Today was the day and what a day it was. Like a flurry of slapshots during warm-up, my phone was receiving notifications starting at 7 o'clock this morning.
First in were the early enrollees, Freddy Canteen (WR), Mason Cole (OT), Michael Ferns (LB), Drake Harris (WR), Bryan Mone (DT), Wilton Speight (QB) and Brandon Watson (DB).
Then, just like clock work, the next couple came in, Chase Winovich (LB) and Brady Pallante (DT).
Then, we got the big gun, Jabrill Peppers! We got Peppers! This LOI (Letter of Intent) was followed by a few more rapid notifications on my phone. Texts from my brothers and my dad. "Did you hear, Peppers' is in." "Whew" was all I could muster for a response. There had been rumors, as of late, that he may be swaying in his decision due to some dirty recruiting. No doubt it was a relief to all who care about Michigan Football to know that Peppers had faxed in his LOI.
Then came in the next few, Noah Furbush (LB), Maurice Ways (WR), Juwann Bushell-Beatty(OT), Jared Wangler (LB), Ian Bunting (TE), and last but not least, Lawrence Marshall (DE). All in all, we got 16 amazing recruits that can't wait to step foot in The Big House and play football for Michigan. And I can't wait to watch them.
As I was discussing the upcoming day with my husband last night, our 6 year old daughter heard us talking. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Tomorrow is National Signing Day, I'm pretty excited."
Husband: "Yep, it is. Hope there aren't any unexpected surprises that don't go our way."
Me: "Yea, me either."
6 year old: "Mom, what does that mean?"
Me: "Well honey, it's when Michigan finds out which new players want to come to Michigan to play football with them."
6 year old: "I don't really get what that means, I just hope they get better players."
I couldn't help but chuckle. She may not understand all the inner workings yet, but she definitely gets the basics. Gotta have good players. In my opinion, we do.
Now I look forward to spring practice, the Spring Game and watching these players develop and become college athletes.
My Pick 6 recruits that may have an immediate impact:
1. Jabril Peppers
2. Freddy Canteen
3. Drake Harris
4. Noah Furbush
5. Maurice Ways
6. Juwann Bushell-Beatty
Go Blue!
~Bekki
A blog written by two women who share a passion and love for college football needing a place to talk, express, discuss, rant and rave about our favorite sport.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Pre-Game Warm Up
Well folks, here it is! Our first blog post. Many blogs out there are meant to inform, educate, inspire, entertain or motivate. This is not that kind of blog.
This blog was born because of two best friends and their undying love for college football, needing an outlet for their celebrations, frustrations and rants. We wanted to share our passion with other football fans. With that being said, we welcome feedback and rebuttal as long as it is done in a respectful manner. We are not experts and certainly don't know everything there is to know about football, so mistakes are sure to happen along the way.
What we do know is that we have been through many ups and downs with our respective teams (we'll get to which teams we root for later). We go to games whenever possible. We sit on the edge of our seats (or couches) every Saturday until the clock reads 0:00. We watch Sportscenter and read message boards. It takes us a couple days to get over a loss. We know the players and their positions. We know the coaches and sing the fight songs for our teams. We follow recruiting, have favorite players and are teaching our children to love our teams too.
Yes, we are moms. If we had to Pick the 6 best things in our lives we would choose:
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Freedom
5. Fine wine and, of course
6. FOOTBALL
This blog was born because of two best friends and their undying love for college football, needing an outlet for their celebrations, frustrations and rants. We wanted to share our passion with other football fans. With that being said, we welcome feedback and rebuttal as long as it is done in a respectful manner. We are not experts and certainly don't know everything there is to know about football, so mistakes are sure to happen along the way.
What we do know is that we have been through many ups and downs with our respective teams (we'll get to which teams we root for later). We go to games whenever possible. We sit on the edge of our seats (or couches) every Saturday until the clock reads 0:00. We watch Sportscenter and read message boards. It takes us a couple days to get over a loss. We know the players and their positions. We know the coaches and sing the fight songs for our teams. We follow recruiting, have favorite players and are teaching our children to love our teams too.
Yes, we are moms. If we had to Pick the 6 best things in our lives we would choose:
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Freedom
5. Fine wine and, of course
6. FOOTBALL
Band, take the field
The Band. What an important role they "play" in the Game Day experience. They do so much more than play the fight song, the National Anthem and do half-time performances. They get the crowd involved in the game, have percussion skits during time-outs, taunt the other team when they make a bad play or don't get the first down.
