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Live animals, Willy the Wolverine, Rich Eisen, Groupon, and DB's mascot hopes

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:36 AM
#302
Tater
Tater's picture
Joined: 08/13/2008
MGoPoints: 30564
Let's see...

...Michigan is a bastion of intellect.  Wolverines are extremely vicious and unpredictable.  Football games are played in public places with over 100,000 people there.  It doesn't take a PhD in math to add it all up and figure out why Michigan doesn't have a live mascot on the sidelines.

Even if they found a cage that was heavy-duty enough to be foolproof, imagine the clusterfuck that the PETA demonstrations outside of the stadium would cause.  

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:41 AM
(Reply to #2) #303
VictorValiant
VictorValiant's picture
Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 1637
i encourage you to read the

i encourage you to read the article.  it's about more than just a a caged wolverine.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:41 AM
(Reply to #2) #304
ryebreadboy
ryebreadboy's picture
Joined: 12/02/2010
MGoPoints: 5894
I doubt PETA would really

I doubt PETA would really make a big deal out of it.  Georgia, Colorado, Texas, Auburn... they all have live mascots.  Probably lots of others, too.  I do agree that it would be ridiculously dangerous to cage a live wolverine on the sidelines though.  Rather, we should put it on a leash and tie it to the goalpost in the opposing end zone.  Score on us at your own risk, opponents.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:10 AM
(Reply to #4) #305
Bill in Birmingham
Bill in Birmingham's picture
Joined: 08/30/2008
MGoPoints: 4175
Speaking of Auburn and

Speaking of Auburn and Georgia. One year, Uga the bulldog bit an Auburn player in the end zone after he scored. Imagine what a live wolverine would do to an OSU player.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:14 AM
(Reply to #19) #306
Magnus
Magnus's picture
Joined: 07/17/2008
MGoPoints: 123054
Can wolverines see the color

Can wolverines see the color red?

If not, maybe we could just train it to bite anyone who smells like an Escalade.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:32 AM
(Reply to #30) #307
BlueDragon
BlueDragon's picture
Joined: 11/14/2010
MGoPoints: 21718
Or any kind of generic Honda.

Or any kind of generic Honda.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:27 AM
(Reply to #30) #308
Baldbill
Baldbill's picture
Joined: 04/09/2009
MGoPoints: 3578
Reminds me of

a bulldog mascot we had while I was in the Marines. On our training base which was a naval base, we had an area that was "our" area. We trained our dog "Bones" to go after any sailor that was wearing those goofy white hats. It was funny. He hated those hats as we disciplined him with one, so whenever he saw someone wearing one, he would give chase.

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:48 AM
(Reply to #43) #309
Gwhizz
Gwhizz's picture
Joined: 03/22/2011
MGoPoints: 2100
Hmm...

You weren't by chance in at NATTC Millington were you?

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:45 AM
(Reply to #2) #310
rockydude
rockydude's picture
Joined: 05/06/2011
MGoPoints: 3240
Get Off My Lawn, er, Stadium ?

I was at Michigan during the reign of Willy the Wolverine, and I don't remember any cages or PETA protests. Most everyone liked him, in fact. There was a certain amount of grumbling when the lawyers got rid of him. As the article said, it was a matter of who got what money, not whether the mascot was liked, which he was for the most part. I'm not sure that I really get the Rich Eisen types that get traumatized by seeing kids play with a big, furry goofball, and have the time of their lives as they do so.

My take on it is that it is something that gives a block of fans something to have fun with it. If it is really that upsetting, go steal the Who-Hams or something, but let the kids have their fun, as lots of people really seemed to love getting their pic with Willy, or watching him do his thing. Nobody is going to force anyone to watch, and it is a football game, not church. Nobody is defiling hallowed ground by bringing a mascot into Michigan Stadium.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:49 AM
#311
ryebreadboy
ryebreadboy's picture
Joined: 12/02/2010
MGoPoints: 5894
David Brandon: You can't get

David Brandon:

You can't get your picture taken with a Block M. Mascots are really embraced by the youth demographic and we want to take advantage of that, for all the reasons that are obvious.

I disagree. Take a picture in front of this (I did):

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June 17th, 2011 at 6:16 AM
(Reply to #5) #312
mgopoo
mgopoo's picture
Joined: 07/28/2009
MGoPoints: 156
...or this...

...or this...

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:07 AM
(Reply to #18) #313
Naked Bootlegger
Naked Bootlegger's picture
Joined: 01/28/2011
MGoPoints: 15453
I like!

Love the creativity...or lack thereof.   Its simplicity makes it appealing.  The eyebrows slanted give it a mean streak, but the kids would still love it and beckon it to come and hug them (although the lack of arms would make it difficult to hug back...would it just lean over and rub up against the kids?  That's kinda creepy).  Sure, some may have nightmares about a block M w/ huge eyes, no arms, and scrawny legs sticking out from it, but that's a small price to pay for this cute monstrosity.   The only other downfall...this might be a bit unwieldy running out of the tunnel to lead the football team.   I can't envision it being easy to jump up and touch the banner in this thing.   Well done, mgopoo. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:29 PM
(Reply to #5) #314
jblaze
jblaze's picture
Joined: 08/29/2008
MGoPoints: 14173
You obviously don't

have a kid.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:09 PM
(Reply to #85) #315
Kinda Blue
Joined: 11/18/2008
MGoPoints: 232
Mascots for kids

I have generally thought of myself as anti-mascot.  But, as a father of three young boys (all growing into UM fans), I can see Brandon's point.  My kids like getting their picture taken with anybody in a giant character suit at any amusement park and would be twice as happy to get a picture with a UM mascot.  And if they'd get joy out of it, then so will I. 

After thinking about it in those terms, my predisposition for mascot outrage is no more.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:55 PM
(Reply to #5) #316
Picktown GoBlue
Picktown GoBlue's picture
Joined: 01/21/2011
MGoPoints: 2904
or how about with the first and most important

of the Letter People, Mr. M, if DB wants an M to get cuddly with.  Sorry, video embedding is prohibited - link.  And he'd fit in quite well for Hash Bash as well.

/s

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:54 AM
#317
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
Interesting read.  Always

Interesting read.  Always wondered why there wasn't a mascot, though I do prefer not having one.  Thanks for sharing!

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:23 AM
(Reply to #6) #318
illinoisblue
Joined: 04/17/2011
MGoPoints: 183
Yea same here... I never knew

Yea same here... I never knew what the reasoning behind it was and that there kind of was one for a while. Maybe they should have a contest for people to make up a mock symbol for a new one. I'd be down to see what I could come up with on a slow off day.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:05 AM
#319
JustGoBlue
Joined: 06/15/2009
MGoPoints: 867
Dear Lord.

