This week we head back exactly 45 years to the opener of the 1969 season and a new era in Michigan Football History. It was of course the debut of Bo…and Canham’s beloved new carpet: Speaking of Canham’s carpet, I love this old shot of Dierdorf and Bo: You can catch all of the This Week in Michigan Football History clips here…And don’t forget to catch it live Saturday on the KeyBank Countdown to kick-off on WTKA 1050AM or inside the Bud Light Victors Lounge starting at 11:30am. 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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From the Den of Michigan’s Mellow Men? (1969)
It sure looks authentic but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one before. Take a look at this 1969 Big Ten Championship Ring currently up for bid: Better resolution pics and descriptions available on the auction page, the seller is asking for $3,500 Buy it Now and is soliciting other offers. As I always do on these ring auctions, I’ll lead with the disclaimer that a) we don’t know if any of what the sellers claims are true, b) we don’t know the circumstances of how the ring ended up with the seller and c) don’t assume anything and d) don’t judge. That said…this is quite a specimen for sure and I’m guessing there’s a collector or two out there that would love to have this. This is of course would be part of the spoils of Bo’s legendary 24-12 shocker over Woody & the Buckeyes in Schembechler’s first season in Ann Arbor. On top of all that, the seller claims this ring originally belonged to one of the famous “Mellow Men” on the 1969 team. Here’s an excellent refresher on the Mellow Men via the great “Touchdown” Billy Taylor from mgoblue.com: “The Den of Mellow Men” Billy Taylor / 1969-71 Letterman When I came to Michigan, I was part of the largest collection of black athletes ever at the…
