Bo's Competitiveness Part 2

When Bo took over the helm of the University Michigan football in 1969, he wanted to defeat, Woody Hayes his hero, his mentor whom he admired greatly. With his competitiveness, and dominance tendencies, he had very little difficulty in mustering all his mental and physical resources required to defeat his friend who was also became his enemy. Bo was hired to coach football at Michigan by athletic director Don Canham. The reason that mattered most for the A.D. was to beat Ohio State’s Woody Hayes. Woody Hayes’ Ohio State Buckeyes demolished, embarrassed and humiliated. Bump Elliott’s 1968 football squad by the score of 50-14. That spanking, by Woody, resulted in the firing of the respected, dapper and beloved Coach Bump Elliott.

Early on in 1969, that Ohio State game was circled on Bo’s blackboard for all to witness. That meant one thing and one thing only -beat OSU. Bo also had his players, during practice, display the number 50 on their helmets. That 50 number symbolized and signified the previous year’s drubbing and humiliation by OSU.  He pushed his players on the practice field, running the same plays over and over until the play was run perfectly. This resulted in excessive practice demands without player mistakes-just ask Reggie McKenzie. When a mistake was made, and someone screwed up, Bo’s hostility or the result  of his fear of failure was apparent. During one practice, Quarterback Jim Betts mishandled the ball that he received from the center with a fumble. Jim didn’t fumble purposely. Bo’s hostility and anger was directed at Jim in front of his teammates. It didn’t matter that, according to Jim, that he was embarrassed nor humiliated. Bo screamed, and kicked Jim in the ass yelling, “Son of a bitch, don’t drop the dam ball again. Run the damn play.” Initially, Jim refused. But, teammate Reggie McKenzie yelled out “rope man” which was Jim’s nickname. It was only then that Jim ran the play, but, halfheartedly and only going through the motions.

Even though Bo had a terrific season and his Wolverines beat Ohio State In that classic upset 24-12, one can argue that the season, took a tremendous toll on Bo. Further, Bo’s pleasure, happiness and well-being did not last long after beating Woody’s Buckeyes or winning the trip to play in the Rose Bowl. Bo, at age 40, in fact, suffered a heart attack on the eve of that USC bowl game.

To Be Continued