MV has blamed last year's tunnel incident on the Michigan players and on the tunnel itself. Good thing Spartan Stadium has separate tunnels for each team. Oh, wait...
Fitzgerald was hired in a similar time frame. NU football coach Randy Walker died of a heart attack June 29, 2006. Fitzgerald, an assistant on staff, was hired July 7.
Yes, that was me. After Donovan Edwards' second TD, I headed for the elevators. Upon exiting, my feet tangled with someone in the crowded elevator, I lost balance, and fell into a concrete wall hitting my head just above my eye. Blood gushed everywhere! The stadium 1st Aid people patched me up and sent me to the hospital. I got stitches and, as the old joke goes, scans of my head showed nothing! After a few hours they sent me home. Today my eye is swollen shut and I have various aches and pains. But hey...we crushed Ohio State! See you in Indianapolis...even with one eye.
Thanks for the sympathetic shout-out in the Hawaii section. My initial reaction is that this year's Hawaii roster is not as difficult as 2016. Thank goodness Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea (11 syllables) has graduated!
Standing in the doorway between the den and the living room TVs. As noted, Michigan scored the biggest comeback victory in school history, 38-35...while my Chicago Cubs scored a thrilling 11th inning 5-4 victory that put them up 2 games to 1 against the Florida Marlins. (Yes, the eventual World Series champion Florida Marlins. Cubs should have been there but Game 6 of the series was the infamous "Steve Bartman" game. Ugghh.)
It should always be pointed out that CJ Carr is the grandson of TWO Michigan legends. Lloyd, of course. But his maternal grandfather (his mother Tammi's father) is Tom Curtis! He played from 1967-69, was an All-American in 1969, and STILL holds Michigan's records for interceptions in a game, season, and career!
Freehan played just one season of Michigan baseball before signing with the Tigers. He led the Big 10 with a .585 batting average. It's still the league record. RIP #11
Gonna be different? Than what? Than last year's 2-4? I look at that as a total aberration marred by Covid and a truncated season. Otherwise, Michigan has won 10, 10, 8, 10, and 9 games since Harbaugh arrived. I'm expecting at least that.
Very sorry to read this.
Clayton Wilhite was such a class act. He was the leader/counselor of my freshman orientation group in the summer of 1966. And it was a thrill then to see him play that fall. I also remember that he was the "designated escort" to bring Doc Losh to the microphone to speak at a pep rally. I was so happy to be able to speak to him a few years ago at a University Musical Society concert and tell him what an impression he made on me 55 years ago. RIP, Clayt.
The Michigan Marching Band was in California for the Rose Bowl preparation. We had just played a concert at Knott's Berry Farm when we returned to our lodgings at the UCLA dorms. Some of us gathered in one of the student lounges to watch the end of the game. So we saw the end of the game--and the end of Woody.
You were on the right track, Craig.To clear up a few things...Shostakovich fell out of favor with Stalin in the 1930s with the opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk." So he decided not even to release his next symphony, #4. Instead he wrote #5 which was much more of a crowd-pleaser. Some people hear the last movement--which can be very exciting--as Shostakovich saying to Stalin, "See? I can write loud music in C Major--and you have no idea that I'm making fun of your lack of knowledge or taste!" But the Symph #5 had its first performance in 1937. The connection with Stalin's death you're thinking of is that Sergei Prokofiev (the other great Russian composer of the 20th century who also encountered problems with the Soviet regime) died the exact same day as Stalin, March 5, 1953. There WILL be a quiz at halftime on Saturday.
Oh yes. It was lousy weather in the first half--rain changing to sleet and VERY windy. Then it got worse! As the temperature fell, the moisture on the field began to freeze. No one could do anything but slip and slide. At pregame the MMB came out and formed the block M. But when they turned to march toward the north end zone, I could see that it was really a struggle. Trying to march "uphill" against the vicious wind.
