Any other wolverines live in hostile territory?

Submitted by wvgoblue on

Just wondering how many others live away from Ann Arbor in specifically hostile territories? Do people take cracks at you when you wear your pride out in public? What responses if any do you give? I've mentioned it in my other posts, but being from WV/living there you'd think RR was the spawn of satan and raped every virgin now...

DamnYankee

November 24th, 2009 at 8:40 AM ^

Hostile may not be the right word. Dismissive of all things Big Ten might be a better description. Although, UT fans are still pissed Woodson won the Heisman.

bmbender

November 24th, 2009 at 8:49 AM ^

I live in central Iowa where there are a lot of Iowa State, Iowa and Nebraska fans... I fly my flag proudly and have my alumni stickers on the car. The parents at my kids' school know where we live - you live at the house with the Michigan fan...not too many people give me crap...cause they know I went to school there and at the end of the day, they still know Michigan is better than there schools...(oh, Nebraska fans are the worst)

ADingwall

November 24th, 2009 at 9:01 AM ^

I am married to a bred in Lincoln, born in Lincoln, raised in Lincoln, and educated in Lincoln, Cornhusker. We have season tickets to both Michigan and Nebraska. We live in Michigan but get to a couple Nebraksa games most years. I've never had an issue when wearing maize and blue in Lincoln. This year we went back for the 300th sellout at Memorial Stadium. Before I settled in to watch the U of M-IU game on TV I ran to the grocery store. Everyone, and I mean everyone was dressed in red except for 2 of us. I had maize and blue on and in the checkout lane next to me was a guy with MSU basketball stuff on. He just looked at me, laughed, and said, "I don't think we're in Michigan anymore".

Fresh Meat

November 24th, 2009 at 8:45 AM ^

I go to ND law school, I'm sitting in a class right now wearing a Michigan hoodie so yea, I'm in hostile territory and yea I take crap for it. Try sitting in the ND student section last year for the Michigan game wearing a Michigan jersey. Had a few beers tossed my way.

KinesiologyNerd

November 24th, 2009 at 8:45 AM ^

I go to school at Michigan, but I'm from Toledo, OH. It's really interesting because there is a 50/50 split between Michigan and OSU fans. There is even a successful chain of stores that sells both Michigan and OSU products. Sadly I feel like I live in Columbus because 90% of my friends and family are OSU fans (and the worst- some are fair weather fans [mom]) so yeah, the last few years have been great for me.

weasel3216

November 24th, 2009 at 10:30 AM ^

I am also from Toledo, OH. kinesiologyNerd is right, Toledo and the surrounding towns (Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania) are all split about 50/50.

I think the real interesting thing is that just 20 miles south in Bowling Green (where i go to school) it is about 90% OSU 10% Others with Michigan only making up about 3-4% of that. In BG people will constantly talk shit about Michigan and ask, "How can you like Michigan, you live in Ohio?" It gets annoying but really i would not trade it for anything, there is nothing better than wearing my maize and blue the day after a Michigan victory over OSU and all the OSU fans cussing and yelling at you as you walk down the street.

Six Zero

November 24th, 2009 at 8:54 AM ^

Although hostile probably isn't the word for it. Aside from the actual game week, people are pretty cool about it. They've certainly enjoyed our fall from grace but most took it pretty easy on me. I think there's still a healthy fear after the owning we had on 'em up until last year.

I've got PSU neighbors all around me and they're pretty respectful about it, probably because they know I'm loyal. They've been through their own dark age when paw-print car magnets were nowhere to be seen and lesser fans kept their Nittany Lion gear in the back of the closet.

Probably the biggest gripe they've had over the last 10 years is that Lloyd got all the calls when the game was on the line. "Give us back our two seconds, etc." Oh, and they still hate Mario Manningham.

TMoo

November 24th, 2009 at 8:55 AM ^

I live near ND but on the Michigan side of the line. It is probably 70:30 ND to Michigan ratio here but as you head north the ND effect quickly fades.
The only thing I get when wearing Michigan gear is friendly ribbing. I did catch some crap last year wearing a "Michigan Dad" shirt to the ND/Purdue game.

