SALINE, MICHIGAN MAY 31, 2004 The Wednesday May 26 issue of the Ann Arbor News had a piece on the disturbing state of Michigan’s basketball facility. Check out this excerpt: “At the center of Michigan’s issue is a practice facility. The men’s and women’s teams share the Crisler arena court with each other – and whatever other events are scheduled. Before leaving for the NIT tournament last March, Michigan was forced to practice at the IM building because of the 32nd annual Dance for Mother Earth PowWow at Crisler Arena.” Are you kidding me? This is the state of Michigan basketball?
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It’s Official: Required Donations for Big House Tickets
Beginning in 2005, premium seat holders will pay $115-$500 per ticket SALINE, MICHIGAN MARCH 1, 2004 In what is being called a “preferred seating program”, starting in 2005 the M will start peppering folks with premium seats with up to $500 per seat. Even Endzone seats will be required to fork over $50 per ticket. This is expected to raise an additional $9.5 million each year. Athletic director claimed that if they didn’t institute the required donation they’d have to cut eight sports (right). Folks who don’t want to pay the donation will have the option to move their seats to a place where they aren’t required to plunk so much cash. 80% of the “donation” will be tax deductible.
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Spartans Rule, Down Michigan in 2004 Hoops
Michigan State takes Wolverines in Ann Arbor ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN FEBRUARY 25, 2004 Coach Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans never lost their cool. Despite being on the road and facing a double digit deficit in the second half, MSU methodically worked their offense and put on a lock-down defense to defeat the Blue. They maintained their poise, which cannot be said for Coach Tommy Amaker’s squad. As their lead slipped away, Michigan’s offense could not seem to get off a good shot at the basket. Meanwhile the Spartans, with their sharp passing, seemed to get an open look each time down the floor, including several dunks and lay-ups. From a seat in the Maize Rage, their was no question who was the better team and the better coached team. Amaker’s critics are growing but he still deserves some slack due to the youth of the team. But Michigan will never win a Big Ten championship by simply out finessing teams with individual effort (see Fab Five). It is hoped that Amaker was taking notes.
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Tom Brady Betrays Ann Arbor Liberals?
Nobody Loves Raymond SALINE, MICHIGAN FEBRUARY 3, 2004 Yes, above is another brilliant letter that was recently printed in my hometown fish wrap, the Ann Arbor News. This is what I like to call a “stopper”. A stopper is something that appears in the newspaper that once you read it, you are unable to read or do anything else for several minutes. You kind of just stare off into the distance, trying not to freak out. Here’s another example of a stopper as reported here a few months ago. “What happened to ‘Go Blue’? !! My nerves! I believe big Ray’s last name is pronounced PISS-ant.
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Spartans Outclass Wolverines on Hardwood
Izzone plays the Erkel Card but loses Spelling bee The Michigan State Spartans easily handled Tommy Amaker’s young Wolverines 71-54 this afternoon at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Each team came out hot, exchanging three point buckets until the Spartans started to pull away at the end of the first half. Michigan hung around a while in the second half but failed to make headway into a double digit deficit. Finally State put the game well out of reach in the last few minutes. Many players contributed for each team but amazingly only one player from each team reached double digits in scoring (Paul Davis for MSU, Daniel Horton for Mich). The keys?– The play of Paul Davis. Michigan had no answer for Davis around the basket. – Michigan’s poor free throw shooting (13-21) including missing a handful of front-ends. – Mich’s 22 turnovers (a season high). – Both teams played solid defense, but State managed to work the ball around for better shots. Michigan is going to have to find a way to get better looks at the hole. – The Breslin Center is a tough place to play, with the Spartan “Izzone” and Super Fans screaming all game. Speaking of the Izzone, Kays and I spotted guy holding a sign that read “Steve and Tommy: Seperated At…
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Open Memo to Michigan Ticket Department
SALINE, MICHIGAN DECEMBER 20, 2003 Kudos to the M ticket department for its decision to allow football season ticket holders the opportunity to buy Rose Bowl tickets. Believe it or not, this has not been the case in the past. In 1997 for instance, only Victors Club members of a certain level were able to purchase tickets. Beyond that, only M Alumni Association members were able to apply for tickets, then a lottery was held after demand easily exceeded supply. Season tickets holders had no priority. This year the ticket department gave season ticket holders the right to apply for tickets. All of those that applied received up to two tickets. This was the right thing to do; season ticket holders should get some added benefit for paying hundreds of dollars for their seats, season after season.