Just a reminder that the halo was the "topping off" of the stadium expansion that occurred between the 1997 and 1998 seasons. That doesn't make it any better--but it wasn't like they just suddenly put up a halo. Tennessee expanded its stadium for the 1997 season. So, ironically, the season we won the National Championship was the only year we didn't lead the nation in attendance in 50+ years! So we expanded by 5,000 (a few extra rows at the top) and put up the halo before the 1998 season began.
1964. Michigan defeated Navy and defending Heisman winner Roger Staubach. They went on to win the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl. A great beginning to my almost 60 years of being a fan.
Maybe not THE most, but damn satisfying: 1976 in Columbus. We had gone 0-3-1 over the previous years. (I know, not that bad by today's standards.) Whispers had begun about Bo not being able to win the big one. It was still 0-0 at the half. Then we exploded for 22 points in the second half for a 22-0 shutout of the Bucks. Particularly sweet memory of that day: watching as Woody realized that we had run a fake on the second PAT (he hadn't been watching the play) and that we were up 15-0! The first of 3 in a row over Woody.
They've been open for a week now. South side of Washtenaw, across the street from Arborland. The same two ladies I remember from the Plymouth Road location. Lots of flavors of bagels with various additions available. And those warm, soft, sweet, delectable fragels! Mmmmmmm.
You are correct, sir. I've been announcing for the MMB since 1970. (49 years ago, making this my 50th season). I filled in for Howard King announcing the game play-by-play for the first half of the 2005 season. He returned to finish the season but then retired. So, officially since 2006 for me.
We changed it somewhere around 2008 or so. Whereas the pre-game number is still around 235 (that's how many people fit in the "M.") we march in the upper 300s for halftime. The director felt using 235 gave an unrealistic public representation of the true size of the band.
Matt Pickus was the first Drum Major to remove his hat in the 1990s. Some subsequent ones did not. But now it's expected. The MMB has never sat in the southeast corner. (Unless it was before 1960!) They were always on the west side until the late 1990s/early 2000s when they were moved to the east side for a few years...then back. Visiting bands and the alumni band have always been seated in the southeast corner.
Technically, those first females were the Pom-pon girls--separate from the cheerleaders. It was many years later that the cheerleading squads became male and female--and the dance team was created.
For almost twenty years, the MMB budget has called for trips only to MSU, ND, and OSU. When the schedule was upended a few years ago, we ended up with three trips in one season--no trips the next. I guess it averages out.
Michigan vs. Princeton. Cazzie Russell vs. Bill Bradley. A holiday tournament at Madison Square Garden. December 1964.
Princeton led by 14 points with 3:45 left...but Michigan stormed back and won it. And they made up that deficit without the benefit of a 3-point basket! Incredible.
Recent Comments
"Look at that. Oh my. One man. Good-bye. Hello, Heisman!"
So spare yet so colorful. Absolute perfection.
MV has blamed last year's tunnel incident on the Michigan players and on the tunnel itself. Good thing Spartan Stadium has separate tunnels for each team. Oh, wait...
Fitzgerald was hired in a similar time frame. NU football coach Randy Walker died of a heart attack June 29, 2006. Fitzgerald, an assistant on staff, was hired July 7.
Yes,…
Hey. Glad I saw thls.
Yes, that was me. After Donovan Edwards' second TD, I headed for the elevators. Upon exiting, my feet tangled with someone in the crowded elevator, I lost balance, and fell into a concrete wall hitting my head just above my eye. Blood gushed everywhere! The stadium 1st Aid people patched me up and sent me to the hospital. I got stitches and, as the old joke goes, scans of my head showed nothing! After a few hours they sent me home. Today my eye is swollen shut and I have various aches and pains. But hey...we crushed Ohio State! See you in Indianapolis...even with one eye.
Thanks for the sympathetic shout-out in the Hawaii section. My initial reaction is that this year's Hawaii roster is not as difficult as 2016. Thank goodness Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea (11 syllables) has graduated!
…
I remember that night!
Standing in the doorway between the den and the living room TVs. As noted, Michigan scored the biggest comeback victory in school history, 38-35...while my Chicago Cubs scored a thrilling 11th inning 5-4 victory that put them up 2 games to 1 against the Florida Marlins. (Yes, the eventual World Series champion Florida Marlins. Cubs should have been there but Game 6 of the series was the infamous "Steve Bartman" game. Ugghh.)