No mascot please.  Do children these days really need/want/appreciate/take pictures with visiting (or any) mascots?!  Why don't they identify with Denard/Brady Hoke/the ghosts of Bo/Crisler/Yost/Ufer/etc.?  Identify with the "Spirit of Michigan" as Ufer called it, not with some felt creation with a horrible name. 

I guess that's just life passing me by.  Out with the old, in with the new, it's "pro"gress.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:28 AM
(Reply to #8) #320
illinoisblue
Joined: 04/17/2011
MGoPoints: 183
That's a pretty easy one to

That's a pretty easy one to answer... Kids like flair something they can relate too. When you bring a young child to their first game they love stuff like mascots. It gets them interested at a young and it usually grows from there. That's when you get them identifying certain players, coaches, etc...  Its more or less about money in the end you attract a younger fan base more revenue from the parents, grandparents, etc..

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:48 AM
(Reply to #8) #321
Still in AA
Joined: 08/07/2009
MGoPoints: 893
Bring the Charles Woodson

Bring the Charles Woodson bobblehead back.  Kids loved that thing.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:31 AM
#322
CalifExile
Joined: 03/02/2010
MGoPoints: 8747
There are times

when I really wish we had a mascot.

Brandon Hanning, the man inside of Ohio University's Bobcat, was banned from mascotting after his assault on Brutus Buckeye.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:33 AM
(Reply to #11) #323
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
But can't we just get smaller

But can't we just get smaller schools in Ohio to do our bidding for us?

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:30 AM
(Reply to #12) #324
Baldbill
Baldbill's picture
Joined: 04/09/2009
MGoPoints: 3578
yes, yes we can.

The Bobcat was one of our minions. All your MAC mascots are belong to us.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:12 AM
(Reply to #11) #325
GunnersApe
GunnersApe's picture
Joined: 11/19/2009
MGoPoints: 6663
Hellz Yeah

Let's just adopt the "Methed out yellow eyed" Bobcat and put a throwback jersey on it. Schembechler Hall could have a whole hallway filled with pictures like this^, Sparty,Buckeye....Pricless

 

Think about it, in a hundred years people will ask, "Why the hell do the Michigan Wolverines have a cracked out yellow eye bobcat mascot that attacks other schools mascot?"

 

/s

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:57 AM
#326
Solar Bob
Joined: 06/08/2011
MGoPoints: 85
I'm not a fan of plush mascots

That wolf abomination in the article just pushes me farther into the no mascot camp. Live Wolverines will never work, if they had trotted Benny and Biff out to meet the Navy goat I expect it would have gone over like that scene from jurassic park where they fed the cow to the raptor pit.

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June 17th, 2011 at 5:17 AM
#327
brendandavis22
brendandavis22's picture
Joined: 09/14/2009
MGoPoints: 735
I think my profile pic tells

I think my profile pic tells you that I would love to have a live Wolverine on the sideline!

 

/s

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June 17th, 2011 at 5:19 AM
#328
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
The more I think about it, we

The more I think about it, we should have a live wolverine on the sidelines.  Before the team runs out, we throw a stuffed doll of the opponents' in the cage with it and watch it tear it to shreds.

One can hope, right?

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June 17th, 2011 at 6:03 AM
(Reply to #15) #329
TheNanMan
TheNanMan's picture
Joined: 10/30/2010
MGoPoints: 37
Stuffed dolls...

If it didn't work on our players maybe it would work on the other team...

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 12:54 PM
(Reply to #15) #330
gajensen
Joined: 02/02/2011
MGoPoints: -998591
This would be awesome, and

This would be awesome, and I'm certain wolverines could be trained to perform such a task. Where would this fit in, though?  Half time?  Before/after the banner jump?

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June 17th, 2011 at 6:12 AM
#331
Jasper
Jasper's picture
Joined: 12/30/2010
MGoPoints: 1941
money

From the article: "Expanding the Michigan tradition wasn't the students' only motivation: they were in it for the money ..."

Ha -- I remember this issue well. I'd guess that money was their *only* motivation.

I suppose you could do worse than Willy, but I thought he was an abomination and that his founders/owners were annoying. (Smart guys, though, obviously ...) Who knows? If they'd taken a different tack (one involving less than, say, 97.7% of all proceeds), Willy might have gained traction.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:21 AM
#332
Yostal
Yostal's picture
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 4457
For the record

One of the hardest things to do is to make a "cute" cartoony Wolverine.  Wolverines are ugly, mean little sacks of atomic rage.  They don't take well to "cute". 


See, not taking to "cute"

So either you have something that doesn't look like a Wolverine*, or something so hideous that no one wants their picture taken with it.  However, I do think DB will eventually lean towards something based around this:

By the way, unspoken in that DB quote: "We need a mascot because we keep getting left out of the This is SportsCenter ads and Red won't do them, I've asked."

*-No, it's OK, we still love you Wolverbear.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:34 AM
(Reply to #21) #333
BlueDragon
BlueDragon's picture
Joined: 11/14/2010
MGoPoints: 21718
Aaaaw

I still think wolverines, including the one in the top picture, are cute.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:04 AM
(Reply to #21) #334
VicVal
VicVal's picture
Joined: 06/05/2011
MGoPoints: 220
Best Possible Guidance

"Wolverines are ugly, mean little sacks of atomic rage."  If Brandon takes this to heart when reviewing designs for a possible mascot, he probably won't go wrong.

Frankly, I can't imagine any plush animal conveying "ugly, mean little sacks of atomic rage" but I've never seen a better description of a wolverine.

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June 17th, 2011 at 1:02 PM
(Reply to #42) #335
turtleboy
turtleboy's picture
Joined: 04/22/2011
MGoPoints: 17694
They're bigger relatives of badgers

so we could take a look at the Wisco mascot and find a way to get him on steroids. Maybe take the Wisco mascots head, and sparties arms....

