A Half Century of Leaders:A tribute to those who launched the modern era of Michigan Football.

Submitted by Blue Bo on

 

Bo launched the modern era of Michigan Football in 1969.  I was fortunate to be an undergrad who witnesed those first few years of his legacy.  I have counted many of those early players as lifelong friends covering a period of nearly half a century now.  In tribute, I plan to mention a few who may have passed or who are still with us, to pay our gratitude for the contributions they have made, often without acclaim.   At the start of each season, until I am unable to post, a pause for reflection and a nod to my friends.  They are truly part of the foundation of what we have today.  This year:

"Irish" Tom Coyle and Jerry Schumacher-RIP  and always in our memories.

Don Eaton and Bill Moran-Served area youth for more than 4 decades now.

Go Blue.

 

M Go Dead

August 31st, 2016 at 12:53 AM ^

Mgoblog could feature an ex-player a day for a year who did good off the field and still just scratch the surface.

Michigan man is joked about (a bit deservedly) but it exists for a real reason.

ploeg

August 31st, 2016 at 8:43 AM ^

Jim and Dick were members of those first years of Bo's reign. I became friends with these two men in the late 70s, early 80s. Great men, both of them members of great teams.

Jim is now working for the athletic department as a liaison with ex Michigan athletes. He is a first class act, and a great representative of Michigan athletics. Jim is mentioned prominently in Bo's first book "Man in Motion".

"Caldo" is now a respected lawyer in the Chicago area. At Michigan, Dick was the starting guard, playing next to Dan Dierdorf on the Michigan line.

Both of these guys were part of "The Greatest Win in MIchigan History" (my opinion) - 1969's, 24-12 upset of  "The Greatest College football team of all Time". I was at that game and still cannot explain the joy I still recall from that day. (I was also at THE game the year before that we lost 14-50).

I am proud to call both of these men my friend!

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August 31st, 2016 at 9:33 AM ^

My father was on the sideline for that '69 OSU game for his recruiting trip as a high school senior. He ended up going elsewhere, but still talks about how cool it was to be there that day.