever.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:12 PM ^
is to find out where this man's season tickets are and stand in front of him for the whole game cheering on our team.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:12 PM ^
The fact that someone would write such a letter does not surprise me. The fact that the Alumnus would print it does. Any hidden agendas?
August 13th, 2010 at 4:17 PM ^
Just another example was that terrible defensive call for the last 2.2 seconds of the OSU game during the Big Ten Tournament.
Could he have come up with a shittier example? Yes, let's bitch at the coach when we come within an eyelash of a huge upset, losing when the other team's guy (a sub-30% 3 pt shooter) drains a shot a step past midcourt.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:18 PM ^
I have nothing to contribute other than pedantry: Evan Turner was a career 36% 3-point shooter.
August 13th, 2010 at 5:27 PM ^
I remember looking this up when it happened. He was sub 30% at the time. (Maybe even as low as 23ish? Can't remember for sure).
But he made 6 threes in the big ten tournament or something like that, and a few more in the NCAAs. His attempts for the year were pretty low, so his % went way up after making another 10 of his last 20 attempts in the B10 and NCAA tourneys.
Either way, the original point is the same. Low sample size, so not OSU's go to shooter from distance. (And I know you weren't arguing with his post on that point).
EDIT: Found it, 10/35 before the M game, which is 28.6%, but finished the year 20/55, which is, as you said, 36.4%.
August 13th, 2010 at 6:24 PM ^
Cool, thanks for the facts. I wasn't really trying to question the point (which is perfectly valid and sound), I was just being a pedantic ass. It's the thing that I do.
August 14th, 2010 at 1:22 AM ^
If you keep that up, I'm going to have a hard time believing you are really Not a Blue Fan.
/sarcasm
August 13th, 2010 at 4:19 PM ^
I would have just borrowed a line from former Vice President Dick Cheney.
August 13th, 2010 at 6:11 PM ^
The guy is clearly an asshole but shooting him in the face is definitely going too far.
August 13th, 2010 at 4:24 PM ^
I will gladly accept TH's season tickets if he is so "disgusted" with the main 2 Michigan programs...The fact that Rich Rod has taken all of this heat in stride should earn him some respect and I also echo the sentiments that having the title of Coach is enough to warrant a true fan's support. I urge TH to sit down with Elliot and Brock Mealer, look them in the eye, and tell them that he is against Rich, pretty good chance he doesn't leave that room healthy. IN ROD WE TRUST he will bring big blue back
August 13th, 2010 at 6:18 PM ^
I get the feeling that sometimes the "athletic supporters" that are not happy with the current coaching staffs are looking at their bottom line as much as violations and wins. Although Mr. Smith did not reference directly how much money he pours into the University, his statement hints at his investments in the programs.
I still have season tickets for football and basketball (sustaining member of the Victors Club), but sometimes I ask myself why.
I guess someone forgot the old and new investments that the University has on State and Stadium streets.
I have heard this from others, who are much younger, and it keeps coming back to the amount of money they spend on tickets and seating. No one at the University wants a losing program and the coaches were brought in for a reason. The trust we expect from our teams should be echoed in ourselves and not judged by how money we spend for tickets, seats and to the Victors Club. I for one want to see each coach get the chance to prove what they were brought in to do.
August 13th, 2010 at 7:19 PM ^
This T.H. guy makes my blood boil. Change is a part of life and it sounds like he is not willing to accept that. While we can quibble over all the details (basketball or football), the fact is that letter indicates a spirit of spite and bitterness instead of a sincere desire to support Michigan and be willing to support through difficult times. I do like RRs philosophy of deserving to win rather than expecting to win and I should definitely think this guy falls into the latter category. He comes off as completely self-serving, which is sad. I don't think this kind of attitude will do anything to help either program move forward.
August 13th, 2010 at 7:23 PM ^
August 14th, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^
I'm hope you're not referencing the song by ? and the Mysterians. Otherwise, your attitude towards Mr. Smith is decidedly more friendly than even some of his defenders on this thread are.
August 13th, 2010 at 8:36 PM ^
Tell Mr. Smith we won't hold this against him. He can still come to the games when the winning starts this fall.
