A few notes from the Women's Football Academy

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June 9th, 2012 at 3:51 PM
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Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
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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.

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June 9th, 2012 at 8:02 PM | video* (Score:5 Normal)
mgovideo
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*includes dong forest

@mgovideo

June 9th, 2012 at 3:59 PM | Ondre (Score:3 Normal)
john22
Joined: 06/09/2010
MGoPoints: 919

Pipkins can have a huge impact this year IF he's ready!!!

June 9th, 2012 at 4:29 PM | You could also substitute BWC (Score:2)
denardogasm
Joined: 09/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1852

You could also substitute BWC into that statement. I think he's going to be great this year, and with that in mind I hope we never see Ondre Pipkens until 2013.

"Michigan Defense" is dominating everything, in every aspect of life. That's a rough definition.

-Craig Roh 10/29/2011

June 9th, 2012 at 4:01 PM | Josh Furman Devin is probably (Score:5 Normal)
Brown Bear
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Josh Furman

Devin is probably asked constantly about playing WR so he might just be sick of talking about it.

I poop excellence
June 9th, 2012 at 4:03 PM | Wha? (Score:1)
pkatz
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Joined: 01/22/2010
MGoPoints: 1298

I don't understand...

June 9th, 2012 at 4:06 PM | I think (Score:2)
LSA Aught One
Joined: 08/24/2011
MGoPoints: 854

He was saying "it's josh, not Jake."

June 9th, 2012 at 4:12 PM | Sorry, I'm tired. I was up at (Score:5 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

Sorry, I'm tired. I was up at 5, and it was brutally hot on the field. Not shooting on all cylinders. 

June 9th, 2012 at 4:13 PM | Wendy, was there any talk about the Alabama game... (Score:3 Normal)
jerasaurus
Joined: 08/20/2009
MGoPoints: 88

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.

June 9th, 2012 at 4:26 PM | I didn't talk to anyone about (Score:3 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

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. 

June 9th, 2012 at 4:33 PM | I'm surprised Gardner (Score:2)
Magnus
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I'm surprised Gardner admitted that he was going to be playing some wide receiver...

Twitter - Recruiting Update: May 13

June 9th, 2012 at 4:46 PM | He played WR last year too, albeit in (Score:2 Normal)
hart20
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Joined: 05/25/2011
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a limited role. Admitting to playing WR is nothing groundbreaking. Admitting to playing WR for a significant chunk of time would be important.

Yep, that's Simba made out of a pineapple.

June 9th, 2012 at 8:26 PM | Maybe you should do a blog (Score:-1 Trolling)
June 9th, 2012 at 8:47 PM | Mattison's company line answer (Score:5 Normal)
ArrogantYellow
Joined: 10/02/2010
MGoPoints: 162

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!)

June 9th, 2012 at 4:41 PM |     (Score:-1 Flamebait)
June 9th, 2012 at 4:43 PM | What sorts of women go to (Score:2 Normal)
denardogasm
Joined: 09/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1852

What sorts of women go to this? Im just curious because I don't think I know any who would be that interested even though they're michigan fans (u dont know any of the mgoladies however). I know it's really popular though. Are they athletic women or iust a lot of regular moms who want to meet the players and coaches? What sorts of things do they do at this event besides the autographs you mentioned?

"Michigan Defense" is dominating everything, in every aspect of life. That's a rough definition.

-Craig Roh 10/29/2011

June 9th, 2012 at 5:08 PM | Based on my reading of the (Score:3 Normal)
UMgradMSUdad
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Based on my reading of the OP, it sounds like one of the things they do is dance.

June 9th, 2012 at 5:20 PM | It was a very funny, (Score:5 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

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. 

June 9th, 2012 at 5:34 PM | I suspected it was something (Score:2)
UMgradMSUdad
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I suspected it was something along those lines.  I look forward to seeing the videos you post.

June 9th, 2012 at 8:00 PM | One of the mom types was in (Score:5 Normal)
gbdub
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One of the mom types was in fact my mom. They danced the Cupid shuffle. I am attempting to get her to put it on you tube so I can post it here.

June 9th, 2012 at 10:39 PM | You should post yours. Mine (Score:2)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

You should post yours. Mine is not great - I shot it from the other side of the bleachers. 

June 9th, 2012 at 5:17 PM | All kinds. There are young (Score:5 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

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. 

June 9th, 2012 at 4:44 PM | It's been speculated on for (Score:1)
Bad MotherHoker
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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.

"The goal, the expectation of this program is the Big Ten Championship"

June 9th, 2012 at 4:56 PM | I was there, too (Score:5 Normal)
maizemama
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It was a great day and very long and hot. There were all kinds of ladies there, college age girls through grandmas. You only had to do as much physical effort as you were comfortable with. All of the players were really friendly and nice. Devin was very funny. Denard seemed kind of tired of signing autographs, but I asked him for it anyways. Hagerup was on crutches but expects to be on his feet next week. Borges had arm surgery. I ate lunch with Joe Bolden, Kaleb Ringer, Ondre Pipkins, and Desmond Morgan. We talked about music in the stadium and if they get any input. They don't. Desmond said they did get sick of Seven Nation Army, but understood that it really pumped up the crowd, so what can you do? Also, they all started playing fb at age 6 or7 except for Pipkins, who started in 8th grade. I admire him coming today as he just got into town at midnight. Vince Smith is also really nice and very short. I asked about the shooting hands thing he did last season and he said something about pointing out the linebackers. I didn't really get it. Overall, a great day and gave me great appreciation for the hard work they do. Also both Devin and Jack Kennedy said I have a good arm, so that's awesome!