We would argue that our teams have the best fight songs in the country, and many people agree with us. For those of you that may not know the words, here they are:
We would argue that our teams have the best fight songs in the country, and many people agree with us. For those of you that may not know the words, here they are:
The Victors
by Louis Elbel 1898
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
The leaders and best!
Hail! to the victors valiant
- Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
- Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
- The champions of the West!
- The Victory March
- by Michael and John Shea 1920s
- Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,Wake up the echoes cheering her name,Send a volley cheer on high,Shake down the thunder from the sky.What though the odds be great or smallOld Notre Dame will win over all,While her loyal sons are marchingOnward to victory.
Our Pick 6 quirky things about the bands:
1. Louis Elbel was a track star for Michigan
2. 1846 - The University of Notre Dame Band is "The Oldest Band in the Land."
3. 1972---the year women were admitted to the Michigan Marching Band
4. Knute Rockne, legendary Notre Dame football coach, played flute for ND.
5. 1932---Michigan Marching Band wrote the first "script Ohio" at The Game.
6. 1887 - first ND band performance at a football game, against Michigan. The band hasn't missed a game since. This was the first meeting between the teams. Score: Michigan - 8 ND - 0.
Coin Toss
Many people often ask "Why are you so passionate about a team when you didn't even go to that school?" As if, we're not justified in being a fan if we didn't earn our degrees from there.
For me, it all started with the maize and blue. And my dad. He was invited by a friend to go to the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game in the mid 50s (he was 10) in East Lansing. His friend was rooting for the Spartans and my dad just didn't understand why everyone was rooting for them, since both schools were in Michigan. He decided to be different and root for the other Michigan team. He followed them thru his teenage years. And then, along came Bo. And that ever-recognizable winged helmet of the Wolverines. The rest, as they say, is history. 6 fanatics were born and now I am raising the next generation of fanatics.
I have been passionate about Michigan Football, (and all things Michigan) honestly, since I can remember. I remember crying in 1989 when Rumeal Robinson, Terry Mills, Glenn Rice and gang won the NCAA National Championship in basketball. I remember when Keith Jackson and his famed quote "Hello Heisman" accompanied the pose given by Desmond Howard in the endzone. I remember listening to games on the radio and wanting to be there so badly, just once. My wish has been granted 30+ times. I was at The Big House for some of the most memorable games in recent times for Michigan fans. Some good. Some not so good. App. State, Under the Lights I and II, the dreaded 3-9 season, watching Brock Mealer lead the team onto the field, and so many more. Each and every time I walk toward that stadium and see that enormous Block M, the Michigan Stadium gate, hear the band, see the banner, smell the popped maize, I thank my Mom and Dad, because they raised me right. Without them, I wouldn't have the amazing memories with friends and family that are forever burned into my soul.
~Bekki
Go Blue!
For me, it started when I was young (I think around 10). When I was growing up I spent every Sunday at my grandparent's house. My grandpa and my mom followed sports regularly. In the spring and summer, talk was about the lovable losing Chicago Cubs. In the winter, it was the "luv-a-bulls," Michael Jordan and the rest of the Chicago Bulls. In the fall, "Da Bears" and the Irish were topics of choice. For me personally, the Irish always intrigued me the most. As I got older and had the opportunity to attend a couple of games, walk around campus and take in all the sights that the University of Notre Dame has to offer I became more and more enchanted. I began reading more, not missing games, following the players, learning about ND football history and it has turned into a passion and a hobby of sorts.
For me, it all started with the maize and blue. And my dad. He was invited by a friend to go to the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game in the mid 50s (he was 10) in East Lansing. His friend was rooting for the Spartans and my dad just didn't understand why everyone was rooting for them, since both schools were in Michigan. He decided to be different and root for the other Michigan team. He followed them thru his teenage years. And then, along came Bo. And that ever-recognizable winged helmet of the Wolverines. The rest, as they say, is history. 6 fanatics were born and now I am raising the next generation of fanatics.I have been passionate about Michigan Football, (and all things Michigan) honestly, since I can remember. I remember crying in 1989 when Rumeal Robinson, Terry Mills, Glenn Rice and gang won the NCAA National Championship in basketball. I remember when Keith Jackson and his famed quote "Hello Heisman" accompanied the pose given by Desmond Howard in the endzone. I remember listening to games on the radio and wanting to be there so badly, just once. My wish has been granted 30+ times. I was at The Big House for some of the most memorable games in recent times for Michigan fans. Some good. Some not so good. App. State, Under the Lights I and II, the dreaded 3-9 season, watching Brock Mealer lead the team onto the field, and so many more. Each and every time I walk toward that stadium and see that enormous Block M, the Michigan Stadium gate, hear the band, see the banner, smell the popped maize, I thank my Mom and Dad, because they raised me right. Without them, I wouldn't have the amazing memories with friends and family that are forever burned into my soul.