It should always be pointed out that CJ Carr is the grandson of TWO Michigan legends. Lloyd, of course. But his maternal grandfather (his mother Tammi's father) is Tom Curtis! He played from 1967-69, was an All-American in 1969, and STILL holds Michigan's records for interceptions in a game, season, and career!
Mike Sainristil is still listed as a receiver. If he does switch to DB, either he or DJ Turner will have to change uniform numbers.
Great work, Seth!
I do believe that Cade has freshman eligibility.
1st year: Did not play (redshirt)
2nd year: Free Covid year
3rd year: Is this year.
So, technically, he and J.J. have the same eligibility! What will this mean for the future?
Northwestern is a noon kickoff. Announced today.
Northwestern is a noon kickoff. Announced today.
If ND ever drops the leprechaun, they could always be the Notre Dame Fig Things! (For those who remember the incident of several years ago.)
Freehan played just one season of Michigan baseball before signing with the Tigers. He led the Big 10 with a .585 batting average. It's still the league record. RIP #11
Gonna be different? Than what? Than last year's 2-4? I look at that as a total aberration marred by Covid and a truncated season. Otherwise, Michigan has won 10, 10, 8, 10, and 9 games since Harbaugh arrived. I'm expecting at least that.
Totally disagree.
Excellent inaugural contribution!
Reasonable, analytical, well-written.
Looking forward to more.
Very sorry to read this.
Clayton Wilhite was such a class act. He was the leader/counselor of my freshman orientation group in the summer of 1966. And it was a thrill then to see him play that fall. I also remember that he was the "designated escort" to bring Doc Losh to the microphone to speak at a pep rally. I was so happy to be able to speak to him a few years ago at a University Musical Society concert and tell him what an impression he made on me 55 years ago. RIP, Clayt.
That's 2 CONSECUTIVE no-hitters for Meghan Beaubien!
Just in: Mr. Geddert committed suicide this afternoon after being charged. Yikes.
(Sorry for the repeat.)
Sprinkles!
The Michigan Marching Band was in California for the Rose Bowl preparation. We had just played a concert at Knott's Berry Farm when we returned to our lodgings at the UCLA dorms. Some of us gathered in one of the student lounges to watch the end of the game. So we saw the end of the game--and the end of Woody.
The Julia Louis Dreyfus gif was a good choice. Her son played on the NU basketball team a year or two ago.
Mollywhopped? Harbaugh is 2-2 against Wisconsin. 3-2 against Penn State.
You were on the right track, Craig.To clear up a few things...Shostakovich fell out of favor with Stalin in the 1930s with the opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk." So he decided not even to release his next symphony, #4. Instead he wrote #5 which was much more of a crowd-pleaser. Some people hear the last movement--which can be very exciting--as Shostakovich saying to Stalin, "See? I can write loud music in C Major--and you have no idea that I'm making fun of your lack of knowledge or taste!" But the Symph #5 had its first performance in 1937. The connection with Stalin's death you're thinking of is that Sergei Prokofiev (the other great Russian composer of the 20th century who also encountered problems with the Soviet regime) died the exact same day as Stalin, March 5, 1953. There WILL be a quiz at halftime on Saturday.
I was…
Yep, I'll be there.
I was up in the press box today checking out some of the new arrangements and protocols.
Oh yes. It was lousy weather in the first half--rain changing to sleet and VERY windy. Then it got worse! As the temperature fell, the moisture on the field began to freeze. No one could do anything but slip and slide. At pregame the MMB came out and formed the block M. But when they turned to march toward the north end zone, I could see that it was really a struggle. Trying to march "uphill" against the vicious wind.
All…
Yes there will!
All stadiums (stadia?) are using PA announcers along with piped-in crowd noise. I'll be in my usual chair on Saturday.