BrayBray1

November 24th, 2009 at 8:55 AM ^

but my Dad is from South Bend, and is a huge ND fan, as is his whole side of the family. My mom's side of the family are MSU trolls. So yeah, guess who's not looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Wolverine In Exile

November 24th, 2009 at 8:57 AM ^

And in typical OH-IO fashion, even though there are three colleges within 45 min of the city, including 2 within city limits, everyone is a friggin' OSU fan. The true OSU grads who I work with on base at Wright-Patt AFB are fine, it's the Dollar General Buckeyes who you see at the gas station at 6am before work who all claim to be a cousin of Brandon Saine or Katzenmoyer (and who knows, it is Ohio, it maybe true) that give you the most shit for your UM license plate holder, or the UM polo yo umay be wearing to work. I'm in a private subdivision now on the outskirts of one of the small towns surrounding Dayton, but when I first moved down here, my condo with the small UM flag would get egged every OSU-UM Sat like leaves falling off a tree. I've become quite proficient in the garden hose wash-off now.

SportsBrewKings

November 24th, 2009 at 8:57 AM ^

I also live in ACC/SEC country(Greenville, SC). Running into Buckeyes around here is a very unique experience. You are so far away physically from MI/OH that you feel somewhat detached. You would think this would calm nerves down but in my experiences, it has made things worse.

I run into Buckeye fans pretty frequently downtown or when I visit Charleston and it typically ends in shouting. I am a born and raised South Carolinian(...but the biggest Wolverine you will ever meet), so my usual response is telling Buckeyes to "Go back to America's asshole. South Carolina hates the Buckeyes". They usually end up telling me I'm not a real fan since I'm not from Michigan.

Wide Open

November 24th, 2009 at 9:15 AM ^

I'm in Dayton too.

When I moved back here from A^2 in 2000 you would see about as many people wearing Michigan as tOSU gear.

Then last Saturday I go to Wright State's graduation. A couple of the grads had GO BUCKS written on their hats, and some wore Buckeye necklaces.

When they got on stage I booed them. Just a little bit.

ole luther

November 24th, 2009 at 9:16 AM ^

I live in North Central Ohio (as a M season ticket holder) and I believe that there's something wrong with you.
All of the opponents fan bases around here are very cordial, especially the Buckeye fans. For instance, Every time I don a magnet or flag on an automobile, they promptly remove it to protect the exterior finish and increase my aerodynamics.
The fixation of auto finishes doesn't stop there. Every time I wear my shirts/coats out in public they graciously offer to use it as a rag to wash their own vehicles.
They also seem to care a great deal about landscaping. Whenever I place a object in the front lawn,(flag, stepping stone, etc.) they quickly remove it to decrease insect infestation and to ease my "curb appeal" maintenance.
My continuing education is at the top of their list as they are constantly reviewing with me the correct spelling of O-H-I-O.
One would think that these behaviors only take place during peak times, such as football season, but nooo. These fans work feverishly throughout the year to keep me updated on all the negative things going on in Ann Arbor and all the positive things going on in Columbus.
I'm not sure what I would do without them.

will

November 24th, 2009 at 9:17 AM ^

Try living in Columbus.

I wore the wolverine chasing a susaphone player shirt here in town and my waiter was like wait, what does your shirt say? Didn't you lose the last 6 years in a row?

But at least he was man enough to admit the shirt was creative. Said if OSU had anything similar he'd buy it too.

I plan to wear that shirt every time I can this year, just probably not on Lane Avenue.

Six Zero

November 24th, 2009 at 3:23 PM ^

I remember drawing up the Tuba player first... then I asked myself, what can we do to this guy?? At one point I had him high-stepping into a bear trap, then there was some bold text that said "Harm The Tuba Player," because it just seemed wrong to say "Kill"... But the more I looked at him the more it seemed like he was not high-stepping but rather trying to run in fear.

What was he in fear of? Well, the rest is history.

arn29

November 24th, 2009 at 9:20 AM ^

I live just outside of Columbus, Ohio, I am forced to listen to the local sports talk stations everywhere I go. Every year someone buys me something that represents what bowl OSU is going to. This year I had a Rose on my desk at work, for a few years I got to enjoy some Tostitos Chips, was hoping for more of those this year lol.

