Oklahoma Boy Prepares for Michigan Welcome
Most of you probably remember the story about Cooper Barton, the kindergartner in Oklahoma City who was forced to turn his Michigan t-shirt inside out. A story in yesterday's Daily Oklahoman provides some updated information including that Wolverines from around the country have sent letters and Michigan gear. The UM alumni association has even started a scholarship fund for Cooper and his brother. The family is also being flown out for Saturday's game, and they will be brought out to the field and introduced.
Nothing was cooler, though, than Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon calling to invite the family to Saturday's game vs. Massachusetts. The school is handling the all of the costs, including the flight, the rental car, the hotel and the tickets.
Of course, the Bartons, who will have a chance to visit family in Michigan that they don't often see, are getting special tickets — seats in the luxury suites.
Who knows what else is in store for them? What they do know is that at some point during the game, they will head onto the field where they will be introduced to 109,000 of their newest friends.
“I'm not sure what these guys are going to think of all those people screaming for ‘em,” Chris said, nodding toward Nathan and Cooper. “They're getting pretty excited. They've been talking about it for the past two weeks.”
Edit: When I posted this I didn't realize there was a related story linked under the mgo.licio.us section that the Oklahoma City School district has changed its policy, and now Cooper can wear Michigan gear to school.
September 13th, 2012 at 2:58 PM ^
this kid has to be in the discussion for best kindergarten wardrobe decision ever.
September 13th, 2012 at 2:58 PM ^
Which school is handling all the expenses? The elementary school or UM?
September 13th, 2012 at 3:00 PM ^
Also, does anyone else think this is just a stupid DB publicity campaign for UM? The kid got told to turn his shirt inside out, so now he gets a dream vacation? I've seen worse things happen to young fans..
September 13th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^
Maybe DB is just trying to do a good thing here.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:12 PM ^
It may be publicity motivated but he's making a little boy's day/week/month/year/decade by doing so. As a father of two little ones, I think its fantastic (and I would say the same if my kids liked Ohio or some other non-Michigan school).
September 13th, 2012 at 11:36 PM ^
Brandon has a heart of gold. Mostly because gold has an high per ounce value.
Seriously, it's not like the kid's brother has cancer or something awful like that. He was told to take off some gear. This is completely about publicity and we have a good track record of the lines DB thinks across. Let's call a spade a spade here.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^
I think this was taken to the extreme. I think it was dumb he was asked to turn around his shirt but turning around his shirt was the worst thing that happened to him.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:07 PM ^
when the IRS shows up asking about gifts and all expense paid trips and such
September 13th, 2012 at 3:25 PM ^
in eleven years, when Conner is the top QB prospect in Oklahoma, and wants to take his official visit to Ann Arbor, and the NCAA rules he took it back in 2012.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:50 PM ^
Statute of limitations on violations would have run out by then. Get 'em while they're young!
September 13th, 2012 at 3:10 PM ^
I don't know if I care. Yes, I think it's a bit of a publicity stunt but it's all in good fun. I think DB is taking advantage of a bad situation and making some good of it and having some fun.
September 13th, 2012 at 4:43 PM ^
But flying his whole family out and paying for their hotel is a bit much for wearing a tee-shirt.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:02 PM ^
Awesome story. There's no other way to describe it. I think the school district now has a pretty good idea about how great it is to be a Michigan Wolverine! Spending time worrying about a little kid's t-shirt instead of educating is embarrassing. This reward for the family will probably provide the administrators with a little wake-up call, I'd say!
September 13th, 2012 at 3:03 PM ^
Personally I'm glad to see the issue of kindergarden gangs being taken seriousily. I remember all the gang problems I had in kindergarden, safety scissors filed into shivs, a shady guy dealing grape juice boxes out on the playground, and the drive by glue pastings. Once I feel asleep on the wrong side of the side of classroom nap time. Got my ass stomped on by the crippergardeners for that. I still have nightmares about being shaken away by them and told "You picked the wrong mat for nappytime motherfucker".
September 13th, 2012 at 3:09 PM ^
Just be glad you didn't get hooked on Pixy Stix like I did. I lost everything...not a colored pencil to my name back then.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:43 PM ^
Bravo CRex. That made my day.. Good stuff.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:59 PM ^
The Saginaw Police is cracking down on Kindergarden gangs vehemently. They are very threatening.
/s
September 13th, 2012 at 4:06 PM ^
That is awesome.
September 13th, 2012 at 5:29 PM ^
From laughing so hard
September 13th, 2012 at 7:36 PM ^
It's crazy to imagine, but after working as a summer school teacher in detroit this year...let's just say shit gets real for some kids way too early these days.
September 13th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^
I'm just happy for Cooper. I too was a 5 year old kindergartener the first time I went to a game at the big house. (Of course, I was never introducted on the field.)
September 13th, 2012 at 3:13 PM ^
If I get my employer to send me home for wearing Michigan clothing, can I get this kind of treatment?
How sad is it that I am jealous of Cooper?
Can we get a "Cooper is my hero" mgoshirt?
September 13th, 2012 at 4:59 PM ^
So we turn it inside out to see the writing
September 13th, 2012 at 3:17 PM ^
Did you name this kid?
September 13th, 2012 at 4:33 PM ^
I certainly don't agree with everything Brandon does, but it would have been criminal for him to not jump on this. It's completely positive publicity for UM and the football program with no downside.
September 13th, 2012 at 6:17 PM ^
Brand-on, Dave!
September 14th, 2012 at 8:09 AM ^
the next morning. How in theee hell was this only modded to a 4? Best comment of the thread so far.
September 13th, 2012 at 4:52 PM ^
but the trip is nice of the AD to do for the family.
As always, the name "Cooper" tends to bring out the best in M football.
September 13th, 2012 at 7:04 PM ^
I read this article today, and I was just about to post this. I think this shows that not only does Michigan do it right, but our fans are awesome.
Feelings I obtained while reading article: Joy, pride, extreme jealousy... Freakin' kids, man.
FYI, Dave Brandon played this one right. From a marketing perspective, this was pure gold and essentially handed to him. "Michigan" is plastered in news markets all over the world, and for something extremely unique; it stands out. What better way to get your name out there. Not to mention that it was quite the charitable thing to do (and extremely cool).
+1 for Michigan
September 13th, 2012 at 9:14 PM ^
Who attended Michigan, this is awesome!
September 13th, 2012 at 10:41 PM ^
We should all turn our shirts inside out when this kid gets on the field!!