Wolverines are incredibly vicious. Youtube them. You'll find one fight off an entire pack of wolves, another scare away two black bears, and another approach a black bear who made a kill, kill the bear, then eat the bear and the kill. They're much smaller than black bears but can eat a large proportion of their body weight in a sitting and go long periods betwen meals.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:29 AM
(Reply to #21) #336
mikoyan
mikoyan's picture
Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
Having spent a number of

Having spent a number of hours watching them at the zoo, I think wolverines are both cute and cool.  And yes, they are also raging ball of furry hate....but still cute.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:22 AM
(Reply to #21) #337
maizenbluenation
Joined: 08/20/2009
MGoPoints: 577
I'm with you

Ideally, we get something similar to the hat there. Instead of a brown lump of fur, stick with Maize and Blue. Anyone with crazy photoshop/ms paint skills want to give a mascot a try. I'd be really interested to see what people here can come up with.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:33 AM
#338
Lampuki22
Lampuki22's picture
Joined: 09/16/2009
MGoPoints: 7229
I remember they Willy Wolverine guys

and their coupon packs. They were trying to market it to make money for themselves. I recall we all wante to punch those guys in the face. Also the character was highly cartoonish and lame.



No mascot...just hotter cheerleaders please.

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June 17th, 2011 at 1:51 PM
(Reply to #22) #339
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
Ah, yes, the coupon packs

Figures one of the guys who start Groupon. 

But Willy sucked. His design was way too cute, and the actually mascot (pictured in article) looked like something a child molester would wear.  And "Willy"? Yeah, no one will ever make fun of that. Others have tried, and it just doesn't look good.

And Brandon, we've had well over a hundred years of Michigan football, and somehow kids still like it and it's been popular with out a mascot.  I don't think we're missing out on a marketing opportunity here. Next thing you'll know we'll have toys and a kid's cartoon to promote it.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:38 PM
(Reply to #77) #340
The Barwis Effect
The Barwis Effect's picture
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 8735
Not Willy, but Willie

He's gotta be named Willie after arguably the greatest runner in U-M history, Willie Heston.  

Give him a head that looks like this...

...and U-M immediately becomes the odds-on favorite to win the Capital One National Mascot of the Year.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:30 PM
(Reply to #120) #341
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56299
While I wouldn't want this to

While I wouldn't want this to be made into an actual mascot, this logo definitely needs more use.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:38 AM
#342
Don
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 70414
I've never understood the hostility to a mascot

For the most part I'm a traditionalist—not a fan of the faux throwbacks, for example—but I think DB is on the mark with his comments about younger fans and the lack of a mascot. If nothing else, there's a revenue stream that's just waiting to be taken advantage of, and I'd much rather see a mascot down on the field than advertising. Anybody who thinks kids really get off on being photographed next to the large inanimate block M either hates kids or has no clue about what makes them tick.

The "We're Michigan and we're too good for a mascot" attitude reminds me of those who were opposed to the stadium renovations because they were going to ruin the purity of the bowl.

I agree with Brandon that the key task is to design a mascot well. A bad mascot is much worse than no mascot at all.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:39 AM
(Reply to #23) #343
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
I think the aversion for most

I think the aversion for most people (or at least me) is that I have yet to see a mascot that I like.  They all seem too cartoonish and goofy running around doing stupid shit for the crowd.  If they can do it right, then I may be more for it, but I have yet to see a "good plan" for a Michigan mascot.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:47 AM
(Reply to #24) #344
Don
Don's picture
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 70414
too cartoonish and goofy running around doing stupid shit

Just out of curiosity, how do you feel about the fans who dress up in outlandish maize-and-blue costumes and capes and ring a bell all game long, or go shirtless, painting themselves blue and yelling at the TV cameras holding their very creative "we're #1" fingers aloft?

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:54 AM
(Reply to #25) #345
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
I, personally, am a painter.

I, personally, am a painter. Shirtless, painted maize and blue head to toe.  I love getting decked out for the game.  AND going batshit crazy.

Differences are:

1. I am not commissioned by or directly affiliated with the university (except as an alum)

2. People shouting and dressing up ridiculously is completely different from a fully grown man dressed as a leprauchaun dancing an irish jig.

Fans are fans at any school, but we don't need buffoonery to be commissioned and supported by the university.  That's what we have the student section for.

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:37 AM
(Reply to #27) #346
MaizeNBlu628
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Joined: 08/21/2009
MGoPoints: 2549
you'd be surprised, a lot of

you'd be surprised, a lot of mascots are actually like gymnast chicks.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:34 AM
(Reply to #23) #347
HermosaBlue
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Joined: 08/05/2008
MGoPoints: 5001
Fauxbacks.

The faux throwbacks should heretofore be called fauxbacks.

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:59 AM
(Reply to #23) #348
Section 1
Section 1's picture
Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: 16556
Shocking

I'm shocked that Brandon's attitude is anything other than, "We are not doing a mascot at Michigan, and we will sue anyone who proposes a mascot."

I hope to hell that Dave Brandon is a U.S. Senator before he can inflict a mascot on the Michigan Athletic Department.

As for small children who want a Michigan mascot, I have just finished reading a book by Swift, and I think I might have a Modest Proposal...

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:05 AM
#349
oriental andrew
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Joined: 06/30/2008
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Can this be our mascot?

Can this be our mascot?

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:21 AM
(Reply to #28) #350
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
Sorry if this is a stupid

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I've seen this picture around, and was wondering: is this in EL?  I assume from the helmet he's holding.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:25 AM
(Reply to #32) #351
ryebreadboy
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Joined: 12/02/2010
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posted from iPhone

Yeah, that's the Sparty statue in EL. It's actually bronze, not maize and blue obviously. It's not even their original Sparty statue - this one looks far more like some dude from 300 (although they said they had to replace it bc of weather damage... color me skeptical).

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:27 AM
(Reply to #34) #352
Noleverine
Joined: 10/06/2010
MGoPoints: 3734
In the spirit of sparty,

In the spirit of sparty, "thanks, brah!"

Was this after they pained the "M" on the diag?

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:32 AM
(Reply to #36) #353
oriental andrew
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 19794
I believe this is actually

I believe this is actually just a photoshop and not real.  

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:32 AM
#354
jmdblue
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Joined: 12/01/2010
MGoPoints: 7934
Willy was a joke, but I see DB working...

Note the similarity in the marketing between the Big Chill (a great event and I actually like the bizarre sweaters) and the upcoming ND game.  The tight "branding" is painfully obvious and is trending toward the exact manufactured "tradition" that we escaped when Willy was sent to the hinterlands.  What Tiger Stadium had was real.  If Illitch wanted a ferris wheel or tap room on site he could easily have done it.  It wasn't in the right neighborhood, however, so he build Comerica.  Not a bad stadium, but the pewabic tiles, merry go round, plate shaped dirt around home, and teak chairs behind the plate are all more kitch than tradition.  Overall the place as all the "feel" of a waiting area at the Secretary of State's (beer helps).  It all reminds me that I can't take my son and daugher to the place where my folks took me.  Fortunately or unfortunately Comerica works for its owner.  I see very little that DB would prevent if money for HIS athletic department were at stake (I'm dissapointed that we get to look forward to still more Journey pumped through the loudspeakers).  Go Blue!