August 13th, 2010 at 8:53 PM ^
Mr. Smith acts like the administration is happy with the poor play of our fball and bball programs. What does he this this letter is gonna do? Get everybody fired? Better to just keep your mouth shut (or keep the cap on your pen) in these situations.
August 13th, 2010 at 9:21 PM ^
I'm assuming that this is a prank letter from T.H. Smith because nobody who graduated from Michigan can be this dumb. He holds two things against our basketball coach: 2.2 seconds of last season and the fact that he is came from West Virginia. WOW! Yeah, let's get rid of him right away!
Mr. Smith actually had nothing bad to say against RR except some vague comment about have no traditions left and he mentions "sanctions". I guess he couldn’t come up with specifics.
My favorite part though is: "The only positive thing I can think of is our new athletic director, but it bothers me he seems to support these coaches" Heh. It bothers this douche bag that our AD supports our coaches?? Geez, what a waste of space this guy is.
Mr. Smith, go back to reading the Freep and leave the intelligent conversation to the good people of MGoBlog.
August 13th, 2010 at 9:22 PM ^
Huh. Wierd font there. Sorry about that.
August 13th, 2010 at 9:24 PM ^
lived in clarkston i would be going door to door looking for one Mr T.H Smith nuff said.
August 13th, 2010 at 9:57 PM ^
August 13th, 2010 at 10:21 PM ^
This amazes me...Notre Dame loses 2 corners, has a tight end arrested for pot possesion while driving and has 11 underage football players cited for alcohol and Brian Kelly gets a free pass. Coach Rodriguez gets this type of nonsense from a 'supportive' alumnus. TH Smith...sell your tickets and sit your ass at home where you belong. You're no Michigan man
August 14th, 2010 at 8:48 AM ^
Well said....well said indeed!
August 13th, 2010 at 10:45 PM ^
..that this old man and I have the same first intial and last name.
August 13th, 2010 at 11:03 PM ^
You do not have any idea what the hell you're talking about or speak for the hundreds of thousands of other alumni and fans out there. Shut up and stop embarrassing us, old man.
Fuck You Very Much,
Tim "All The" Waymen, '94
August 14th, 2010 at 12:00 AM ^
Go to Washington!
August 14th, 2010 at 12:25 AM ^
many fans are satisfied with the last two season of UM football.
August 14th, 2010 at 12:33 AM ^
Nobody is satisfied. But we also aren't dense enough to believe that it is entirely Rich Rod's fault. All you have to do is look at the roster. What coach in the nation was going to win with Threet/Sheridan leading the offense?
We are also not dense enough to believe that the Board of Regents and President of a World Class university should fire our very successful and highly respected basketball coach.
That's the worst part about this. I'm a die-hard Maize Rager and I had high expectations this last year. My blood was boiling and I was pretty upset at Beilein at times. But the guy took us to the tourney in 2 years. He's the Head of the Ethics Coalition. He's as honorable as any michigan community member could hope for. Yet, T.H. Smith thinks Mary Sue should run him out because of 2.2 seconds and because he's from West Virginia.
Give me a break.
August 14th, 2010 at 9:00 AM ^
I, like Mr. Smith over many years just expected Michigan to win every Saturday. I didn't even feel bad if I missed a game. The thought was, "Michigan is playing X, they'll win." Since RR came to campus and began the "change", I have never been more focused, excited, loud, and pumped for each season to begin. Watching most games on TV I can hear the same excitement in the stadium. I used to complain that UM sat on thier hand during a game. I think that all changed last year. I love it. Loud when the other teams offense is on the field. The BIGHOUSE should rightfully be the LOUDHOUSE for opponents. My point is I think a lot of this is due to the atmosphere RR brings. One last thought. I wish Bo were still around, he would be his biggest supporter and the negetivity some bring would be silenced. Mr.Smith...I agree with others, there will be room on the band wagon for you when the winning comes.
August 14th, 2010 at 9:13 AM ^
These 1960's people just can't stop reliving the 1960's. That's because everything was beautiful then and everything sucks now. Right, 1969 flowerchild?