June 9th, 2012 at 5:00 PM | Also, (Score:5 Normal)
maizemama
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Drew Dileo's mom and sister were in my group and were very nice. His sister could really throw. I also asked the players if they read MI sports blogs and they don't. They agreed it's not a good idea to read this stuff about yourself.

June 9th, 2012 at 5:10 PM | I met Dileo's aunt and cousins... (Score:3 Normal)
MGoShoe
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...outside of the Superdome. Very nice folks. Loved their accents.

LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | @MGoShoe

June 9th, 2012 at 5:04 PM | My wife can concur everything (Score:5 Normal)
NeilGoBlue
Joined: 09/30/2010
MGoPoints: 406

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

 

Team 106

June 10th, 2012 at 1:32 AM | Interesting about the music. (Score:2)
UMxWolverines
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Joined: 03/01/2009
MGoPoints: 5222

Interesting about the music. I really hope they seriously consider some new tracks for next year.

"Ohio is like a giant turd that Michigan just can't pinch off"

June 9th, 2012 at 5:14 PM | Don't want to make a board (Score:3 Normal)
goblueritzy92
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Joined: 01/26/2009
MGoPoints: 893

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.

June 9th, 2012 at 8:57 PM | That's a real bummer if true. (Score:2)
WolvinLA2
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Joined: 11/13/2009
MGoPoints: 17611

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.

June 9th, 2012 at 5:18 PM | Thanks Wendy. You can tell a (Score:2)
Bombadil
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Joined: 01/22/2011
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Thanks Wendy. You can tell a lot about a man how they are around women. Devin seems like a really good kid.

June 9th, 2012 at 5:46 PM | The attendance (Score:2)
Shakey Jake
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Joined: 05/12/2012
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Seemed to be more attendees than usual. Would that be correct?

"The street legend is back, bitches!"

June 9th, 2012 at 6:39 PM | Way more than last year (Score:3 Normal)
maizemama
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Joined: 01/12/2011
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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.

June 9th, 2012 at 8:45 PM | I'm not sure if it's happened before (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
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But this year was sold out.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

June 9th, 2012 at 6:05 PM | I'm not sure Lewan needs to (Score:1)
yoopergoblue
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Joined: 02/11/2010
MGoPoints: 1976

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!

"They will meet a dastardly fate here for that! There isn't a Michigan Man who wouldn't like go out and scalp those Buckeyes right now."

June 9th, 2012 at 8:51 PM | Geeze, what would have happened to the hood (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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MGoPoints: 38747

If he hadn't lost 30 pounds?

More seriously, the same question I ask every year- Do they still give out an award for the lady who raised the most funds?

New question- how would you recommend selling the academy to someone who doesn't care about football? I think my obsession would come off a lot better if there was some emotional attachment to the team, and I know she'd love the players. Because I can't think of a year they've been anything less than charming. And is it more fun to go with someone you know, or is it ok solo?

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

June 9th, 2012 at 10:36 PM | I've gone solo both times. (Score:5 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

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. 

 

 

June 10th, 2012 at 6:15 PM | I wonder if they give swag instead of an award they used to give (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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Or in addition.

I'm only curious because I knew the person they named the award after.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

June 9th, 2012 at 10:57 PM | My Wife (Score:5 Normal)
mvp
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 551

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.)

June 10th, 2012 at 12:14 AM | Oh you're her daddy too? (Score:-1 Flamebait)
June 10th, 2012 at 7:13 AM | You are a nice, appreciative husband. (Score:3 Normal)
goblueattorney
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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?

June 10th, 2012 at 7:32 AM | I'll definitely be in your (Score:3 Normal)
Wendyk5
Joined: 11/20/2008
MGoPoints: 3130

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. 

June 10th, 2012 at 6:13 PM | Might be time for an gobluedivorce; not cool. (Score:2)
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
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Lots of women go on an annual basis, it won't seem stalker-ish.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

June 10th, 2012 at 3:28 PM | I just watched the video over (Score:2)
DonAZ
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Joined: 12/05/2011
MGoPoints: 654

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.

Midwestern born and raised ... now living in the heat of the Arizona desert

June 10th, 2012 at 4:17 PM | My two cents (Score:5 Normal)
Mgirl
Joined: 09/10/2011
MGoPoints: 6

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!

June 12th, 2012 at 2:38 PM | Cupid Shuffle at the WOMEN'S FOOTBALL ACADEMY 2012 (Score:3 Normal)
Yodamom1961
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MGoPoints: 1

I had a great time at the Women's Football Academy. This was a very well organized event that kept things moving but allowed for some spontaneous dancing. I had a blast busting a move with the guys. They were all very polite, fun and enthusiastic. It was great that they donated their time for such a great cause. Here is evidence of their great dancing skills.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaUKUHl9hLw

Yodamom

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