It has been reported that Bo Schembechler
understood people and was a true “psychologist. “ In fact, he inherited a group
of young men who loved the game of football. In order to work with the ones that
loved the game, the most, he weeded out the others by incorporating extremely
harsh physical means with brutal practices and scrimmages. Schembechler knew
and believed that man has many needs and requires goal fulfilment. And, the
human motivational system works as a result of tension that can either be
generated or reduced [goal completion]. He also knew that one major attainment
goal of these young men was playing football for the University of Michigan.
Psychologist Schembechler knew that his players
had needs of Abasement [accepting of
blame or criticism during practices and games-in fact, the players were graded
on their play or performance in games]; Achievement [to overcome obstacles, to excel
and surpass others-competition with a fellow teammate or an opposing
player-making first string; when Jim Brandstatter made a key block and then knew he could do the job];
Affiliation [loyalty with teammates-Mike Keller referred to it as a Band of
Brothers]; Aggression [overcoming opposition and oppose forcefully-dominate-
Reggie McKenzie wanted to destroy his opponents]; Counteraction [overcoming
weakness and maintaining self-respect-practice, practice, practice-to run the
play correctly]; Deference [to admire a superior-Thom Darden playing physical
basketball with the position coaches with Gary Moeller]; Dominance [to control
one’s environment-to win the game-especially against the Buckeyes]; Exhibition [to make an impression-Tom Curtis being recognized
by legend Benny Oosterbaan]; Order [to achieve precision-running that play over
and over in practice]; Succorance [to be loved, guided by their coach-Fritz
Seyferth new coach Schembechler loved and cared about him and his players because,
this coach remembered what they had told him].
Schembechler also knew that he could, by his
practices, place physical and emotional [attention to detail, and discipline] barriers
in the way of his players, thereby supporting their needs and as result, either
increasing as well as decreasing their tension systems. That way, once their
needs were met their satisfaction and goal activity would be enhanced like no
other. Just ask Brandstatter, Keller, Curtis, Darden, Betts, McKenzie, and
Seyferth about their experience, their self-esteem and their identity with
coach. I bet coach Gary Moeller would also agree. Further, ask Jim Harbaugh as
well.
The Michigan story goes on. One has to be there
to experience it. Just go to the Big House and you’ll know what I mean. Go Blue
Go!
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