A few notes from the Women's Football Academy
I just got back from the Women's Football Academy, and here are a few observations:
Big Will Campbell is looking sleek. He's lost 30 pounds. Jake Ryan is just a beast. Craig Roh has definitely beefed up, and it looks like Taylor Lewan has slimmed down a little. Also, he's still the class clown, so don't believe all the "serious guy" stuff. Ondre Pipkins is huge, and very humble. Joe Bolden and Kaleb Ringer were there, doing a lot of stuff, very involved. Denard was there in the morning but I didn't see him at lunch. His autograph line was ridiculous in the morning, but he was involved in the quarterback drills. Roy Roundtree was not there. Blake Countess was very involved. Devin Gardner was great and awesome as always. A woman in front of me in his autograph line said, "I hear you're going to play some wide receiver." He said yes, but didn't sound that thrilled. Personality-wise, he's my favorite player. Josh Furman is a good dancer.
I have some good videos of strength drills the players did. Once I figure out how to get them on Youtube, I'll post the link.
Edit: Changed Josh to Josh. Ricardo Miller is a good dancer, too.
I love mgoblog.
*includes dong forest
Pipkins can have a huge impact this year IF he's ready!!!
Sorry, I'm tired. I was up at 5, and it was brutally hot on the field. Not shooting on all cylinders.
Wendy, was there any talk about the Alabama game, or any other opponents, for that matter? Not sure if anything's off-limits at this event. Thanks.
I didn't talk to anyone about games. I think the players are hugely careful about what they say. The coaches had us chanting "Beat Ohio" all day long. But there are countdown clocks for the Alabama, Ohio, and Michigan State games in the locker room. And "Beat Ohio" is on just about every piece of equipment in the weight room. Also, there's a Dantonio quote on the weight room wall (the entire wall) about how he's from Ohio which makes beating Michigan especially fun, and they're going to keep beating us, he guarantees it.
I'm surprised Gardner admitted that he was going to be playing some wide receiver...
a limited role. Admitting to playing WR is nothing groundbreaking. Admitting to playing WR for a significant chunk of time would be important.
Maybe you should do a blog post about it
I was there, too, and I had many of the same experiences. Jon Falk really has some amazing stories to tell (nothing new there). Someone did ask Mattison about Alabama, and he gave a pretty standard non-answer about how they're working on it and how Alabama is a great game, it'll be a great test for our guys, etc. Someone else asked him if he gets nervous before games, and he said it was more anxious/excited, since he knows they're prepared as well as they can. He also said that his most fulfilling game last year was Illinois, as that was the game the defense really came together and played Michigan defense. I can see how he is such an incredible recruiter--he is so genuine and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. (FWIW, he also had some good Ray Lewis stories!)
Based on my reading of the OP, it sounds like one of the things they do is dance.
It was a very funny, impromptu moment in Oosterbaan. The women were gathering in the bleachers, there was music playing (if anyone knows the song, let me know), and Josh Furman and Desmond Morgan were up in front, dancing with two women (mom-types). Then Ricardo Miller started grooving behind them. I have a video - I'll post it when I get a chance. I have no idea how it started.
I suspected it was something along those lines. I look forward to seeing the videos you post.
You should post yours. Mine is not great - I shot it from the other side of the bleachers.
All kinds. There are young women in their 20's to older women in their 60's. Mostly in the middle. Some athletic, some not so much. Some knowledgeable about football, some not. The day is very organized - the women essentially come to learn about football, to participate in various drills (running, catching, passing, blocking, kicking), and then to play in a scrimage at the end of the day. The players really got more involved last year in the drills. The most fun part of the day is the beginning when you park in the parking lot. They're all there and they escort you to Oosterbaan in golf carts. In fact, I would be happy just coming for the morning activites and then leaving. They also do tours of Schembechler Hall and the locker rooms and meeting rooms. This year, Coach Mattison took us through the basic personnel formations on offense.
In my group, there were a couple of older women (like 50's) who could really throw a football and one who was an excellent punter. But it's all for fun, and charity.
It's been speculated on for so long and didn't Borges say in an interview that there were a handful of formations where Devin would play some receiver, but his primary position was still QB.
My wife can concur everything that was mentioned and she had a great time..
Some additional info.. she said that
Will Campbell was introduced as the starting nose tackle.