I actually don't have a lot of bad things happen to me when I wear my Michigan stuff out, it's only around the Mich-OSU game that it becomes a little dicey wearing that stuff in public. Other than that it's mostly just friendly barbs traded with OSU fans that I know, people that don't know me rarely say anything to me when I have Michigan stuff on.

sjastrz

November 24th, 2009 at 9:28 AM ^

I'm in Cincinnati and there is a pretty good mix of Big 10 grads down here so it isn't bad at all. All the Buckeye fans I work with are all pretty reasonable.

NHWolverine

November 24th, 2009 at 10:46 AM ^

I was a little worried when I got assigned to work in Cincy that it would be hostile territory but as sjastrz mentioned there are grads from a slew of Big-10 schools and the OSU fans aren't of the usual 'rabid' breed.

That said nobody cares much about college football in New Hampshire so I'd rather be in hostile midwest territory and get razzed by OSU, WV or whatever fan base than ignored completely.

Blue in Yarmouth

November 24th, 2009 at 2:04 PM ^

I live In Nova Scotia, Canada so I live in "indifferent territory" and I suspect it is worse than enemy terrritory. No one here cares about college football and I hate it. I have gradually got my brother interested in it though, so I at least have one person I can discuss football with.

I would rather have hostile people from other fanbases around than nothing at all......just sayin'

OysterMonkey

November 24th, 2009 at 12:29 PM ^

I grew up in Toledo (well, Waterville) and there was a pretty good split between OSU and UM fans, then I went to college north of Columbus and it was all awful buckeye all the awful time. Relocated to Cinci in 02 and it's been nice. Lots of fans of different teams, and I've never caught shit wearing my UM stuff anywhere.

tn wolverine

November 24th, 2009 at 9:36 AM ^

I live in Kingsport, Tn. (about 15 mins. from where Lloyd Carr was born in Church Hill, Tn.) Like DamnYankee said above the people here are under some illusion that Peyton Manning walked on water and deserved the Heisman just because he returned for his senior season. Never mind he never beat Florida and lost to Memphis in Knoxville in 1997. I had my block M flag stolen off my porch, other than that when they start the Peyton should have won the heisman crap (believe me I've heard it roughly a billion times) I just say look again the vote wasn't even close and I think Ryan Leaf was evry bit as good as Manning. This usually sends them spinning off in diff. directions. Then I counter with if he was so damn good how'd he lose to Memphis, who'd Michgigan lose to, that's right nobody because they won the National Championship. That usually ends it if not I come back with if he was so great why did they win the championship in 1998 after he was gone. Game over !!!!!!!

HAIL2V

November 24th, 2009 at 9:41 AM ^

Yes, it gets pretty ugly. I live in Cincinnati and for the most part, people are pretty split. Many don't like OSU so therefore like Michigan. But, its funny in a way the hatred that some of our neighbors show us. Though I shouldn't be surprised given the reputation of OSU fans. I grew up in Michigan; have lived on the East Coast for several years as well. I didn't realize how much I hate OSU until I moved here. The worse fans ever!

Giff4484

November 24th, 2009 at 9:45 AM ^

and now I'm back in Philly.

PSU fans are pretty bad since most of my friends and family are fans/former students there. They make sure the let me know how bad Michigan is when I wear my hat etc.

South Florida wasn't too bad actually I don't think anyone said a thing to me about Michigan since we beat Florida.

Anyone who lives in Ohio and is a Michigan fan gets my respect. I grew up 5 hours from Ohio so I didn't see or hear too many Buckeye fans growing up.

Now I'm getting married to a girl who is from Western PA and her mom's side of the family is all from Ohio and they are huge Buckeye fans so Thanksgiving is going to suck for me again this year + her family is huge Stiller fans so that is pretty bad in my book as well.

BlueFanInWI

November 24th, 2009 at 9:46 AM ^

Badger fans can be assholes, especially after that game 2 Saturday's ago. They hate Michigan, unless we're playing OSU...then half of them want us to win, and the other half wants both teams to kill each other. Thankfully, I'm in Milwaukee. If I was in Madison my car would probably get vandalized. But on the bright side, at least I don't live in Ohio. I would rather be stuck in between Charlie Weiss and Mark Mangino on a flight to Australia.