August 14th, 2010 at 10:05 AM ^
This "T.H. Smith" individual is probably one of the same assholes who gives me a condescending glare when I'm trying to make noise in the stadium when it's 3rd down and our defense is on the field.
Fuck these short-sighted arrogant pricks -- it's because of alumni like this that so many people outside the University look at us all like a bunch of spoiled brats. I don't care how much money these people have, if this is truly their attitude then I don't want them associated with our athletic programs, or University in general. GTFO
August 14th, 2010 at 9:34 PM ^
He and others like him have helped confirm (for Sparties, Buckeyes, et al.) many bad UMich football fan stereotypes.
- - -
While we're on the subject of Mr. Smith, I picture the guy (for what it's worth) holding forth in a very pompous manner next to his tailgate at Ann Arbor Golf & Outing. He's putting on a good show to make up for his disappointment in never making VP (or Executive VP) of Acme Axle. Being an "influential alumnus" is part of the game.
August 15th, 2010 at 1:28 PM ^
How many times do you think he has shot his mouth off about all the great things his Dad and kids have done, if he had ever done something himself, you can be sure we would have heard about it. The saddest part is, that if his Dad was a record holder and his kids were all athletes on varsity teams, he must have tried and failed. He probably lived through his kids when he didn't make his Dad proud. No dysfunction there.
No wonder he is so invested in the W/L record of the football team, it's all he's got. Supports my theory that the vast majority of the "unacceptbale!!!" anti-RR crowd, quite simply, don't have the stones to stay fans during down seasons because their self-confidence is too wrapped up in being the fan of a winner.
August 14th, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
I have been a fan of mgoblog since the days of Haloscan but have never posted because it was just fun in the old days to read lively debate.
I guess those days are gone because instead of people being able to give reasoned opinions and read responses from other fans, this site has become a place where you are a RR fan or you get trashed for making even a faintly negative comment about the least successful head coach at Michigan in living memory.
I have season tickets and make as many games each year as I can afford (the airlines seem to charge premium prices on home game weekends) and cheer for the team as loud as anyone. My problem is that I don't blame the players. They seem to give it their all. Look at them on the sideline gasping for breath. Watch the joy when a play goes in our favor, watch the misery when something bad happens. We have a lot of talent on the team according the Rivals/Scout etc. They are definately trying hard but losing anyway. So who do we fault. According to the contributors on mgoblog, anyone (Carr, bare cupboard, turnovers, Michigan Hating God) except RR who gets a free pass.
I gave RR a pass in 2008 as nobody could have won with Sheridan at QB (great heart but lacking in talent) but 2009 was supposed to be the 2nd year jump that RR had experienced in the past and many on this blog were predicting great things. Now the general consensus is wait till 2011. At what point do we accept that maybe RR is not the answer and that success at places like WV does not necessarily translate to success in a much bigger/better conference. Hey, George Bush was not a bad Governor in Texas...President, not so much.
If 2010 is a repeat of 2009, I will probably lead the charge with my newly polished pitchfork and if Mr. Smith is part of the party, I will probably give him a high five.
To get back to my original point, I would hope that reasoned discussion could return to mgoblog rather that making fun of the age of a dissenting voice.
August 14th, 2010 at 12:44 PM ^
of what Rich Rodriguez can do with decent players and without unfair off-field distractions, then, I will be looking for you and Mr. Smith, to tell you, "Thank you very little, for your half-assed support."
And, if you had been regularly posting on MGoBlog, you'd also know that dumbass political cheapshots are not exactly what makes the site a quality Michigan football site.
August 14th, 2010 at 1:24 PM ^
It's too late. This site still has great front page material but the mgopoint system has turned the diaries discussions into nothing more than a middle school wedgie contest where each immature responder tries to one up each other in the pursuit of virtual points that to the best of my knowledge are basically meaningless. I have recently decided to just read mostly Brian's content and ignore the rest which is actually too bad. The only real way to fix the problem would be for someone to take the time to start banning posters that add nothing meaningful and constructive to the board.
go blue.
August 14th, 2010 at 9:40 PM ^
OT: UNC wolverine, I think you took way too much heat for your post on J.T. the other day. I thought it was interesting and I'm curious about how his career (such as it is) will unfold.