Just a reminder that the halo was the "topping off" of the stadium expansion that occurred between the 1997 and 1998 seasons. That doesn't make it any better--but it wasn't like they just suddenly put up a halo. Tennessee expanded its stadium for the 1997 season. So, ironically, the season we won the National Championship was the only year we didn't lead the nation in attendance in 50+ years! So we expanded by 5,000 (a few extra rows at the top) and put up the halo before the 1998 season began.
1964. Michigan defeated Navy and defending Heisman winner Roger Staubach. They went on to win the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl. A great beginning to my almost 60 years of being a fan.
Maybe not THE most, but damn satisfying: 1976 in Columbus. We had gone 0-3-1 over the previous years. (I know, not that bad by today's standards.) Whispers had begun about Bo not being able to win the big one. It was still 0-0 at the half. Then we exploded for 22 points in the second half for a 22-0 shutout of the Bucks. Particularly sweet memory of that day: watching as Woody realized that we had run a fake on the second PAT (he hadn't been watching the play) and that we were up 15-0! The first of 3 in a row over Woody.
The Blacklist (still running). I think it qualifies on all your criteria.
They've been open for a week now. South side of Washtenaw, across the street from Arborland. The same two ladies I remember from the Plymouth Road location. Lots of flavors of bagels with various additions available. And those warm, soft, sweet, delectable fragels! Mmmmmmm.
Irrelevant, maybe. Fake, NO! Tired of people calling everything "fake news." This is not fake; it is real. It is true. Harrumph.
Then again, Herbie has two sons on the Clemson team! I guess it averages out.
He would never do that. (And not that we would want him.) He was on the field before the game today hugging every OSU coach and player in sight.
Hi. Just noticed this thread!
Yes, I'll be on WRCJ/90.9FM tomorrow (Tuesday) morning from 6-10am--just filling in for the regular host. But thanks for the shout-out.
Carl Grapentine
Voice of the Michigan Marching Band (1970-- )
Voice of Michigan Stadium (2005-- )
You are correct, sir. I've been announcing for the MMB since 1970. (49 years ago, making this my 50th season). I filled in for Howard King announcing the game play-by-play for the first half of the 2005 season. He returned to finish the season but then retired. So, officially since 2006 for me.
We changed it somewhere around 2008 or so. Whereas the pre-game number is still around 235 (that's how many people fit in the "M.") we march in the upper 300s for halftime. The director felt using 235 gave an unrealistic public representation of the true size of the band.
And another thanks!
Thanks!
The "tumblers" WERE the cheerleaders. Or...the cheerleaders were mostly tumblers. Often trampoline competitors or divers.
There has never been a separate "tumbling" group.
It might just be that the microphones for this recording were placed in an optimal position. Unless your seats are on the 50, halfway up...
The team entrances coming earlier--thus enabling the teams to be on the field for the national anthem--was changed in September 2001--just after 9/11.
Matt Pickus was the first Drum Major to remove his hat in the 1990s. Some subsequent ones did not. But now it's expected. The MMB has never sat in the southeast corner. (Unless it was before 1960!) They were always on the west side until the late 1990s/early 2000s when they were moved to the east side for a few years...then back. Visiting bands and the alumni band have always been seated in the southeast corner.
Technically, those first females were the Pom-pon girls--separate from the cheerleaders. It was many years later that the cheerleading squads became male and female--and the dance team was created.
For almost twenty years, the MMB budget has called for trips only to MSU, ND, and OSU. When the schedule was upended a few years ago, we ended up with three trips in one season--no trips the next. I guess it averages out.
Ja!
Just because not many people remember it:
Michigan vs. Princeton. Cazzie Russell vs. Bill Bradley. A holiday tournament at Madison Square Garden. December 1964.
Princeton led by 14 points with 3:45 left...but Michigan stormed back and won it. And they made up that deficit without the benefit of a 3-point basket! Incredible.
For…
Wow. Thanks, everyone!
For the record: I began announcing for the MMB in 1970. This is my 49th season.
I started announcing the games in 2005. Howard King was ill and we ended up splitting that season. Full-time since 2006.
Hawk Harrelson? Noooooo.
Bedtime stories? Hey, why not?