BlueFanInWI

November 24th, 2009 at 11:10 AM ^

I know several UM alum out here who vow to never again go to Camp Randall because of the fans. Not sure if they were students or not, but one guy's 3 year old daughter got a plastic cup of beer thrown at her in the lot because she was wearing a Michigan jersey. And then there's the usual verbal abuse and cursing.

steve sharik

November 24th, 2009 at 12:47 PM ^

...is probably not easy to control. Unless the guy threw the cup from 10 yards or closer, I doubt the little girl was the target. She may have been almost hit or actually hit, but somehow I don't believe any person would do that intentionally.

BiSB

November 24th, 2009 at 9:47 AM ^

South Bend resident. Notre Dame Law student.

The nice thing is that Notre Dame crapped the bed so badly this year that no one has had the heart to make fun of Michigan football.

Last year was painful, though. I drank many beers.

Fresh Meat

November 24th, 2009 at 9:50 AM ^

You go to ND Law school? No way!!! Who are you we should meet. Just kidding, I am sitting next to you in Business associations right now. Or maybe we are the same person....no I am much better looking that doesn't make sense.

His Dudeness

November 24th, 2009 at 9:50 AM ^

I live in Jim Tressels pool house. It isn't much, but his wife is pretty decent and he works long hours, so it has its perks. My mother always taught me all you need in life is a roof over your head and some sustenance. I have found comfort in sleeping on floatation noodles and damp towels.

Big Shot

November 24th, 2009 at 9:59 AM ^

LSU country. Generally, I get crap about how bad Michigan and the Big Ten are. It's been a different story this week though. People around here are praying that we fire RRod and bring in Les Miles. My friends who are LSU fans are saying that they'd gladly chip in to pay Les' buyout. I guess they're not very happy about the call to spike the ball with :01 left...

Hemlock Philosopher

November 24th, 2009 at 10:03 AM ^

I'd live somewhere between Rhun and Khand - about 120 miles northeast of Mordor; Northfield, oh, in current times. A couple things I have learned while living amongst the red: Do not have the license plate "60 BLUE" if you value your car and flying a Michigan flag outside your house will earn you free toilet paper, eggs and other lawn ornaments.

bluebyyou

November 24th, 2009 at 10:04 AM ^

I live about a half hour east of Columbus and avoid, for the most part, any OSU sports, the exception being when they lose. Then I read the Columbus Dispatch on-line and enjoy sharing the loss with the multitudes as they wallow in their misery.

There is a very interesting dichotomy around here. Most grads/students of OSU are reasonable and you can often have semi-rational football discussions. Then there is everyone else. This subset I refer to as the neanderthals. They often have large beer bellies and large foreheads. As Brian aptly pointed out in his great story from 2002, intelligent discussion with the apes is normally limited to two words, namely "fuck Michigan".

I was wearing a Michigan T-shirt one day and stopped to get gas. A guy with an OSU shirt, an obvious neanderthal, standing behind me in line asked why I would wear a Michigan shirt around here. I said I went to school there as did my sons. He looked at me and asked why? I said we couldn't get into OSU because we weren't smart enough. That made him happy.

wolfman81

November 24th, 2009 at 10:12 AM ^

(a.k.a. East Lansing)

To make matters worse, I live in the shadow of the campus...Once I went walking on campus in my Michigan sweatshirt during Michigan week, and someone attempted to run me down as I crossed the street (in the crosswalk with the right of way).

On the flip side, I've stood next to sparty in my Michigan gear. Next time, I'll have to take a picture. If I'm really brave, I'll try to give it a noogie.

-dp-

November 24th, 2009 at 2:18 PM ^

I live in Lansing, and my brother went to some powderpuff football game that Reno's East had for breast cancer awareness. He was decked out in Michigan stuff, and got himself a picture with Sparty.

I actually haven't had too much trouble around here, though. I don't go to East Lansing very often. Here in Lansing, there are actually a pretty good amount of Michigan fans. When I wear my Michigan stuff to work, the State fans let me hear it, but usually only the people I know, and it is all in fun.

Next door to my house, is a house that is painted green and white. The man in that house does not show his face when State loses, but sits outside yelling, blowing an air horn, or talking through a megaphone half the time when they win. After the MSU game this year, when I got home from work, his wife was standing in their driveway just smiling at me. After I got in the house, they sent their grandson out with an air horn, which he proceeded to use for about a half hour.

The neighbor on the other side is a big Michigan fan, and the guy across the street calls himself an OSU fan, but I don't think he follows them all that much.