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June 17th, 2011 at 1:55 PM
(Reply to #31) #355
M-Wolverine
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Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
So how long before Brandon

Balances the new seats in the South end with something like this in the North end?

A "Wolverine's Den" or something?

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June 18th, 2011 at 10:17 AM
(Reply to #78) #356
Section 1
Section 1's picture
Joined: 06/29/2009
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Pirates!

We could bring in Mike Leach to run the offense.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:23 AM
#357
jmdblue
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Joined: 12/01/2010
MGoPoints: 7934
Check out ":The Wolverine Way" by Doug Chadwick....

Check out "The Wolverine Way" by Doug Chadwick.  It's a good and quick read and it documents what we all inherently suspected- Wolverines are about as cool as critters get.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:33 AM
(Reply to #33) #358
mikoyan
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Awesome book btw....

Awesome book btw....

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:27 AM
#359
TampaBLUE
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Joined: 09/15/2010
MGoPoints: 137
"It was obvious that the

"It was obvious that the Michigan mascots had designs on the Michigan men toting them, and those designs were by no means friendly "
I look forward to seeing our players have this attitude on the field again especially on defense.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:36 AM
#360
TampaBLUE
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Joined: 09/15/2010
MGoPoints: 137
Good read. I think a mascot

Good read.
I think a mascot would be a good idea if done right. After all " the traditionalists" will eventually just be dust in the wind and there will be entire new generations of kids that have another reason to bond with UofM. If you have ever taken your kids to a game you can see they love watching the other teams mascots.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:34 AM
#361
The team the te...
The team the team the team's picture
Joined: 07/15/2010
MGoPoints: 667
Read my lips

...NO MASCOTS!!!!

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:58 AM
#362
Broken Brilliance
Broken Brilliance's picture
Joined: 09/07/2010
MGoPoints: 4101
can we go the admiral ackbar route?

and just have hugh jackman show up to games?




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June 17th, 2011 at 2:22 PM
(Reply to #51) #363
gajensen
Joined: 02/02/2011
MGoPoints: -998591
You have my approval, and

You have my approval, and likely Lamarr Woodley's, as well.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:10 AM
#364
GunnersApe
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Joined: 11/19/2009
MGoPoints: 6663
M-Wolverine

Lets turn his avatar into the mascot....scare the crap out of the children.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:02 PM
(Reply to #52) #365
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
There might be trademark issues

I didn't design it....

(Chunkums, you ok with that?)

http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/i-was-bored-so-i-made

(And funny, he was talking about mascots...)

Original-

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:54 PM
(Reply to #82) #366
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
Instead of one more chart on our 2008 defense

(or offense, for that matter) we need to get them working on this, stat!

Or we could go the "traditional" route.  Just get bitten by a wolverine when the moon is full, and the wolverinesbane is in bloom.....

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June 17th, 2011 at 3:04 PM
(Reply to #90) #367
GunnersApe
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Joined: 11/19/2009
MGoPoints: 6663
SUCK ON THAT BUCKEY

Just think of the children of rival fan bases going home and having nightmares of the "wolverine" under thier bed.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:34 AM
#368
Bando Calrissian
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Joined: 07/02/2008
MGoPoints: 60184
It's strange, we've had

It's strange, we've had generations of kids, millions of them, who have successfully been turned into Michigan fans without having to exploit a mascot for the "revenue stream."

Does Dave Brandon not know how to leave things alone?

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:02 AM
(Reply to #54) #369
mikoyan
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Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
No, there is not a mascot in

No, there is not a mascot in the sense of Brutus the Buckeye, Bucky the Badger or whatever that thing in East Lansing is but Michigan does have a mascot.  There is quite alot of paraphenalia with the iconic wolverine image on it.  Also, when I am at the zoo and by the wolverine area, I always hear kids shouting out, "It's a wolverine".  Part of me kind of wishes that Michigan had a mascot in the sense of the other mascots I mentioned above but I don't see any way to do a wolverine justice.  While they are cute animals, they aren't the kind of cute that translates well to a cartoony mascot.  They generally end up looking like a bear or something else.  So I don't know.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:38 AM
#370
Kilgore Trout
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Joined: 02/20/2009
MGoPoints: 3351
Kids

There's probably something to be said for Brandon's quote about kids.  My daughter loves Paws at the Tigers games.  She's almost four and is starting to get some comprehension of baseball, but she loves to see Paws and she loves to ride the merry go round and ferris wheel and I'm fine with that.  She like Austin Jackson because she got a bobblehead of his at a game.  A lot of us that use this site are hardcore types that would be into a team anyway, but the fact that I can get my daughter to break away from her princesses to watch the Tigers with me for 20 or 30 minutes at this age is nice, and I think those marketing type things make a difference. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:38 PM
(Reply to #55) #371
octal9
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Joined: 11/11/2008
MGoPoints: 5775
people might not like it, but

people might not like it, but this is pretty spot-on.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:50 PM
(Reply to #55) #372
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56299
I can buy that small children

I can buy that small children would go for a mascot - but they are only a small portion of the stadium-going crowd.  

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June 17th, 2011 at 5:10 PM
(Reply to #105) #373
Kilgore Trout
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Joined: 02/20/2009
MGoPoints: 3351
True

But, there's no way my wife and I would get to any Tigers games if there wasn't something to keep my daughter entertained.  By the time we buy three tickets, a few rides on the ferris wheel, a few drinks, dogs, and ice cream, the Tigers have well over $100 that they wouldn't have had without something to keep her busy.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:06 PM
(Reply to #105) #374
Raoul
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Joined: 09/29/2009
MGoPoints: 13957
Small children may be only a

Small children may be only a small portion of the crowd at football games, but they make up a much larger portion of the crowd at other Michigan events, such as women's basketball, women's gymnastics, and baseball--and probably men's basketball as well. I could see a mascot--if a decent one could be designed--being a real drawing card for some of these other sports.

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:42 AM
#375
Volverine
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Joined: 05/07/2011
MGoPoints: 803
This is the direction the B1G is going

or so it seems. Indiana University expanded its stadium and the area around it to make it more family friendly. Kids can play football on turf and have other games to occupy them while the adults talk about how awesome it will be to beat Purdue later in the season.

