At glance, the design on this vintage Michigan fob/pendant seem too out of ordinary. On its face you’ve got a thick maize Block M, flanked by blue enamel sitting above the U-M seal:
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Wangler, Carter discuss Ufer’s Indiana game call
On this day in 1979…still gives me the chills. Via the great WolverineHistorian: While it was somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy I suppose, I love that in all the madness Ufer recognized that play in the context of Michigan football history when he offers that it will be remembered for another 100 years (’79 of course was the 100th anniversary of the program). We can safely say that’s true of course, looking back 35 years later and it’s probably more to do with Ufer’s call than the play itself. Follow MVictors on Twitter More on Bob Ufer
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Hail, Hail to the Chief | Happy 101 Gerald Ford
A hearty salute to the memory of President Gerald Ford born July 14, 1913, who today would have turned 101. In honor of the 1934 team MVP, a repost. Here are a few of my favorite shots of the POTUS in and around campus. Above, via eBay one of the classic shots of Ford hiking the pigskin in the 1930s. Below, via the Bentley Library, Ford addressing captain Mark Messner and the team in 1988: Here with Bob Ufer kicking off his presidential campaign in 1976 at Crisler Arena: And finally at practice with General Bo: In honor of Ford’s 101st birthday, here is a repost of the speech President Ford delivered to the Annual Congressional Dinner of the University of Michigan Club back in March 1975 and worth a read: [Introductory portion omitted] You know, as a matter of fact, I can still remember spending a good part of my sophomore and junior years washing dishes in the DKE house–of which I was a proud member–and I mean washing dishes. As a matter of fact, I washed so many dishes I was the only athlete in Michigan history who ever had a football knee and dishpan hands at the same time. [Laughter] As I mentioned a moment ago, I was lucky enough to play football, first on Ferry Field…
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Bacon-Wrapped Big House
Via the Bacon Blog, John U.’s segment for the NHL Network wrapping a little flavor around Michigan Stadium: You can also clips Bacs breaking down the Winter Classic here FWIW. Follow MVictors on Twitter
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Wire Photo Wednesday
eBay provides a seemingly never-ending flow of classic photos featuring historic Michigan figures or scenes. Today here are a few favorites after scanning the auction site: The Cake of Victory – Bo’s men famously cut down Ohio 24-12 in 1969 and soon after, apparently the Ann Arbor Quarterbacks Club had Schembechler slice up this victory cake. Ferry Facility – A very cool shot of the athletics “Club House” facility outside Ferry Field. Via the U-M Bentley Historical Library: A “club house,” or locker room, located at the east end of Ferry Field, was completed in time for the 1912 football season. Previously the Michigan and visiting teams used the locker rooms in Waterman Gym on the north edge of campus, making the almost one mile trek along State Street before and after games. The building, designed in the style of an old English club house by the Detroit architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, provided separate locker room facilities for home and visiting teams as well as offices and lecture rooms for the Michigan coaches, as well as a lounge area. Total cost of the club house and equipment was $37,000. Now known as the Marie Hartwig Building, the former club house currently houses the Ticket Office, Sports Information Office, Development Office and other Athletic Department…
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Game 1 On: It’s Hockey Night at the Coliseum (1/13/1923)
On this day in 1923 give a hearty cheers to the unofficial birth of the Michigan ice hockey program. As beautifully chronicled in John U. Bacon’s Blue Ice, the long road for fans of the sport on campus culminated on this day 91 years ago as Michigan took on Wisconsin at The Coliseum. U-M’s Eddie Kahn netted the first goal in team history, and it was Robert Anderson who tallied the game winner in overtime for the 2-1 victory. Sharing a few quotes from Blue Ice that Bacs pulled from the Michigan Daily: “Hockey is a game that nine-tenths of the students have never seen, and could not be persuaded to attend,” one student wrote, in a piece that is almost as accurate today as it was when the anonymous student wrote it eight decades ago. “There are many others, however, who will turn out for the first game. This last class will be the one that will furnish the hockey following, for few people who have ever seen a game have failed to become confirmed enthusiasts. It is a sport that combines the science of football, the combination demands of basketball and the individual skill of baseball, with a speed that belongs to hockey alone.” “Above all other attributes of the game itself, the greatest reason why the Coliseum…
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The Nussie File
[Ed. Per unnamed source, they called him “Nussie” at Lakeridge High. The rest of the story via U-M Media Relations..] Hoke Names Doug Nussmeier as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach ANN ARBOR, Mich. – University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke announced today (Thursday, Jan. 9) the hiring of Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Wolverines. Nussmeier comes to Ann Arbor after spending the past two seasons in the same capacity at the University of Alabama. “Doug is a highly respected offensive coordinator and has earned a reputation as being a great mentor to quarterbacks, specifically, where he’s coached Pro Bowlers, top NFL draft choices and Heisman trophy finalists,” said Hoke. “Doug has been successful at every coaching stop with his balanced and explosive offenses, and he brings national championship experience. He is an excellent addition to our coaching staff and football program, and we are excited to have Doug, Christi and their children join the Michigan family.” “I am extremely excited to join the University of Michigan and work with Brady Hoke, the staff and players,” said Nussmeier. “I’m proud of what we accomplished in two seasons at Alabama, and I owe a great deal to Coach Saban for that opportunity. Michigan is a program I’ve always had deep respect for, and I’m looking…
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The Voice III – Michigan Football’s New Radio Man?
As you know, the legendary Bob Ufer radio voice passed the broadcast torch to “Frankie” Beckmann back in 1981. Beckmann won’t have that opportunity next season as IMG will select a new man to handle this role, a role that is and will be an integral part of the history of this place. One of the major off-the-field questions will concern who will fill the role. The potential candidates: Doug Karsch – The longtime radio sideline guy and local radio host on WXYT also does work for #1000SSS. FWIW he has an endorsement from Frank himself: Michigan has not revealed Beckmann’s successor. IMG Sports will make the hire, but Beckmann has a favorite — if he had a say. “I hope they give it to (Doug) Karsch,” Beckmann said of the local radio personality who is sideline reporter for the Michigan radio broadcasts. “He knows the game inside and out. He’s passionate about it. He knows Michigan so well. “I have no say in it. Nobody’s asked me, and that’s how it should be.” Matt Shepard – Shep has done a good job on the hoops radio play-by-play, pumps iron and hosts morning Detroit radio on WDFN. I’m guessing is the odds-on favorite for the gig assuming he wants it and I assume Shep wants it. Not helping his cause…
