Michael Phelps - Michigan Man?

Submitted by Primo on

Phelps lived in A2 from roughly 2004-2008, swimming under Bob Bowman and serving as a volunteer assistant coach.  He also took classes at Michigan, although he did not pursue a degree.  I did a search to see if this had already been adjudicated by the board, but did not find anything.  So I ask you, when Michael Phelps won his 20th, 21st, and 22nd gold, is he adding to UM's storied sports history?

MGoBoard

AmayzNblue

August 13th, 2016 at 9:05 AM ^

Well, to be fair, James does show up at football games and wears OSU gear. I can't blame them for claiming the best basketball player in the nba because he is a fan of their team. We would do the same thing



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 01/10/2015

MGoPoints: 5016

AmayzNblue

August 13th, 2016 at 9:03 AM ^

Agreed. The meaning of that phrase changes with whoever is trying to awkwardly describe what it means (someone who attend UM.... no someone who attended and has good character...no, someone who played a sport or coached there...no, it's someone who knows all the traditions and represents the university well.... )

No one can seem to nail down a clear definition of this arrogant phrase that really means nothing except to make certain people feel they are special.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 01/10/2015

MGoPoints: 5016

Don

August 13th, 2016 at 8:17 AM ^

and being a Michigan fan.

If you don't believe that, then all those who never competed in uniform for Michigan nor ever coached at Michigan nor ever sat in class at Michigan should just go up to Charles Woodson or any other UM alumni varsity athlete and claim that you're just as much of a "Michigan Man" as they are.

I've got two degrees from UM and have been rooting for the Wolverines since I was a small boy. That doesn't make me a "Michigan Man," and simply wearing a UM ball cap or a Jumpman jersey doesn't make you one, either.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 148288

Acedpar3

August 13th, 2016 at 9:57 AM ^

if he took classes he is a michigan man. i do not think you have to graduate to be one. he also was asst. coach. he did not take classes from other school. so yes he is..... just like some of you are michigan  fans.

Joined: 02/16/2012

MGoPoints: 763

UMgradMSUdad

August 13th, 2016 at 11:06 AM ^

It goes back at least as far as Fielding Yost:

http://hooverstreetrag.blogspot.com/2011/01/fielding-yost-and-michigan-man.html

 

Upon his retirement as Michigan's athletic director in 1942, a major valedictory banquet was held by his friends in the Field house that bore his name. As John U. Bacon recounts in Blue Ice, Yost concluded his statement by saying:

"But do let me reiterate the spirit of Michigan. It is based upon a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways; an enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan men to spread the gospel of their university to the world's distant outposts; a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours."

Joined: 07/02/2011

MGoPoints: 13185

Doctor Wolverine

August 13th, 2016 at 10:49 AM ^

Who cares if he is an official, trademarked, certified Michigan Man. If he wants to be a fan and considers himself to be associated with the UofM based on his history with the school, then that is fine.

Joined: 08/13/2009

MGoPoints: 3045

1975Blue

August 13th, 2016 at 11:01 AM ^

I thought the silly "Michigan Man" phrase was outdated.  Phelps actually has stronger ties to the state of Maryland,

Missouri Man, Maryland Man, Mississippi Man, Montana Man, Minnesota Man.  Did I miss any  others ? 

 

Joined: 03/29/2015

MGoPoints: 622

MznbluePA

August 13th, 2016 at 3:18 PM ^

"But do let me reiterate the spirit of Michigan. It is based upon a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways; an enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan men to spread the gospel of their university to the world's distant outposts; a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours." Phelps does not meet this definition. Same goes for most people who are fans of Michigan sports.

Joined: 01/20/2009

MGoPoints: 30

Bando Calrissian

August 14th, 2016 at 7:52 AM ^

The Alumni Association apparently looks at it this way:

 

 

Congrats to U-M alum Connor Jaeger on taking home a silver medal and setting an American record tonight, and congrats to former U-M student and volunteer assistant coach Michael Phelps on winning his 23rd career gold medal in the Olympics.

Joined: 07/02/2008

MGoPoints: 68117