Even Purdue tried to change its mascot to make it more appealing to kids. The nicer-looking mascot was voted back to the original, but Purdue still showed a willingness to cater to the family.

The fact is, if DB wants more butts in the seats, maybe families are the way to go. You sign up an alumnus, you get one person on the list. You sign up a Michigan family, you get them, their kids, their fellow alumni, etc.

I'm not an economist, I'm a law student, but this seems to make sense. If you make it fun for the whole family, a whole family would be more likely to go.

If we do get a mascot, though, I just hope it doesn't wear a skirt (I'm looking at you, Sparty)

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:48 AM
(Reply to #56) #376
BlueHills
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4145
The whole cutesy mascot idea

The whole cutesy mascot idea is perfectly in line with DB's corporate pandering philosophy.

Even as a little kid, I thought the Detroit Lions mascots were disgustingly stupid. My friends and I were fans of Michigan during all of our growing-up years and were fine without a mascot.

Michigan is one of the few teams that eschewed the whole silly mascot idea. Now he wants to bring it back? I'm ready to puke and shit at the same time.

Every time DB opens his mouth, I wish he'd find another pizza company to run and get off our lawn.

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:53 AM
(Reply to #65) #377
goblue20111
goblue20111's picture
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 7208
You were exceptions than, not

You were exceptions than, not the rule.  Most kids think mascots are cool and they create a family friendly atmosphere.  Like how one poster mentioned Comerica Park and all the fun they provide kids.  Can we give things a chance before we chew them out? If it's a bad idea we'll drop it.  Christ some people sound like kids not wanting to eat their veggies before trying them out.  You don't stay relevent in this day and age without trying new things.  Does no one try changes at their jobs or professions? DB is an athletic director charged with leading a department into the future, not a museum director.  Nothing is wrong with tradition, but it's not everything, and new traditions are made everyday. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:42 AM
#378
johnvand
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Joined: 02/04/2010
MGoPoints: 5004
How about

How about: 

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June 17th, 2011 at 10:49 AM
#379
MAgoBLUE
MAgoBLUE's picture
Joined: 05/21/2010
MGoPoints: 2451
Dave Brandon really leaves me

Dave Brandon really leaves me with a cold, icy feeling in my bones.  I am not fond of the man.

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June 18th, 2011 at 12:39 AM
(Reply to #58) #380
Yost Ghost
Yost Ghost's picture
Joined: 01/18/2011
MGoPoints: 2806
Based on what?

Firing RR? Hiring Hoke? Ushering in the new stadium renovations? Hockey in the big house? Night game against ND? Legacy uniforms? It can't merely be his interest in pursuing a mascot?

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June 18th, 2011 at 8:14 AM
(Reply to #133) #381
MGoBender
Joined: 03/26/2010
MGoPoints: 14922
Not hiring Hoke in December. 

Not hiring Hoke in December.  The whole God-awful coaching search.

Not killing spin-master Special K and letting the bodies hit the floor.

Selling out the University for any penny he can find.

Let's not kid ourselves.  Dave Brandon doesn't care about little kids at games; as we've said kids have grown up loving Michigan for decades.  He sees a  potential revenue stream.  That's all he cares about.

We need a new tag to go along with "Brady Hoke Gets It."  "Dave Brandon Doesn't Get It."  or "Dave Brandon Gets It... if it brings money."

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June 18th, 2011 at 4:16 PM
(Reply to #137) #382
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56299
I agree about some of

I agree about some of commercialism stuff (though I think it's a little hypocritical for fans to demand 27 competitve varsity sports teams and then criticize the AD for trying to find ways to fund them), but I definitely disagree about the coaching process.

If Brandon had hired Hoke in December, you'd better believe a lot of Michigan fans would be pissed off that he "didn't try to get Harbaugh" and would view Hoke as a consolation prize.  They would be convinced that Harbaugh would have taken the job, just as legions are convinced to this day that Miles was waiting by the phone in '07.  There would also be plenty of disgruntled RR supporters convinced that, given a month to prepare, he'd have beaten Miss State.  Waiting a month made the decision on RR clearer and also made it clear that Harbaugh wasn't coming.  

The whole actual coaching search took one week and had few leaks.  We still don't know what exactly went down in the "five cities in six days" other than that he apparently contacted Miles and then hired Hoke.  Contrast this with the absolute fiasco in November-December 2007, when we flailed about for three weeks before RR fell into Bill Martin's lap.  The comparison between the two is night and day.   

 

 

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June 20th, 2011 at 7:40 PM
(Reply to #143) #383
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
I can at least say

While I happy for the athletes who get an opportunity, and don't begrudge them, I'm not thrilled we're adding sports in a time of economic distress, where we should probably be holding or trimming. Eventually they're going to hit a limit fans can't pay for.

And even if someone thinks the PROCESS was a disaster, it was still loads better than the process (small p...yeah, yeah that's what she said) the previous time, no doubt. Now whether that means the last one wasn't so bad, or the previous one was horrendous, that's for every individual to decide.

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:20 AM
#384
goblue20111
goblue20111's picture
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 7208
I don't really care either

I don't really care either way about a mascot.  I do agree with the aspect about little kids liking it and making it family friendly.

All the DB hate on this board is getting pretty damn annoying.  The man understands tradition--he does but he also realizes there is another big part of the fan base. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:22 AM
#385
goblue20111
goblue20111's picture
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 7208
"I'm struck by the fact that

"I'm struck by the fact that when opposing teams come to our stadium, and they bring a mascot, all of our young fans are lined up to see if they can get a picture taken with it, whether it's the Penn State Nittany Lion or Sparty," Brandon told Michigan Today. "That's a little annoying to me.

WOW! What an asshole this guy is.  What say we storm Schembechler Hall with a with pitchforks?

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:25 AM
#386
those.who.stay.
those.who.stay.'s picture
Joined: 12/31/2008
MGoPoints: 3001
I swear to god

If DB brings a mascot into the big house. I'm going to have an aneurism.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:39 PM
(Reply to #66) #387
BlueDragon
BlueDragon's picture
Joined: 11/14/2010
MGoPoints: 21718
Husker Mascot

is watching you poop...with an ax in his hands.

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June 19th, 2011 at 1:50 AM
(Reply to #87) #388
Lionsfan
Lionsfan's picture
Joined: 06/03/2011
MGoPoints: 1962
Shining

HEEEEEERE's HERBY!!!

