As if you hadn’t heard(!). I’ll say what I said before—I wish they had more specific references to history. The guy from adidas basically said that they trolled through the old team photos and found some stripes on the 1890s-era teams, and AD DB suggested that the stained glass (I think Ira has that trademarked now) design is indicative of stitching on the old block M uniforms. Fine. I would have had a design that pointed to specific elements from uniforms for a specific team or era of Michigan football history. That being said, I really like the helmets and the gray throwback facemasks. And—the jerseys definitely look much better on the players and over the shoulder pads. I think having Denard wear it for the unveiling helped—the dude can make anything look kind of cool, right? And it’s not just that they look better on the players. The shoulder-pad fitted “sleeves” are shorter on the actual uniform than in the version that the public can purchase. Thus, there are about half as many stripes and it deemphasizes that aspect of the ensemble (as do Denard’s dreads): Here’s RVB’s helmet: those are RVB’s forearms, not mohair extensions on the sleeves It’ll be interesting to see if those number decals stay on the helmet. I’m guessing a few will be displaced…
-
-
From the Heart Outing Recap
Another outstanding event benefitting C.S. Mott today on the U-M Golf Course as the folks from the Michigan From The Heart program held their annual outing. Celebrity chairs Zoltan Mesko and Anthony Thomas didn’t disappoint, hanging out with the golfers all day and offering a few words at dinner. Zoltan delivered a heartfelt speech, admitting that as a U-M student when he was first asked to visit the children up at Mott hospital, he thought first of how it might strengthen his resume’. All that quickly changed for him when he met the kids, and Zoltan got choked up talking about how important the visits became for him. Knowing what Mesko has been through is his own life, it was really touching to see him speak so passionately about From The Heart. It’s a wonderful concept and a 100% volunteer-driven charity; if you want to help check out this site. A few more pics from the day: Founders Ed (middle) and LeAnn Boullian (right), along with their daughter Channon The A Train was outstanding, chatting up the golfers. He’s in Houston now, working with the fire department PIGSKIN FROM SPACE!! Related: Plans Sunday? Support Mott, and Golf the U-M Course ‘Michigan From the Heart’ Radio (04-22 WTKA audio)
-
Plans Sunday? Support Mott, and Golf the U-M Course
[Update 6/3 12pm – . I jumped on WTKA this morning to promote the event and discuss SweaterVest McCheaty Pants, 1964, the Little Brown Jug and more. Here’s the clip: [display_podcast] Original Post: A spy told me there’s still a couple foursomes available in this Sunday’s Michigan From the Heart Golf Outing at the U-M Golf Course. Interested? Go to their dedicated website here. I’ll be there with a few former athletes and no doubt a few surprise guests. Sign up now! Registration is at 10am, shot gun start at noon. Why support this cause? The Michigan ‘Michigan From the Heart’ program, among other things, arranges for the hospital visits by U-M athletes to the kids and their families at CS Mott. Did you know the program has it roots back in 1991? Did you know that Desmond (Magic) Howard had a role in its founding? Did you know it’s a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organization? Do you know the Michigan hoops and in particular the Fab Five was heavily involved at the beginning (and many of the guys are still today)? Do you know how you can ensure this program continues for decades to come? I discussed these things and more back in April on WTKA. Hope to see you Sunday. To help: * Want to donate or get involved…
-
The Kipke Culture
Over the past few days I’ve heard many Michigan fans comparing the 1990s Ed Martin scandal to the Sweatervest mess. To me, this is much more similar to the events that led to the downfall of former Wolverine star and 1930s head coach Harry Kipke. There’s a reason why we have buildings named after Schembechler, Yost, Crisler and Oosterbaan while the Kipke surname adorns a service road/path on the athletic campus. Love this wire pic- on eBay right now Like Tressel, Kipke had early success—winning league championships in his second and third seasons before taking back-to-back national championships in 1932 and 1933. Unlike the Vest, Kipke’s fortune turned sharply midway through his coaching career including the worst stretch in Wolverine football history from 1934-1936. While it’s not clear to me when the corruption started, it’s safe to say Kipke had a bit of a system rolling when he was sacked in 1937. Along with illegal summer practice up at Ford and some sketchy associates, under Kipke’s watch incoming freshman were given “jobs” (note me also doing air finger quotes right now). According to a university report players were basically guaranteed a wage at certain jobs whether they showed up or not. The local employer was “instructed to bill another Ann Arbor firm for the time the freshman collected for not…
-
Prophecy (Mostly) Fulfilled
2008:
-
What I’m Wearing October 1
Antique Little Brown Jug pin from 1934.
-
Brandon Laughs off “Pirated” Throwback Model (Audio)
[ed. A few updates including audio] AD DB joined Ira and Sam on WTKA this morning primarily to talk about the news that U-M adding varsity lacrosse. He discussed the process involved in getting to yesterday’s announcement; an interesting view into modern college athletics. Of course the WTKA boys didn’t let Dave Brandon leave without getting some other insight. Brandon reiterated his desire to add seating and a concourse in Michigan stadium—specifically in the South end zone—when the time was right and in particular, when there is clear demand to fill those seats. (It would take the stadium capacity up to around 119,000 he says). And can you spot the throwback uniform most likely to be on Denard’s back for the Notre Dame game this fall (1980s boy band vs. unofficially leaked model)? Say Word? Brandon chuckled at the suggestion that the “model” unveiled by the Freep last week was an actual real thing. Clip: [display_podcast] Brandon quotes, on whether it is an accurate representation of what Michigan will be wearing these when they face Notre Dame. “No. [laughs] That was some kind of a pirated picture. I don’t know where that came from but that’s not what the players will be wearing.” And along with Ohio State now being Ohio, Brian Kelly is officially now “the Notre Dame coach”:…
-
Retiring #21 Gets the Heisman
Momentum seems to be building for another former M player (or 2) to have their jersey number retired, something that hasn’t happened since 1994 when we hung up President Ford’s #48. As Mike Rosenberg discussed recently, Coach Carr brought it up and supports the idea: "Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson, as winners of the Heisman Trophy, I think they are both deserving of having those jerseys retired," Carr said Wednesday. "I believe that … I think it’s an issue that is very important to Michigan football." I’m not big on retiring jerseys but if the tradition is going to continue, I’d love to see Desmond and Woodson honored. And while I don’t think there is racist intent, it’s still a bit glaring after all these years (and Heismans) that no African American is represented among those retired. So this brings me to this, and thanks to my man and local writer James Dickson (see MVictors guest posts) for allowing me to post this beauty. A while ago JD dug up this October 1997 report from Amy Whitesall of Ann Arbor News, announcing that #21 would be hung up for good: Except of course none of that ever happened. So what’s deal? The report was pretty specific (U-M board voted Tuesday…ceremony next season…) so you’ve got to believe something was seriously…
