• This Flag is Signed, Sealed but not yet Delivered

    According to my deep cover, bunkered moles at the athletic department, this sweet item has been relisted on the auction to support the Pat Maloy Scholarship.  A frame and signed ‘M’ flag containing the signatures of an amazing array of Michigan football greats.  From the auction description: You will never find a greater piece of Michigan football memorabilia anywhere. This is a two foot tall by three foot wide Michigan flag autographed by 46 of the greatest players to ever don the Maize & Blue in Michigan Stadium. The flag is professionally matted and framed with UV protectant plexiglass. The flag is autographed by all of the following former Michigan stars: Charles Woodson. Jake Long, Ron Kramer, Anthony Carter, Jim Harbaugh,  Anthony “A-Train” Thomas, Larry Foote, Victor Hobson, Elvis Grbac, Will Johnson, Morgan Trent, Tim Jamison, Aaron Shea, Rick Leach, Don Dufek Sr., Don Dufek Jr., Ali Haji Shiekh, Bill Dufek, Harlan Huckleby, Stan Edwards, Steve Morrison, Adam Kraus, Derek Walker, Chris Floyd, Clint Copenhaver, Ron Simpkins, Glen Steele, Mark Messner, Jamie Morris, Bob Chappuis, Greg McMurtry, John Wangler, Marcus Ray. Billy Taylor, Reggie McKenzie, Buster Stanley, Jim Brandstatter, Scott Dreisbach, Mark Campbell, Rondell Biggs, Carl Diggs, James Hall, Doug Skene, Ron Bellamy, Andre Weathers and Eric Mayes. Bid high and often and good luck. Item is hanging in Moe…

  • Wrapping Up: The A2 Adopt-A-Family program

    I swung by the gift wrapping for the Ann Arbor Adopt-A-Family program tonight at the UM Golf Course and met Debbie Williams-Hoak and a few of the volunteers. This wonderful group collects gifts for needy families in the area. Debbie confirmed they are helping out 68 families this year, a record, and start visiting homes soon. You wouldn’t believe all the gifts and donations they received if you saw it, so…see it: A small portion of the gifts purchased by donors in the area Volunteers wrapping up gifts for families Dawn King of the Ann Arbor Police Dept. (left) with founder Debbie Williams-Hoak Earlier today this site received a very nice note from someone directly helped out by Debbie Williams-Hoak and the folks running the program this season. Thought I’d pass it along: Relief and Hope! This is what I felt when I received a phone call from former pro golfer, Debbie Williams and AAPD Dawn King, informing me that my two children were being adopted for Christmas. Initially I wanted to decline such a gift as there are so many families that probably face an even greater financial burden this season. Dawn quickly reminded me of the gift of acceptance and after talking with her for almost an hour; I humbly accepted the amazing gift of adoption of my…

  • Teddy Bears, Spartans Tossed

    Another classic night up at old Yost. After surrendering an early goal to the Spartans, the men in Maize never looked back, dominating the puck and tallying six unanswered goals beating their rivals 6-1. Other than the Wolverines’ offensive awesomeness that chased Spartan goalie Jeff Lerg to the bench late in third period, the game was defined by a handful of scrums that sent two Spartans home with game misconducts. Minutes after one of the Spartans was tossed, the Yost crowd participated in the annual Teddy Bear Toss, where fans pepper the ice with plushy toys for kids at Mott Hospital. After the bears were tossed (highlighted by with a half dozen impressive tosses from section 22, row 12 up and over the protective netting by MVictors guest columnist BiggieMunn), scraped from the ice and counted, the kids of Mott walked away with a record 1272 toy animals. The loot: But not so fast my faux furry animal loving friends. While counting isn’t an exact science, methinks they probably missed a few toys that didn’t make it to the icy hardpan below. A few generous fans had big hearts sadly backed up by girlie-man chicken arms: Once the Yost Arena crew fish these out of the netting I’m guessing that’ll bring the final tally to around 1278. Related: – Michigan…

  • Ann Arbor Adopt-a-Family program (updates!)

    Update 12/4: I spoke to Jamie Adkins at the A2 police department this morning, the contact for the program. Not a surprise, but she told me that this year they’ve got the largest number of families in need. They are very flexible on how you can give. If you are interested see the details below or email Jamie Adkins at jdkins@a2gov.org. Original Post (with a few updates): Looking for a way to give back the holiday season? Sam Webb of WTKA 1050AM had on former professional golfer Debbie Williams-Hoak, one of the founders of the Ann Arbor Adopt-a-Family Program. She started this along with the Ann Arbor Police Department, and she notes that the athletic department is heavily involved. Here’s the audio of her visit to the studio, check the audio here. It’s a great way to help a local family. More importantly, here’s the details as I gathered them (I don’t think they have a website): You don’t need to adopt a whole family. They accept straight donations and gifts. You can mail checks to: Ann Arbor Police Dept 100 North Fifth Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 attn: Adopt a Family/Jamie Adkins If you want to donate a toy or want general information, contact Jamie Adkins at the Ann Arbor police department at 734-994-2858 or at jdkins@a2gov.org unless you’re…

  • WTKA Moves Huge Show to 6-8pm slot, on delay

    For those who listen to 1050AM WTKA may have noticed that the Dan Patrick Show has run the last couple days in the slot that used to be occupied by Michigan radio host Bill ‘Huge’ Simonson. WTKA has moved the Huge show out of the drive time slot and onto a 6-8pm window and on delay. I called the station to ask about the decision. Sounds like it came down to a ratings and perhaps a few complaints from listeners. While Huge is technically a local show, the frequent focus on Central Michigan athletics I think wore thin on some Ann Arborites. So they’re moving Dan Patrick into the slot. I didn’t hear Huge’s reaction to the show (because Dan Patrick was on!) and I didn’t hear the delayed show. I’m sure he’s pissed but sometimes radio hosts downplay setbacks like this. A few quickly scribbled thoughts: * I’m not a fan of the Dan Patrick show. To me, Patrick is still a witty teleprompter highlight reader and not a radio host. The cute frat boy towel whipping humor is really for the birds. * I’d prefer a local host, Huge included, cover this critical slot especially during football season. I still miss Dennis Fithian [MVictors interview] and without knowing the financials behind the decision, think it was a big…

  • Braylon’s Bad Bet

    Recall that earlier this year former Michigan WR Braylon Edwards made a friendly wager with his workout pal Michael Phelps: JUNE 26 – ANN ARBOR, MICH. …Edwards was sure this was taking his fitness to another level. So he and Phelps made a friendly wager. “For every gold you win in Beijing,” Edwards told the Olympian, “I’ve got to score two touchdowns this year.” ——— AUGUST 16 – BEREA …Phelps called Edwards from Beijing soon after he won his final gold medal and reminded him of their bet. “I got eight,” Phelps said, “so that means you’ve got to get 16 touchdowns this year.” “News flash,” Edwards said. “I did that last year. I’ll give you 17.” News flash, it’s not looking so good for Bray. His mere three touchdown catches this season with seven games remaining mean Edwards better put up a truly Phelpsian performance and haul in a couple per game from new quarterback Brady Quinn. If last night was any indication, it’s not looking to good. Quinn and Edwards hooked up just once for fifteen yards.