U-M Furry Mascot on HBO Real Sports?

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September 22nd, 2010 at 10:48 AM
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Buttmunch
Joined: 08/31/2010
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U-M Furry Mascot on HBO Real Sports?

This is my first forum post.  Long time reader, but I am a noob to the Mgoboard.  I didn't see anything on the board about this so here goes:

Last night on HBO's Real Sports there was a segment on college and professional mascots. There was a short clip featuring a "mascot camp" when what looked to be a U-M mascot walked across the screen. This is the first I'd ever seen anything like this - it had a maize wing design in its blue hair. I've embedded the link below, the mascot walks across the screen at the 0:28 mark. Am I crazy or is this something in the works for the future? Has anyone seen this mascot at any games?

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September 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 AM | could it be the (Score:1)
cltjr
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Joined: 12/15/2008
MGoPoints: 252

mascot of the Delaware Blue Hens?

September 22nd, 2010 at 4:48 PM | No (Score:1)
Mitch Cumstein
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Joined: 10/02/2009
MGoPoints: 9641

The Blue Hens mascot looks like woody the woodpecker on steroids.  His name is Youdee (get it UD, like University of Delaware).

"A flute with no holes is not a flute. A donut with no hole is a danish"

September 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 AM | Weird (Score:1)
Tshimanga Cowabunga
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MGoPoints: 818

That actually was a "Michigan" mascot but I think it might be MSU's version of it. If i remember correctly, State used to bring their own UofM mascot to games to Sparty could beat him up and beat him in a race and so on.

Another reason why we don't have a mascot tho. That thing was hideous

September 22nd, 2010 at 10:55 AM | That was the point (Score:1)
99bobcats
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Joined: 08/20/2008
MGoPoints: 479

The thing being hideous was part of the fun for them. I know a former Sparty mascot and they are very proud of their fake Michigan mascot.

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:24 AM | Spartan fans have the (Score:1)
Ron Swanson
Joined: 07/17/2009
MGoPoints: 479

world's biggest inferiority complex to us.  And this is one of the best examples.

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 AM | wow.  before today, i never (Score:1)
Abe Froman
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wow.  before today, i never thought i could respect MSU any less... and now this.  will wonders never cease?

 

go blue, beat LBU!!

September 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 PM | They do this every time we (Score:1)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28972

They do this every time we play them in East Lansing.  The "Wolverine mascot" they trot out is a blue Muppet-like character with big googly eyes that Sparty beats up.  Even though it should be obvious that it's not real, you would not believe how many MSU fans believe it is.

September 22nd, 2010 at 2:42 PM | They haven't done it since (Score:1)
Bando Calrissian
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They haven't done it since 2003, but yes, they used to.  If I'm not mistaken, it's called "Willy the Wolverine."

September 22nd, 2010 at 6:21 PM | I don't know about last year, (Score:1)
jmblue
Joined: 11/07/2008
MGoPoints: 28972

I don't know about last year, but he was there in '07.  I saw him.

September 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 AM | embed attempt (Score:1)
brose
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September 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 AM | Horrendous (Score:1)
Rashman
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That thing is absolutely horrendous.  It think Tim Cow is right -- this is probably MSU's fake Michigan mascot. 

How awful:

"True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise - the other, loyalty." -Fielding Yost
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 AM | Wait a sec... (Score:1)
Tshimanga Cowabunga
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are you calling me fat?

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 AM | Hahahaha. (Score:1)
Rashman
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Nope.  I will never forget that glorious day when you put up 313 on the Buckeyes.

"True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise - the other, loyalty." -Fielding Yost
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:08 AM | It says a lot about MSU (Score:1)
Erik_in_Dayton
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that they would bother to have a fake U of M mascot.  MSU is the stalker of U of M football. 

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra

                         

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:37 PM | WTF?  I have a request to (Score:1)
saveferris
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Joined: 07/02/2009
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WTF?  I have a request to make of Dave Brandon and his invincible Pimp Hand.

 

"...what do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

"Fix the cigarette lighter."