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:41 AM
#389
CRex
CRex's picture
Joined: 09/28/2009
MGoPoints: 9002
Given our choice seems to be

Given our choice seems to be a walking box of curly fries or a mascot, I guess we have to bite the bullet on the mascot.  Although watching the curly fries flee in terror from a real wolverine would also be acceptable.  

On the topic of wolverines rage issues.  A friend of mine was working a project to tag and track wolverines.  He went to take one out of a humane trap, it twisted free and got a piece of him.  Long story short they had to air lift him back to an ER room for three digits worth of stitches.  Wolverines are fur, pointy ends and anger issues basically.  

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:42 AM
#390
Soulfire21
Soulfire21's picture
Joined: 03/18/2010
MGoPoints: 14528
I wouldn't be opposed if it's

I wouldn't be opposed if it's done right.

Of course, any time you go to change/add anything there's going to be a collective group of people grumbling "This is MICHIGAN.  We are better than X."  Where X, of course, is whatever change is being considered.

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June 17th, 2011 at 12:14 PM
#391
ak47
Joined: 05/05/2011
MGoPoints: 14391
At some point you guys are

At some point you guys are going to realize that a mascots target demographic isn't guys over 20 without kids who post on mgoblog all day.  Little kids love mascots, parents like when their kids are happy, the school likes it when parents by shit to make their kid happy.  A mascot makes sense, it doesn't actually hurt you at all and makes kids happy, not really all that hard to see why it makes more sense than not to have a mascot.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:25 PM
(Reply to #69) #392
BlueHills
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4145
Parents will buy their kids

Parents will buy their kids plenty of M crap without the mascot. Mine did. I did for my kids. I also have for my new grandson.

Get off my lawn.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:46 PM
(Reply to #84) #393
Sopwith
Sopwith's picture
Joined: 06/29/2010
MGoPoints: 21301
Agreed.

I concur with BlueHills.  Get off my lawn as well.  In fact, stop walking on other people's lawns as a general proposition, ok Sonny?

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June 17th, 2011 at 12:20 PM
#394
WolverineHistorian
WolverineHistorian's picture
Joined: 08/10/2009
MGoPoints: 29586
If we do get a (costume)

If we do get a (costume) mascot, it better look a hell of alot better than that maize and blue, tiger/bear looking paper mache thing that MSU students made in 2003....right before we beat them. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:06 PM
(Reply to #70) #395
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
Not a fan?

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June 17th, 2011 at 12:24 PM
#396
Dr. Doom
Dr. Doom's picture
Joined: 07/07/2008
MGoPoints: 1376
I'm not a fan of the mascot

I'm not a fan of the mascot idea but if Brandon is hell-bent on doing it, he should make a costume version of the 1920's or 30's era wolverine with the sailor hat.

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June 18th, 2011 at 10:24 AM
(Reply to #71) #397
Yost Ghost
Yost Ghost's picture
Joined: 01/18/2011
MGoPoints: 2806
Agreed...

I think that one would be the best option. You don't want it to look too cutesy like Willy. The retro version has an edginess to it without causing trauma to small kids.

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 12:30 PM
#398
Powderd Toast
Powderd Toast's picture
Joined: 04/16/2011
MGoPoints: 4946

the only acceptable mascot at this point is a giant shoelace with wings.

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June 17th, 2011 at 12:54 PM
#399
mjv
mjv's picture
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 2111
Why doesn't Dave Brandon stop

Why doesn't Dave Brandon stop messing with the tradition.  When the team starts winning again, all of this crap about revenue streams, expanding demographics will all get flushed down the crapper.  winning sells jerseys.  Winning sells tickets at higher prices.  Winning sends the team to bowl games outside of the state of Florida.  

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:31 PM
(Reply to #73) #400
BlueHills
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4145
Because Brandon is an

Because Brandon is an ego-driven corporate dweeb who has to put his fingerprint on everything.

New stadium additions? Hey, nice job. Win. But it wasn't you, DB.

New mascot? C'mon. That's just fixing something that isn't broken. We don't have enough distractions happening all over the freaking field with the cheerleaders, the pom girls, the band, the flags, the soliders, the flyovers, and everything else?

C'mon. Enough already.

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June 17th, 2011 at 8:11 PM
(Reply to #86) #401
goblue20111
goblue20111's picture
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 7208
Why do you hate the troops?

Why do you hate the troops?

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:19 PM
(Reply to #113) #402
BlueHills
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4145
On the contrary, I love the

On the contrary, I love the troops. I love them in their service to our country and I love the tradition of having them on the field. 

Contrast that wonderful tradition that means something with a guy walking around in a giant stuffed animal costume.

When I said we have enough distractions, I meant there's a lot already happening. I also love the cheerleaders, the band, and the flyovers, and so on. I mean that the plate is full and we don't need another thing on the field.

"Distractions" was a bad word choice. I simply couldn't think of a better one at the time.

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:42 PM
(Reply to #118) #403
BlueDragon
BlueDragon's picture
Joined: 11/14/2010
MGoPoints: 21718
Still better than

camo jerseys for players and coaches--looking in your direction, osu and oregon.

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June 17th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
#404
Wolverine Devotee
Wolverine Devotee's picture
Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: 126256
I think a mascot would be

I think a mascot would be fine. Just make it look cool and not cartoony. I like the Willy name, go with something like that and debut him by him running down the tunnel in a surprise type thing at halftime and beat up the EMU mascot or something like that.

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June 17th, 2011 at 3:19 PM
(Reply to #76) #405
jabberwock
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Joined: 07/04/2008
MGoPoints: 44192
seriously?

Sign off now and we promise not to tell your Mom & Dad you were using the computer without asking.

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June 17th, 2011 at 3:23 PM
(Reply to #76) #406
mikoyan
mikoyan's picture
Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
Beat up the EMU mascot?  What

Beat up the EMU mascot?  What has Swoop ever done to you?  Sheesh.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:15 PM
(Reply to #76) #407
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56299
I think a mascot would be

I think a mascot would be fine. Just make it look cool

Ay, there's the rub.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:29 PM
(Reply to #76) #408
WolverineHistorian
WolverineHistorian's picture
Joined: 08/10/2009
MGoPoints: 29586
Most mascots look cartoony,

Most mascots look cartoony, though.  Just look at our rivals.  Sparty and Brutus look about as cartoony as you can get. 

But not the ND guy dressed like a leprechaun .  He just looks like a tool. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 1:59 PM
#409
aratman
Joined: 10/02/2010
MGoPoints: 3855
Mascot should be like Stanfords

If we have to get a mascot it should have nothing to do with a Wolverine. My two top choices are Clippy the office assistant or The Noid from Dominoes fame.  Nothing would throw off a spread teams timing like avoiding the noid.