August 15th, 2010 at 1:30 PM ^
That is the crux of what we are responding to here, they aren't at all reasoned opinions, they are ill-informed at best and flat out ignorant at worst.
Seriously, JB puts the team in a position to pull a huge upset and schemes a defensive play that forces OSU not a situation where a 26% (at the time) 3-point shooter has to launch a desperation shot from what, like 37 feet out, with a hand in his face? That is GOOD coaching, even IF the shot goes in. To pick that, out of everything on the basketball court last year...and mind you there was plenty to legitimately criticize, just screams of a 'fan' that is a KNOWNOTHING beyond the # of wins and losses and what he reads in Freep headlines.
That is not anywhere close to a reasoned opinion.
As for those poor people getting negged for defending him, go back and read the blockquote from one of his posts a few days ago to see the depth of his understanding with regard to Rich Rodriguez. He himself indicates his viewpoint is 'simple', which to me is very much the opposite of a reasoned opinion.
As I stated earlier, I have had many a discussion with people here that do not support RR, but people who are basing their opinion on what they have seen on the field and the insightful, logical conclusion they draw from their analysis, which happen to differ from my own in most aspects, however I can usually find some common ground with them and i certainly listen and respect their viewpoint.
August 14th, 2010 at 9:29 PM ^
"... instead of people being able to give reasoned opinions..."
It's funny. For some reason, nearly all of the RichRod detractors that bother to post here seem to lack critical-thinking skills. It's funny because I truly believe that Rodriguez has some weaknesses. (I'll provide some samples later.) But, are those ever explored? No -- it's usually some variety of:
* He doesn't understand the Ohio State rivalry! (Aside: WFT? W... T... F?!)
* Why didn't he run a "pro-style" offense in '08? He had a 4-star QB available! Rivals said so! Oh, and how come he didn't coach Kevin Grady up to his 5-star rating?
* MAJOR VIOLATIONS! MAJOR VIOLATIONS! MAJOR, MAJOR, MAJOR...
Now, if someone wanted to question the guy's cognitive capacity (in comparison to, say, that of Nick Saban or Urban Meyer) I'd be inclinded to listen. Administrative skills and attention to detail? Sure. (Aside: In other posts I've stated that Dave Brandon should be helpful on those points. I hope so.) Hardly ever happens, though...
August 14th, 2010 at 9:48 PM ^
Administrative skills and attention to detail? Sure. (Aside: In other posts I've stated that Dave Brandon should be helpful on those points. I hope so.)
August 14th, 2010 at 11:20 PM ^
I've been an ardent supporter of RR from day 1. There have been times when I've questioned his abilities, and I am not ashamed of my occasional skepticism. But there are a couple important things to keep in mind when going down that road.
First: How many things are directly attributable to the coach? What does a coach have control over to affect the team's situation, and what does he not have control over?
A consistent trend with RR detractors is that they fail to distinguish things RR can do something about, and things RR cannot. Some of what you say is true about groupthink on this site, and it pains me to see it happen as well, but frankly most anti-RR arguments make false attributions. That's why they get negged.
Second: Of those things that can be reasonably attributed to a coach, what do we actually know and what do we infer?
Another trend with anti-RR sentiment is that it states dubious inferences with authority. Which is another fine reason to neg the shit out a post.
It all boils down to two kinds of dissent. One is questioning RR, and one is anti-RR. The former is acceptable, the latter is not. The latter is an irrational prejudice... and here's the rub. There is one, ultimate irrational prejudice on this board: our fanatic loyalty to Michigan -- and anyone who challenges THAT around these parts shall rue the day! And guess what? Anti-RR prejudice is hurtful to Michigan, so haters might as well fuck off.
August 16th, 2010 at 3:39 PM ^
I find this attitude to be so excruciatingly frustrating. While I do not question your being a real Wolverine fan, I do question your common football sense. Before you get angry at me realize I am writing my longest comment ever to try and help you understand what is going on, and why it seems some on this blog get a cranky when people make comments on things they know not of. Please excuse my numerous analogy's below.
