The amazing imprinting created by Bo
Schembechler, his staff and his classy 1969 Wolverines, especially on that
Saturday in November, in Ann Arbor was never duplicated. Even some who achieved All Pro, Hall of Fame, Super Bowl rings or played in
the NFL like Jim Mandich, Dan Dierdorf, Reggie McKenzie, Thom Darden, Tom
Curtis, Mike Keller and others still talk about Bo, and their unparalleled
college playing days, both on and off the field. They knew how to party
together despite racial, cultural, or socioeconomic differences. They agreed
and said that nothing came close to what happened in the magic of Ann Arbor.
They remain close, even though that experience was some 42 tor 45 years ago. In
fact, Jim Mandich, the holder of two Super Bowl rings with the undefeated Miami
Dolphins, stated the highlight of his career was the 1969 Michigan victory over
Ohio State.
Will there ever be another Bo Schembechler?
Will there ever be anything like the infamous 10 year war between Bo and Woody?
Maybe, or maybe not. Perhaps, Jim Harbaugh [All-American quarterback, and
Heisman contender, college and NFL coach] and Urban Meyer [3 national
championships] can generate something similar or even surpass the
competitiveness of yesteryear. Remember, Bo played for, and coached for Woody
Hayes. So the protégé wanted to best his mentor. On the other hand, Jim
Harbaugh played for Bo and has been shaped by him. Urban Meyer already has had
great success in the college coach, and is an admirable coaching foe. Time will
reveal more about their battles. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit
Schembechler Hall in Ann Arbor which is located near the athletic department
and the Big House in order to learn more about the history of Michigan football.
Let the party continue and the legend of Bo grow.
On a side note, I would like to point out that on
Saturday, November 28, 2015, Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes are coming to Ann Arbor. On
that date, they might be the number one ranked team in the country with a winning
streak of 23 games. Wouldn’t that be
amazing if that happened? And, if Jim Harbaugh’s underdog Wolverines won that
game, I would be speechless.
Go Blue!
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