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June 18th, 2011 at 12:09 AM
(Reply to #80) #410
mikoyan
mikoyan's picture
Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
On one of my copies of

On one of my copies of Office, I actually downloaded a dolphin that I saw on one of our Japanese employee's computers....He was pretty cool.

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June 20th, 2011 at 7:37 PM
(Reply to #130) #411
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
Not...sure...can't...decide...

Whether to make a Dolphin Mascot/Rosenberg joke....or make a "The Cove" joke about being concerned what state the dolphin was in on your Japanese employee's computer....Everyone make your own joke.

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June 17th, 2011 at 2:51 PM
#412
blueak
blueak's picture
Joined: 07/07/2010
MGoPoints: 1173
My #1 Pet Peeve

after following Michigan football for over 40 years is that we don't have a LIVE wolverine mascot. And don't tell me that it would be too vicious to have on the sidelines. Hunter Thompson had TWO, count em, TWO pet wolverines on his ranch! If a wolverine is raised from infancy by humans it can be tame, more or less, in their company. I'm sure if Brandon put the word out to fans for a tame live wolverine for a mascot, we would soon have one snarling on the sidelines.

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June 17th, 2011 at 3:13 PM
#413
bayork
bayork's picture
Joined: 09/05/2008
MGoPoints: 5
Please...not a cutesy name too...

I'm no advocate of a mascot, but if DB is going to TRY one...I hope he don't also burden us with a cutesy name, too. 

(as someone else suggested in the comments in the MIchigan Today article Victor Valiant posted the link to...one obvious one would be Victor...)

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:05 PM
(Reply to #92) #414
gajensen
Joined: 02/02/2011
MGoPoints: -998591
Two live Wolverines, male and

Two live Wolverines, male and female, named Victor and Hail(ey), respectively.  

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:11 PM
#415
Wave83
Wave83's picture
Joined: 03/09/2011
MGoPoints: 1134
Whiskey and Brandy

I am opposed to any cheesy fake mascot, and I think real wolverines are, uh, problematic.  However, I do have fond memories of Whiskey and Brandy pushing the ball around at halftime.

Here's a pretty comprehensive recap of the Michigan mascot story:  http://michigantoday.umich.edu/2011/06/story.php?id=8003&tr=y&auid=8513677

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:13 PM
#416
BlindRef
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 60
Noooo

Nooooo

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:13 PM
#417
tbeindit
tbeindit's picture
Joined: 01/28/2011
MGoPoints: 1944
Please no!  I love the fact

Please no!  I love the fact that we are one of the few programs without a mascot.  Please don't parade some idiot along the sideline.  This would turn me against Brandon

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:34 PM
#418
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 56299
I'm pretty sure the author is

I'm pretty sure the author is wrong about at least one thing:

 

Yost was a visionary but he was also a competitor. He built Michigan Stadium so that, some day, it could be expanded to fit some 300,000 football fans. (Michigan Stadium is not even halfway there more than eight decades later.)

Like a tall tale, this number keeps getting inflated. The story used to be Yost wanted it to hold 140,000 fans, and built footings put in that could eventually support that.  In recent years, sportswriters have been claiming he wanted 200,000 seats. This is the first time I've seen 300,000 claimed.

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June 17th, 2011 at 4:16 PM
#419
BluePants
Joined: 12/27/2009
MGoPoints: 822
I'm having trouble

I'm having trouble envisioning any mascot that won't be Bucky-lite or way too goofy. I have a hard time believing families are going to decide to buy tickets for the first time because Michigan added a person running around in a giant manbearpig suit. Isn't there, y'know, a waiting list to get season tickets as it is?

I understand DB's impulse to wring all of the possible revenue out of Michigan football. At a certain point, you're damaging the brand. Would a mascot itself mean the end of the M football tradition? No, but soon it will be the "Wilbert the Wolverine T-Shirt Toss sponsored by TCF Bank." I can appreciate the night game, understand the merchandising of the fauxbacks, but adding something that substantively redirects attention and changes the game experience starts to really alter the Michigan Football atmosphere.

Also, I'm real tired of the "DB understands and respects the tradition" line just being said for the sake of it. Who would've thought we'd have a box of curly fries at a Michigan game, even if it was the commercialized Big Chill? I know that the "Arby's" logo prevented me and a ton of other students from buying Big Chill merch. I understand modernizing and increasing revenue, but maybe, just maybe, if he's trying to add things that alter our tradition he DOESN'T really understand its importance? Sure, I'm sure he knows the tradition, but it's kind of clear he doesn't respect it or its importance.

In conclusion, GET OFF MY LAWN.

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June 17th, 2011 at 5:23 PM
#420
UMxWolverines
UMxWolverines's picture
Joined: 03/01/2009
MGoPoints: 33485
I have a stuffed wolverine

I have a stuffed wolverine that's wearing a blue t shirt with a block m on it and is wearing a maize sailor hat. If the mascot looked like this I'd have no problem with one. I'll see if I can find it and post the picture because it's the only one of it's kind I've ever seen.

edit: mother has it at work. Once she brings it back I'll post a picture.

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June 17th, 2011 at 5:51 PM
#421
Roy G. Biv
Roy G. Biv's picture
Joined: 09/03/2010
MGoPoints: 2781
Willy: Mobile Marshmallow Target

I also like the old school wolverine with the block M t-shirt and sailor hat.  And wasn't Willy the Wolverine generally popular, especially with the students?  I definitely remember him roaming the sidelines for a very short time.  I'm not sure a Wolverine is particularly marketable as a mascot, but if Penn State can market that carpet remnant they call a Nittany Lion, then anything is possible.  I used to like the old days when the cheerleaders would pick up the opponents mascot and run him in to the goalpost groin first.  Back to the Nittany Lion--that thing looks to be about the same quality as the gorilla suit from "Trading Places."

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June 17th, 2011 at 6:27 PM
#422
thisisme08
thisisme08's picture
Joined: 12/02/2008
MGoPoints: 2701
Unless its live...do not

Unless its live...do not want.

 

I have a feeling that what Brian mentioned is starting to come true, you give one inch you give a mile, DB is slowly bur surley corporatizing (is that a word?) the Michigan brand into one that sells out every bit of marketing space and will soon be having bobblehead giveaways and ketchup/mustard races during TV timeouts.    