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 AM | we used to bring a real one (Score:1)
Maizeforlife
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we used to bring a real one in a cage to the games.  Its name was "Biff"

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders - The most famous of which is never get involved in a land war in Asia - but only slightly less well-known is this: Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:34 AM | There were two, weren't there? (Score:1)
Rashman
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I seem to remember reading somewhere that they were named Biff and Bennie.

EDIT:  Found a photo.  HT MVictors.

Another edit: Just realized this photo is also in your link.  Apparently I'm SMRT today.

"True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise - the other, loyalty." -Fielding Yost
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:47 AM | I think you're right.  This (Score:1)
Maizeforlife
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I think you're right.  This was just the easiest one to find.

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders - The most famous of which is never get involved in a land war in Asia - but only slightly less well-known is this: Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 AM | Yes, that is MSU's fake (Score:1)
Bacari's World
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Yes, that is MSU's fake mascot. Pretty sure Bill Martin put that crap to a stop, because I don't remember seeing it since 2003 or 2005.

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:59 AM | We had a mascot? (Score:1)
profitgoblue
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19415

I don't remember ever seeing a Michigan mascot on the field (except the real live Wolverine back in the old days).  I sure hope we never have one in the future!  Its Bush League.

Disgruntled former moderator.  I got a lot of problems with you people!

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:18 PM | I seem to remember wandering (Score:1)
mikoyan
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I seem to remember wandering around Ann Arbor in the late 80's and getting a little coupon book that had a Willy the Wolverine on the cover.  I also seem to remember reading somewhere else that this was a failed attempt at a mascot by the University and that he may have even been to a few games.  The sad part about a wolverine is that any mascot based on it would look silly (think Bucky the Badger).  The other sad part is that I think it would be cool if Michigan had one.....

September 22nd, 2010 at 1:30 PM | Not sad at all (Score:1)
profitgoblue
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19415

Its all a matter of opinion on whether Michigan should have a mascot or not.  And judging by the negative feedback on my "no mascot" comment you are not alone in your desire for a mascot.  I'm not a fan of them - however, if Michigan was to have one, I hope it'd more like the Stanford Cardinal, Oregon Duck, or Ohio mascot than like the ND Leprechaun!

Disgruntled former moderator.  I got a lot of problems with you people!

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 AM | It looks like cookie monster (Score:1)
Maizeforlife
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It looks like cookie monster on crack.

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders - The most famous of which is never get involved in a land war in Asia - but only slightly less well-known is this: Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:12 AM | (No subject) (Score:1)
JeepinBen
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"Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is!"

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 AM | haha, one of the greatest (Score:1)
Maizeforlife
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haha, one of the greatest family guy flashbacks. 

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders - The most famous of which is never get involved in a land war in Asia - but only slightly less well-known is this: Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:19 AM | I was originally looking for this one (Score:1)
JeepinBen
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but the other one seemed more appropriate. Also... other awesome images:

"Over? Did you say, over? Nothing is over until we decide it is!"

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:48 AM | +1, 100% pure columbian win. (Score:1)
Maizeforlife
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+1, 100% pure columbian win.

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders - The most famous of which is never get involved in a land war in Asia - but only slightly less well-known is this: Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line!

September 22nd, 2010 at 1:48 PM | One of my favorite comics... (Score:1)
e.go.blue
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Gets me every time.

Follow me on Twitter

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:10 AM | Willie the Wolverine (Score:1)
blueheron
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Older types here might remember the "Willie the Wolverine" campaign at Michigan.  As I recall, a couple of doofuses were trying to establish their cheesy creation as the official UMich sports mascot.  To make matters worse, they wanted a huge cut of any merchandise featuring said mascot.  They were relentless, but common sense carried the day.  No Willie.

"..."

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 AM | Thanks everyone for nipping that in the bud (Score:1)
NateVolk
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MGoPoints: 3827

Glad we have a vigilant group of fans out there who block the nonsense.   I was a big Cowboys' fan until Jerry Jones forced this on us: 

I am still a fan, but it is just different.