Comparing taking over the USA and taking over an elite CFB program is just a poor analogy. GW did not come in and change our basic format of governement. GW did not say, “Hey, this Bill of Rights, the three branches of government and voting thing non-sense is over.”
RR on the other hand did all of the aforementioned. He said “guess what, “We no longer need judges, congressmen and a president!” Let’s move away from the political analogy to something simple.
CARS:
RR had 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada in the garage and needed a 2008 Formula One race car to be successful racing on a new track. While there is no doubt a Bravada can do things a Formula One car can’t it isn’t what RR needs to win. Only, it isn’t as easy as going out and buying one. Football players, especially college ones, need to be developed over time. They need to grow mentally and physically before they reach their potential.
I beg of you to let the man get the car(s) he needs in the garage before you judge how good he is. I fear that the people who complain the most about the success on the field have the power to get him fired before we get the right players in place. If you want to start all over again and drag the mediocre seasons for another 3 years keep complaining.
If one is not successful racing in a 4,000 lb. Bravada it is to be expected. We all hoped that we would, but all who really knew football and could appreciate the sheer scale of the work that had to be done, knew deep down that we could be facing a couple of long seasons.
DOGS:
Right now the team has very few seniors http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mich-m-footbl-mtt.html. See its pretty hard to find any. We have a great nucleolus of pit-bull and greyhound puppy’s. When he took over we had a bunch of Newfoundland’s and St. Bernard’s. Be patient, for the glory and excitement we are on the verge of is beyond anything we have felt.
Give the guy the benefit of the doubt through 2011 and if we don’t win at least 9 games I will give you $100. Print and save this, email me if I am wrong in January of 2012 and I will cut you a check. I hope you found this reply to be reasonable, civil and educational.
August 16th, 2010 at 5:59 PM ^
I appreciate your point of view, and it is very well stated with good analogies... not analogy's. You made a sound argument, but your sufferage from MAFS (Multiple Apostrophe Fail Syndrome) removes any kind of credibility you might have in the eyes of the typical blue hair, old time, RR hating alum. Please study up on apostrophe usage or go jump off a bridge. I would appreciate if you just cured the MAFS, though. The team needs your support this year, you ignorant bum. =)
Symptoms of MAFS:
- "puppy's"
- "Newfoundland's"
- "Saint Bernard's"
Sincerely,
Dr. Grammar Nazi, M.D.
August 17th, 2010 at 2:39 PM ^
With, proofreading that, thorough I am; shocked you: are a 'MD", and not a (PhD]. I guess, I, will stay away from, bridge's!
August 14th, 2010 at 12:13 PM ^
Michigan brought in a progressive, shake-things-up coach because most fans were tired of going 8-3 or 9-2 and losing to Ohio State. We were consistently one of the best teams in the country, but never (during the last 10 years of Lloyd's tenure) THE best. What we were seems great now, but at the time it was frustrating as hell.
Rodriguez had none of the offensive components he needed to run his system, and it was naivete to believe that he would be able to have success on that side of the ball overnight. I think we'll have one of the most explosive offenses in the Big Ten this year, and if he makes it to next year, I think we'll absolutely dominate on that side of the ball.
That said, I think Rodriguez deserves a lot of blame -- and maybe termination -- for what he's allowed to happen to our defense. It's been worse than pathetic, and I can't see it improving much this year. No matter how touted the recruit, he can't compete with guys that have been on the field for three or four seasons. I think at best we'll look like a Texas Tech team out there this year. Hopefully we'll win more shootouts than we lose. Unless the defense miraculously improves this year, I think Rich Rod detractors have a solid argument.
August 14th, 2010 at 4:19 PM ^
RichRod deserves massive criticism for failing to invent a time machine that would have allowed him to recruit more and better defensive players in 2005, '06 and '07.
August 14th, 2010 at 12:34 PM ^
If your so "disgusted" how about you give me your season tickets for football and basketball. Real fans support their team when their done not question their fanhood because the team isn't winning as much when their in a state of transition.
August 14th, 2010 at 9:20 PM ^
...Bacari is not down with your approach.
bacari34 What happens when our Football Team has an incredible season? Will you sing praises or not? Support the programs! The kids need you
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