Culture - What does it mean? - Is it really a differentiator? Post NC interview including Blake.

Submitted by Amazinblu on January 12th, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Culture may mean things to different people - and, it means a great deal to me - from a heritage standpoint and team / group perspective.

Team 144 was "extra special" on the field this season - we all know that.   And, it seems the vibe inside Glick / Schembechler Hall - was pretty special too.   The credit for it belongs to everyone on the team - and the staff.  Everyone bought in - everyone supported each other.   They put in the effort - every day - and worked together in a manner that's rarely (IMO) seen.

The following link is for the "Tuesday" press conference.   The reason for posting here is a two minute segment with Blake Corum.   The entire press conference is about 25 minutes long - however, the question directed to Blake at the 17:20 minute mark really shows who he is - and, why his values and character are so special.  Part of the question is - "How do you want to be remembered?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKxZdn0ygwk

Blake is such a fine young man.   And - a big / continuing reason for why Michigan has been successful.   I'm at a loss of words - Blake is a solid human being - so genuine.

Your thoughts...

Go Blue...   (And, every member of Team 144 and the staff is always welcome at our tailgate.)

Football

Durham Blue

January 12th, 2024 at 2:49 PM ^

Blake Corum is the model leader.  He, like the whole team, have persevered through really difficult times on and off the field.  He's kept his head up, worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve goals, and set a great example for the younger guys to follow.

Joined: 10/09/2008

MGoPoints: 30024

HarmonHowardWoodson

January 12th, 2024 at 3:00 PM ^

My brief culture thoughts...

Football is one of the ultimate team games. Get one guy not doing his job, on either side of the ball, and the whole plan falters. A close knit team will communicate with each other off the field, which helps lead to better on field communication and further the goal of the entire unit acting as one on the field.

Additionally, off the field work is arguably more important than on-field practice. When your best players are also your hardest working players off the field, it drives every single member of the team to work harder to get ready for the games. In the weight room. In individual film study. In every way. How does the backup or 3rd string DL take a workout "off" when you have Hutchinson working his ass off every day? How does a freshman RB not take those things serious when he sees what Blake puts in off the field? Those are the culture pieces that I think are most important.

Joined: 02/25/2012

MGoPoints: 3488

aleng

January 12th, 2024 at 3:45 PM ^

Watching the player YouTube videos posted throughout the season, you can tell the players were genuinely enjoying their time together. There were so many little games, actual games, they played with each other. From the outside it looked kind of silly, but you could tell they were just guys hanging out enjoying each other's company. I think that's a pretty special thing!

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 2120

treetown

January 12th, 2024 at 3:55 PM ^

There is a quote about culture that may apply.

During the Second World War, the British Royal Navy was tasked with evacuating army troops form the island of Crete. (Battle of Crete, May 20th to June 1st, 1941). During the evacuation the navy was pounded from the air and suffered many losses. The commander of the navy, Admiral Andrew Cunningham was asked if they should break off the evacuation. He reportedly said "It takes the Navy three years to build a new ship. It will take three hundred years to build a new tradition. The evacuation continues." 

Efforts to build up culture suddenly won't work - it takes slow consistent effort.

Joined: 11/10/2010

MGoPoints: 6339

SD Larry

January 12th, 2024 at 4:19 PM ^

Will always root for Blake Corum.  Has been a real pleasure to watch and root for him these past few years.  Will never forget how well has as handled his highs and lows with nothing but grace, enthusiasm, generosity, humanity and class.  Very special player, person, champion, and indeed a legend.

Joined: 10/05/2014

MGoPoints: 40986