~Bekki
Go Blue!
For me, it started when I was young (I think around 10). When I was growing up I spent every Sunday at my grandparent's house. My grandpa and my mom followed sports regularly. In the spring and summer, talk was about the lovable losing Chicago Cubs. In the winter, it was the "luv-a-bulls," Michael Jordan and the rest of the Chicago Bulls. In the fall, "Da Bears" and the Irish were topics of choice. For me personally, the Irish always intrigued me the most. As I got older and had the opportunity to attend a couple of games, walk around campus and take in all the sights that the University of Notre Dame has to offer I became more and more enchanted. I began reading more, not missing games, following the players, learning about ND football history and it has turned into a passion and a hobby of sorts.
Following this team has become a part of my family now. We plan our weekends around ND football games. I've experienced emotions that I could never have predicted through watching and following the Irish. I realize I'm not alone and that there are people that have football fever worse than myself. Through thick and thin, wins and losses, good health and injuries, I love this team!
~Gretchen
Go Irish!
Our Pick 6 favorite things about our teams:
1. The traditions
2. The rivalries
3. The stadiums
4. The fight songs
5. The high academic and athletic expectations
6. They're the 2 winningiest programs in all of college football.
In with the old
The old saying goes, "all good things must come to an end." For some of Michigan's greatest and most memorable players, they just couldn't quite cut the ties that bind. The ties that bind them to former teammates, their former coaches, their former field and their former university are just too strong for them to completely let go.
In light of National Signing Day quickly approaching, and an outstanding recruiting class set to make it official on Wednesday, February 5th, I've been reflecting on all the Michigan greats from years past. I'm sure the connections that former players keep with their school is not unique to Michigan, but it warms my heart to know the bond goes much beyond the player's eligibility years. What follows are just a few that came to mind:
“The essence of Michigan football lies not in the bodies of those magnificent players who bravely take the field each Saturday in the fall. It lives proudly, rather in the spirit of all the players, all the coaches, all the cheerleaders, all the band, all the students, all the alumni and all the fans.” − Coach Schembechler.
My Pick 6 favorite former players:
1. Jordan Kovacs----I named my dog after him
2. Ernest Shazor
3. Charles Woodson
4. Brandon Graham
5. Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka
6. Tai Streets
Go Blue!
~Bekki
In light of National Signing Day quickly approaching, and an outstanding recruiting class set to make it official on Wednesday, February 5th, I've been reflecting on all the Michigan greats from years past. I'm sure the connections that former players keep with their school is not unique to Michigan, but it warms my heart to know the bond goes much beyond the player's eligibility years. What follows are just a few that came to mind:
- The long-haired, 80's-hair-band-looking guy that can often be seen behind the coach during post-game on-field interviews is Steve Everitt. He played center for Michigan in the early 90's and has become a favorite among students and fans because of his photobombing and love for Michigan. Might I add, he is also a very talented artist, with drawing being his favorite.
- Tom Brady returned this past year to give an inspirational speech to the current players. Now, it's no secret that Tom hasn't maintained that relationship with Michigan since he left, but it has been restored and for that, I am thankful, and inspired, by his love for Michigan.
- Brian Griese, Steve Hutchinson and Charles Woodson host an annual golf outing full of weekend-long festivities called "Champions for Children's Hearts", to raise money for C.S. Mott Children's hospital.
- David Brandon, former player for Bo Schembechler, is the current Athletic Director.
- Jim Brandstatter now hosts Inside Michigan Football and is a color-commentator for Michigan football on the radio.
“The essence of Michigan football lies not in the bodies of those magnificent players who bravely take the field each Saturday in the fall. It lives proudly, rather in the spirit of all the players, all the coaches, all the cheerleaders, all the band, all the students, all the alumni and all the fans.” − Coach Schembechler.
My Pick 6 favorite former players:
1. Jordan Kovacs----I named my dog after him
2. Ernest Shazor
3. Charles Woodson
4. Brandon Graham
5. Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka
6. Tai Streets
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Friday, January 31, 2014
Renovations - Campus Crossroads Project
A full renovation plan was uncovered this week for Notre Dame's stadium. There's been "talk" of this after Brian Kelly's first season as head coach.