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:44 PM
(Reply to #108) #423
BlueHills
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4145
Other Brandon trial

Other Brandon trial balloons:

University of Michigan Men's Glee Club (founded 1859) "Glee" show.

TV show where he and Gene Smith trade lives and share mascots.

"American Mascot Idol" TV show where winner gets to wear fur suit and prance around on the field; panel of judges to include the Ohio U mascot guy, Big Bird, Terrelle Pryor, and whoever currently lives in Keith Richard's skin suit.

Wait...did I forget Barney the Dinosaur? I'm all for Barney being on the sidelines at games.

 

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:39 PM
(Reply to #121) #424
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 42199
Well, considering Gene Smith's career track right now

That could be a remake of "Trading Places".

(And doesn't Glee owe us one since we gave one of ours to them?)

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June 18th, 2011 at 12:10 AM
(Reply to #121) #425
mikoyan
mikoyan's picture
Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
As long as Barney is eaten by

As long as Barney is eaten by a live wolverine, I'd be all for that.

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June 17th, 2011 at 6:42 PM
#426
animals77
Joined: 06/13/2011
MGoPoints: 171
The state of Michigan does

The state of Michigan does not have any wild wolverines left, unless some naturally migrated back to the state from Canada that I am not aware of.  Being a Wildlife Biologist, I follow many wildlife issues, especially ones in Michigan.  Having a reintroduction plan for wolverines would be a suitable first step in bringing the population back.  It kind of sounds strange to be called the "wolverine" state when we no longer have wild wolverines in the state, then again California still has the Grizzly bear on their state flag. 

I listen to 97.1 on a daily basis, and when news came out a couple years ago that the last remaining wild wolverine passed away the Karsch and Anderson show had a survey on what should be some possibilities of a mascot for the University of Michigan?  I remember someone's response was that the mascot should be a painting of that last wolverine from photos taken of him. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:22 PM
#427
TrppWlbrnID
TrppWlbrnID's picture
Joined: 10/29/2009
MGoPoints: 9842
Opposing teams used to bring mascots

And I think I spent most of the game watching the xheerleaders sneak up on him to ram his crotch into the goalposts. In hindsight, I apologize to my father for NOT WATCHING THE GODAMNED GAME! I am sure I missed a lot of great of tackle runs.



Please db, break this chain of ADD at sporting events. for the adults.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:24 PM
#428
LSAClassOf2000
LSAClassOf2000's picture
Joined: 01/07/2011
MGoPoints: 81411
Not Me, But...

As an alum and someone fond of this particular non-tradition, I am fine with no mascot. My kids, however, like to have their photo taken with every plush-like figure, life-size or handheld.

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June 17th, 2011 at 7:56 PM
#429
goblueva
Joined: 04/06/2011
MGoPoints: 446
Thinking back when I was a

Thinking back when I was a young lad, I could have cared less about a mascot. I wanted to see Bo yell, Jamie Morris run, Greg Skrepenak dominate, and Mark Messner destroy people. If I had seen Sparty back then, I would have kicked him in the shin.

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:09 PM
(Reply to #112) #430
BlueHills
Joined: 10/31/2010
MGoPoints: 4145
Sparty's one step aheaad of

Sparty's one step aheaad of you. He wears shinguards called greaves.

Maybe you could kick him under his skirt.

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June 18th, 2011 at 10:29 AM
(Reply to #114) #431
Section 1
Section 1's picture
Joined: 06/29/2009
MGoPoints: 16556
Brandon's mascot trial balloon:

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June 17th, 2011 at 9:31 PM
#432
LSAClassOf2000
LSAClassOf2000's picture
Joined: 01/07/2011
MGoPoints: 81411
Here's An Idea...

I sat down with my kids to watch "My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic" on Hub Network because I foolishly have digital cable and I couldn't resist my daughter doing the guilt face saying, "Will you watch my show with me?"......we could have the first mascot that is Flash animation like this show. 

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:10 PM
#433
Picktown GoBlue
Picktown GoBlue's picture
Joined: 01/21/2011
MGoPoints: 2904
oh the humanity

I don't know what it is about cincy, but I was trying to google for pix from a mascot baseball game I suffered through (trying to watch the Cubs a couple years ago) and found that cincy puts on all sorts of scary games involving herds of mascots...click play if you dare:

either a live, rabid wolverine, or nothing, I say.

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:16 PM
(Reply to #125) #434
BlueDragon
BlueDragon's picture
Joined: 11/14/2010
MGoPoints: 21718
oh man

Cincy is just weird, man.  Give me Cleveland with family and comforting road construction any day.

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June 18th, 2011 at 12:11 AM
(Reply to #126) #435
mikoyan
mikoyan's picture
Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
I'll have to agree with you

I'll have to agree with you about Cleveland Vs. Cincy.  Although Cincy has the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge and one of the first skyscrapers.

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June 18th, 2011 at 1:23 AM
(Reply to #132) #436
TrppWlbrnID
TrppWlbrnID's picture
Joined: 10/29/2009
MGoPoints: 9842
First

Concrete reinforced frame skyscraper and the model for the superfriends headquarters, the justice league.

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June 18th, 2011 at 1:27 AM
(Reply to #135) #437
mikoyan
mikoyan's picture
Joined: 09/06/2010
MGoPoints: 2784
where is that?

where is that?

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June 18th, 2011 at 9:33 AM
(Reply to #136) #438
TrppWlbrnID
TrppWlbrnID's picture
Joined: 10/29/2009
MGoPoints: 9842
Engals bldg downtown

And union terminal seen from 75

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June 18th, 2011 at 9:36 AM
(Reply to #138) #439
TrppWlbrnID
TrppWlbrnID's picture
Joined: 10/29/2009
MGoPoints: 9842
Check it out

http://cheezburger.com/hatelabs/lolz/View/3703893760

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June 17th, 2011 at 11:50 PM
#440
SirLaurenceFukMSU
SirLaurenceFukMSU's picture
Joined: 11/12/2010
MGoPoints: 27
Wait...What?

We don't have a mascot?

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June 18th, 2011 at 12:00 AM
#441
mgotom
Joined: 03/03/2011
MGoPoints: 77
Brandon just tweeted there is no mascot

in the works. 

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June 18th, 2011 at 2:01 PM
#442
Ryanonymous
Ryanonymous's picture
Joined: 05/02/2011
MGoPoints: 1018
There is only one mascot I would be OK with if we had one....

Big Head Bo!!!!

Bo was everything we stand for at Michigan. RIP big guy!!!

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