The film room had writing on the wall that said:
Attitude
1 Blame no one
2 Expect Nothing
3 Do something
Interesting about the music. I really hope they seriously consider some new tracks for next year.
Don't want to make a board post about this but over at GBW there are rumors about Poole and that he may have had a weightlifting injury that required surgery. Also saying he may be done for the season. Confirmed by a few people. If this is not allowed to be put here then mods feel free to kill my comment. Just passing along some info.
That's a real bummer if true. Not because we really needed Antonio Poole this fall (he may not have played much even if healthy) but he was one of those recruits I was irrationally excited about - he just seemed like a guy who would make a great linebacker. Hopefully he bounces back from this well.
If he's out for the season but he can recover 100%, this isn't a big deal since he'll only miss the year he was least likely to play. If he comes back anything less than 100%, he'll have a tough time passing all the other LBs we have at that spot.
Seemed to be more attendees than usual. Would that be correct?
this is my first year but the ladies in my group were saying that last year it was 275 people but this year was 475.
I'm not sure Lewan needs to be slimming down any. If anything he could put on a good 10-15 pounds since he's 6-7.
Thanks for the info!
I've gone solo both times. It's fine, but probably better to go with someone (none of my friends want to go). There are definitely others who go alone. They do award the people who raise the most money, both the individual and the team. Two years ago, I was the third highest fund-raiser and got a real helmet (The two women who beat me chose spa gift certificates over the helmet - fools). I don't know what they gave away this year. Even with a modest amount (I raised $650 this year), I still got a bunch of good stuff (hoodie, bag, visor, t-shirt).
The players are the best! Really fun and funny, good sports, game for anything. It's better as a participant if you can let go of your self-consciousness and just go for it. The players love that. We all did touchdown dances and tackled dummies, and the players are totally up for it. Really great women, too. Everyone's nice and I always end up talking to people at lunch. And you get to have lunch with the players, which is fun, too.
My wife got home and has been talking about it non-stop. She had a blast. The coolest thing she said is that if you have any doubt about what a wonderful group of young men are representing our university, you should put those fears aside. She said everyone was engaged and energetic; she couldn't believe how many players were involved and how much they seemed to want to be there.
In her group were Laura and Kelly Hoke and she said they were delightful to be around as well. Not that it is surprising, but among the coaches she was truly impressed by Mattison -- she said you could just listen to him talk forever.
A final point that was interesting to me is how much it was obvious to her that among the players there is a sense of responsibility and accountability to the team.
As an unexpected bonus, I got an early father's day present -- a helmet signed by more than 20 players, coaches, and even Jon Falk. Best. Wife. Ever. (Also, this replaces #1 on my coolest Michigan memorabilia list from the thread a couple weeks ago.)
Oh you're her daddy too?
My husband said that I used the wrong color sharpie on the photos and got mad at me. oh well. Funny about Devin, the last thing I said to him was "Good Luck this year, I can't wait to see you all over the field doing everything" and he said "I am so excited, too". He genuinely seemed excited.
Wendy, you will have to be in our group next time....Although we were not sure if we looked stalker-ish if we attend next year....Should I talke a year off?
I'll definitely be in your group. I would feel much less stalkerish if I was there with other people! My first year I sat with Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh at lunch, but this year I avoided players altogether at lunch because I felt like a stalker. But really, isn't that why we go? When else are we going to get to have that one-on-one experience? My brother, who is an alum also and a huge fan, is so jealous that I get to do this.
I just watched the video over at MGoVideo and I had a smile on my face the whole time. What a great event. What a great set of coaches and players. I love this Michigan football program.
I attended the WFA too, and want to echo many of the comments made already. What an awesome day - I can barely wrap my head around it! I don't think I've ever been prouder to be a Michigan Wolverine. The players are exemplary - kind, encouraging, responsible, and accountable (to their coaches, team, and the whole Michigan fanbase). Their attitude sets them apart as true Michigan Men and a fine example for anyone to emulate. The coaches and staff all deserve big kudos too for attitude, humor, drive, and a well-run day with an amazing look inside Michigan football. I have to give special props to my scrimmage coach, Taylor Lewan. He helped a bunch of crazy women become a team, and even though we couldn't pull our plays together very well he stayed positive and funny. I wish I could do this once a month!