The View from Row 42
Backs to the wall, stood row 42.
Up in back to support the Maize and Blue.
We'll stand, no one behind us to block.
We'll stand, the cheer of the fans is a rock,
on which the team can build, and so can rise anew.
Backs to the wall, battled the Maize and Blue.
Though they may fall, they fought to find their way through.
They'll stand, and fight those who stand in their way.
They'll stand, and with all their hearts they will play.
It's not always enough, but that doesn't stop row 42.
Hail to the Victors, leaders and best.
They can wear a loss proudly, like a win on their chests.
And we will support them, the wins and the rest,
sing the fans in row 42.
The team didn't win tonight, against Wisconsin. I was at the very top, section 8, row 42. But even from that far away, I could see clearly how hard they were trying, how much getting somewhere big this season means to the team, and hoiw they played their guts out. I saw them dive for so many loose balls. I saw Zack Novak stretching farther than I knew he could to pull down critical rebounds against a great reboudning team. I saw Darius Morris working as hard as he could to create shots in one of the best defenses out there.
They didn't win, but I've never been more proud to stand up and cheer for a team, and I've never been more proud to sing the Victors. It was obvious they deserved it from all the way up.
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:14 PM ^
I saw DMo, THard, and Smotz brick some free throws.
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:15 PM ^
They meant to do that, and weren't trying their hardest to hit them or anything.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:56 AM ^
I was also in Section 8 so "cheers" sorry if I blocked your view when I stood up. I am as heartbroken, frustrated, and optimistic as anyone. They played their hearts out. They missed some free throws when there weren't very many to be had. I was proud of them when I left b/c you can't say a banked in 3-pointer as time expires from a freshman was what Wisconsin does. Good teams get bailed out like that more often than bad teams. We are getting there and I think we will get there (hopefully arriving on Sat.) but we are not good enough to make those mistakes and win. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but damn we were close. Go Blue!!!!
February 24th, 2011 at 6:46 AM ^
that requires an immediate negative comment to every positive post?
February 24th, 2011 at 8:36 AM ^
That's the rule, asshole.
February 24th, 2011 at 10:30 AM ^
There's definitely a certain amount of trolling that's been going on.
February 24th, 2011 at 11:10 AM ^
my bad. I'll go back and study the rules again.
February 24th, 2011 at 11:12 AM ^
Great post. Some people on here sickened me last night. We need real voting back ASAP to get rid of these so-called M fans who are getting down on kids working their asses off.
February 24th, 2011 at 12:07 PM ^
Once you get rid of all of those sickening "so-called" fans, where does that put the school and program? If people weren't emotional about the team, would you criticize them for that as well? If the kids can't handle critizism from annonymous people on the web, then I doubt they have the internal drive needed to be successful in big time college basketball. I'll take an overly critical, idiot of a fan to an apathetic fan any day.
February 24th, 2011 at 4:48 PM ^
February 24th, 2011 at 12:33 PM ^
once the shot went in: Douglass falling to the floor, Hardaway looking apoplectic and nearly losing his mouth piece, Morgan making an about face in disgust or anger. The bench reaction of utter disappointment. There is no way anyone can say the team didn't give it there all. I hope they can bounce back from this, there is still a lot of basketball to play for. One thing they are probably not thinking about is how young they are, mostly freshman and sophomore sprinkled with a couple juniors; these guys are playing some good ball, taking away the FT's.
Some of us are old enough to remember the rise of the 'Bad Boys' to the NBA crown back in the 80's, the epic battles and 'daggers' the Pistons experienced while usurping the Celtics for the Eastern Conference Championships, and then the Lakers for it all. Those Piston teams ended up winning two titles and were awfully close to winning another two. Those battles hardened that team to a killer with daggers of its own. Our Wolverines have taken several 'daggers' recently, more than their fair share, but I think it will forge a stronger team in the future. Hopefully this year, but for certain next year.
February 24th, 2011 at 3:40 PM ^
February 25th, 2011 at 9:41 AM ^
I love the ongoing tradition of MGoEpic poetry. Very entertaining.
On the subject of the game, yes, this is heartbreaking, soul-dong punch, blow to NCAA hopes, and so on. However, the fan support for the BB team has never been higher in recent memory, at least as far as I can remember. Ideally this will translate into more posteriors in seats at Crisler once they finish renovating for 2011-2012, but BB is certainly represented well in cyberspace. Incidentally, Brian didn't have to put up Henri after the loss, which is a good sign for the mental health of our commentators, and the site overall bounced back pretty well the next day. I'd say the Michigan faithful still believes in Coach B.
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