 

"because character wins in life and character wins on the football field....."  1-11-11

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 PM | Jerry (Score:1)
blueheron
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Ouch -- that looks like a Loony Tunes reject.

"..."

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:37 AM | Just say no to Willie. (Score:1)
Maize and Blue in OH
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I was on campus for the Willie campaign.  Common sense and a student body that hated the thing made sure Willie disappeared. 

Good thing they didn't try to revive their idea during the Goss AD days or I'm sure we would have had Willie in addition to the Halo.

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:55 AM | when was this?  Also, Willie (Score:1)
oriental andrew
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when was this?  Also, Willie is Northwestern's mascot's name.

Also, i can't find a picture of said Willy the wolverine.  Anyone? (dont know if the FB page has a pic, can't access at work)

For my privacy, my new username is "non-Oriental non-Andrew"
 

September 22nd, 2010 at 2:48 PM | Odd. (Score:1)
tubauberalles
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 1034

Why would Northwestern have a Willie the Wolverine mascot?

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:57 PM | I hated the halo.  It looked (Score:1)
mikoyan
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MGoPoints: 1942

I hated the halo.  It looked like something you would see in Tennessee or Florida.  It was so out of character with the brick architecture.  At least they made an attempt to keep the spirit of the architecture with the skyboxes although I don't really like them because for me the charm of Michigan stadium was how it didn't tower over the surroundings. 

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:46 AM | It was horrible (Score:1)
M-Wolverine
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I remember they had sold it to the people who put out those coupon books they used to pass out on the corner.  I can't find any images of it online though.

The University banned it:

(Don't bother going to the site...it's just a shill for a free trial membership)

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-7799892.html

WILLY THE WOLVERINE BANNED FROM UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN STADIUM

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 25 1989 /PRNewswire/ -- Woe is Willy the Wolverine.

The seven-foot creation of a pair of University of Michigan students has been selected Grand Marshall of the university's annual Homecoming Parade, Oct. 27, and as official tour guide for Parents Weekend, Nov. 3-5.

Yet the university administration has permanently barred Willy from attending any of the school's football games. Moreover, they refuse to explain their hostility to the furry giant, who has become a campus favorite since his arrival in Ann Arbor in the winter of 1988.

There's even a completely dead facebook page, with one member, trying to bring him back-

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2200414226

If you want to get an idea what it might be like, UVU are the Wolverines, and have a mascot who does a lot of "cool" stuff:

h

With his own, more successful Facebook page (Take a look for a better view of the costume):

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Willy-the-Wolverine/50309989393

(I'm so glad we don't have a Mascot...)

It does sound like this one is from MSU though.

http://ask.metafilter.com/162639/Does-Sparty-tackle-a-fake-wolverine-mascot

http://hooverstreetrag.blogspot.com/2007/11/bearing-grudge.html

Taking a break from the action on the field, there is something walking up and down the sidelines calling itself "Willie Wolverine". Nobody knows what's up with this thing. It's a full-body wolverine costume outfitted in pads and a football uniform that looks somewhat unlicensed. The head looks like it might be papier mache. Is this a try-out for a new official mascot? Did someone make it himself? Is it a Spartan plant? I heard later that it was just some guy in a homemade costume who talked his way onto the field (nice security, MSU), but I don't know whether that's true.

Where's the C&D letter for that?

"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

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 PM | promotion of Willie (Score:1)
blueheron
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MGoPoints: 2303

"... who has become a campus favorite since his arrival in Ann Arbor in the winter of 1988..."

Ah, clever!  Completely baseless, though -- I never met anyone who claimed to like that monstrosity. 

"..."

September 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 PM | I was there for  the "Willy" (Score:1)
UMichinCA
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I was there for  the "Willy" Campaign and that ain't it.  The Willy I remember was a lot more cartoonish; equally embarrassing.  "...campus favorite?"  HA!  I never met a soul who thought Willy was even a remotely good idea.

I like that we don't have a mascot.  I like that we don't feel the NEED to have a mascot just because everyone else does.  We're Michigan.  We do our own thing, our own way; blaze our own trails.  LEADERS and Best!!

"Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after you get there."

(Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC, April 1965.)

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:12 AM | Considering how the (Score:1)
Brodie
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MGoPoints: 3454

Considering how the "Michigan" mascot behaves (constantly prancing around the shot as the other mascots work out), I'm thinking it might be a Sparty joke.

When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 AM | Actual mascot (Score:1)
Ryano
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Joined: 10/27/2008
MGoPoints: 516

Didn't Michigan have an actual wolverine back in the day?  Obviously there's no way it would happen in the modern era.  Maybe they can hire Hugh Jackman to walk around?

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 AM | Vicious when decaged (Score:1)
NateVolk
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MGoPoints: 3827

I am glad someone else brought that up. I keep thinking I remember them having one in a cage on the sidelines and it was like in the last 10 years?

I need to cross check the dates with those which I was hitting the bottle to excess on gameday.

"because character wins in life and character wins on the football field....."  1-11-11

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:11 PM | It was in the 1920s (Score:1)
Erik_in_Dayton
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See the link to Biff above.  The live wolverines became too mean to have around.

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra

                         

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:14 PM | Bring it back, as (Score:1)
Dreisbach Turne...
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MGoPoints: 6788

Bring it back, as ill-tempered as possible.  Put it by the OSU band and when they play the same three songs over and over, I guarantee the thing will go nuts and kill everyone in sight wearing scarlet and gray.

Exactly what a mascot should do.

Syracuse '03, Michigan G'05

Space bitches, space.

September 22nd, 2010 at 11:37 AM | let the NCAA investigate that! (Score:1)
Blue Blue Blue
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it better be a Delaware Blue Hen.   Hard to imagine MSU making up a fake Michigan mascot and sening it to mascot camp.

Michigan Man

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 PM | YoUDee! (Score:1)
profitgoblue
Joined: 09/01/2009
MGoPoints: 19415

Disgruntled former moderator.  I got a lot of problems with you people!

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:40 PM | MSU makes up a lot of fake (Score:1)
Brodie
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MGoPoints: 3454

MSU makes up a lot of fake mascots. It's kind of their thing... they played Hawaii so they had a kid go out dressed as a Hawaiian Punch can. I assume it's not illegal unless the other school complains.

As for sending it to mascot camp, that was clearly a gag. Mildly amusing, I guess. That thing is so effing hideous, it's hard not to laugh.

When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler

September 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 PM | Oh good, a thread that I can (Score:1)
Feat of Clay
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Oh good, a thread that I can shoehorn my ongoing gripe into.

Have any of you ever checked out the chalkboard at the Chil's in Arborland?  It has a big "Welcome to Chili's Ann Arbor!" written on it, and then a drawing or two figures hugging a chili pepper. 

One of them looks like a pelican or possibly a white finch, and the other looks like a brown and black malamute.  The first thing is wearing a green shirt with a "E" on it and I am willing to accept that this the EMU Eagle with the beak drawn wrong.  The second is I DON'T KNOW because I refuse to believe that they are representing that thing as an actual wolverine.  I'm hoping Concordia goes by "The Huskies" because otherwise....

 

Candace: No... That why they make smart word box for tell monkey hard brain-hurty things.
Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:42 PM | Could it be? (Score:1)
Brodie
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Joined: 11/19/2008
MGoPoints: 3454

The Cleary University Malamutes

When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler

September 22nd, 2010 at 1:28 PM | http://www.spartantailgate.co (Score:1)
Bacari's World
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http://www.spartantailgate.com/forums/msu-red-cedar-message-board/245727...

Like I said before, I haven't seen it the last few trips to East Lansing, so at some point Bill Martin likely put a stop to it.

September 22nd, 2010 at 2:15 PM | Credit where credit's due... (Score:1)
Brodie
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Joined: 11/19/2008
MGoPoints: 3454

Credit where credit's due... that's a pretty realistic looking mascot. If we had one, it would probably look something like that.

Let's thank Jah that we don't.

When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing. -- Bo Schembechler

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