I read an article that laid out the plans and what the new facilities have to offer. The plans look amazing! I think the new establishment will have a lot to offer to the athletes of the university, not just the football players and staff. The upper and lower bowls are not changing and an addition of 4,000 premium seats is planned.
Probably the most interesting points that were not included in the plans are the most controversial: 1. JumboTrons and 2. Field surface
There is opposition to JumboTrons as the president of the university stated that they present a "circus" feel at professional games and it takes away from the tradition of ND stadium. Personally, I'd like the see the field remain the same.
My Pick 6 Important points to Campus Croassroads Project:
1. 750,000 square feet of additions
2. Project will start in a year or two
3. New press box
4. Option of ND stadium hosting concerts
5. Other departments gaining new space
6. Preservation to ND's campus and current stadium
~Gretchen
Go Irish!
I read an article that laid out the plans and what the new facilities have to offer. The plans look amazing! I think the new establishment will have a lot to offer to the athletes of the university, not just the football players and staff. The upper and lower bowls are not changing and an addition of 4,000 premium seats is planned.
Probably the most interesting points that were not included in the plans are the most controversial: 1. JumboTrons and 2. Field surface
There is opposition to JumboTrons as the president of the university stated that they present a "circus" feel at professional games and it takes away from the tradition of ND stadium. Personally, I'd like the see the field remain the same.
My Pick 6 Important points to Campus Croassroads Project:
1. 750,000 square feet of additions
2. Project will start in a year or two
3. New press box
4. Option of ND stadium hosting concerts
5. Other departments gaining new space
6. Preservation to ND's campus and current stadium
~Gretchen
Go Irish!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Stars and Stripes
No flag flies higher. No symbol more recognizable. No one thing can emit more emotion, more patriotism more pride in us all, than the American Flag and the song that accompanies it at all sporting events in this country.
It gives me moosebumps (as my children call them) each and every time I step foot in The Big House and witness 110,000+ people around me saluting the flag and singing the National Anthem. At that moment in time we are all united. We all have that feeling of pride. We are all cheering for the same team. USA. And then, if we're really lucky, there'll be a flyover of some sort, just in case the adrenaline isn't pumping quite enough yet. I've seen many a flyover in my afternoons and evenings at The Big House and they are all chill-provoking experiences in their own way.
When I see that flag and hear that song, it's more than that for me. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the soldiers, but I also reflect on their families. The moms and dads. The brothers and sisters. The husbands and wives. The sons and the daughters. I cannot fathom how incredibly difficult it must be to say that kind of goodbye, yet still feel an indescribable amount of pride. I don't have to look too far to find people in my life that know that kind of goodbye. My mom and dad did it, more than once. Both sets of my grandparents did it too. One of my grandfathers I never met and the other just couldn't bring himself to talk about his experiences. At least not to me.
When my mom said goodbye to my dad, she wouldn't hear his voice again until he was back on U.S. soil. She didn't have instant communication to know where he was and if he was okay. There was no Skype or Snapchat or Vine. No email or Facebook or Twitter or text messages. Only hand written letters that took months to get to her. She still has these letters. I snooped when I was a child and found them. I read them and cried. She doesn't know I did that. (she does now) For my mom, life went on while he was away. It had to. She worked and spent time with her friends. Most of them were dealing with the same thing she was, in their own way. My dad, well, let's just say he had his own ways of making the time pass while he was away.
The grandfather that I never met was in the Navy. My grandma has a picture of him in his formal dress uniform. Every time she shows me that picture she says, "Wasn't he so good lookin?" I know she feels a deep sense of pride and looks forward to the day they meet again. I hope he's wearing that uniform.
The grandfather that never talked to me about his experiences was in the Army. He arrived on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Just like in the movie Saving Private Ryan. Only this wasn't a movie, this was his life. He never spoke about that day or the days, months and years that followed. I'm glad he didn't. I would have looked at him so differently. Like a soldier and not just my grandpa. I learned more about his military experiences after he died. If I could say one more thing to him it would be a simple, "Thank you."
I make it a point to say thank you to any military personnel I see. I am thankful for so many things, but here is my Pick 6 list:
1. Freedom
2. Choices
3. Health
4. Ability
5. Opportunity
6. Football
~Bekki
Go Blue!
~Bekki
Go Blue!
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