Saturday, October 18, 2014

Go Blue Go-An Excerpt From the New Book Bo's Warriors

Part two

Within their team practices and group drills, the teammates began to identify with each other, and developed unity; their goals became interdependent, and in the process they formed aspirations and expectations together. And, as the teammates began to identify highly with the group and its goals, they gained camaraderie and satisfaction with the attainment of a goal. Even under certain circumstances, failure to meet a group goal also increased group bonding (as in that early-season loss to rival Michigan State). And when the teammates easily accepted a common goal (i.e. executing and minimizing mistakes of the I formation) and supported the actions required to reach it (practice, practice; drill, drill, drill), teammates felt great and recognized contributions of their teammates (a solid block, a hard hit, or a key interception).

And team unity also positively influenced the personalities, each player developed. As individuals, they became less self-centered, more giving. Simply, they cared about each other. And what Schembechler knew well was that membership in the group was paramount for security, achievement, competitiveness, and status. The team became “we” - forget about “I” or “me.” So, when Fritz  Seyferth, a fullback, began sharing duties with a sophomore, he didn’t complain or say “Poor me.” Instead, he continued to work hard for the team.

Reggie McKenzie told the story about Preston Henry during one spring practice. On that day, Henry, a running back, had to practice on offensive maneuvers for both the first and second string offense for some 130 plays or so. “After practice, everyone ran sprints. Even Preston Henry. We all felt sorry for him. Absolutely no one on the team would have been upset if Preston Henry was excused from running wind sprints.”

With newfound cohesiveness, Michigan was able to mobilize its energies in their support of the group goals, which were to prepare physically (even if doing exhausting, unintelligible exercises like “slap and stomp”), so that on-field performance (a win) became second to none. Solidarity was important and expressed by the final core players who didn’t quit or leave the team. There was a sign on the wall that encouraged this ethos. It read, jokingly,  “Those who stay will be champions. (One player who left the team named John Prusiecki added jokingly, “Those who leave will be captains of industry, lawyers, and doctors.”)


To be continued.

PS


Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Wolverines Win The Wolverines Win

Well, the Wolverines came from behind and won the game-Michigan 18, and Penn State 13. From the very beginning, when past Michigan footballers took the field to support Brady Hoke and the team that showed, Michigan’s character. To have past players support this program is a good thing to see. There has been a ton of negative publicity and I hope the critics understand the importance of having its former players stand behind current players. It means, it is Michigan true and simple.

As far as the game, it seems clear that Michigan’s defense played a terrific second-half for the win. The line play, linebackers and secondary played well. Hopefully, the coaches can build on the player’s confidence for the next game against Michigan State-a big rivalry
.
Also in the second half, Gardner, left the game, limping. That, limp was not a good sign as far as the Michigan offense was concerned. At least the third string quarterback did not make any major mistakes, and Michigan was able to kick a field goal.

Then, Gardner returned to the game even though he still was limping. However, his play was inspiring and he demonstrated both mental and physical toughness. Hats off to Gardner. His leadership was paramount and highly significant in the win.
The losing streak ended. Well, next week is a bye.

Go Blue!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Go Blue Go

                                            Go Blue Go                              
An Excerpt From the New Book  Bo’s Warriors  :

 Bo  Schembechler And The Transformation Of Michigan Football
  By Frank Lieberman
On Saturday, November 22, the University of Michigan hosted the Ohio State University Buckeyes in Ann Arbor in front of 103,588 fans. Woody Hayes, was the coach of the nation’s unbeaten (in 22 games), defending national champion top- ranked college football team. Some called them the greatest team of all time and compared them to the Minnesota Vikings, the NFL’s gold standard at the time. Hayes believed this team was one of his best, if not his all-time best. If the Buckeyes were Goliath, then, the Wolverines were David. Then again, you know what happened between David and Goliath.
Even though they were the home team, the Wolverines were 17- point underdogs going into the game. Michigan had suffered two early-season losses, but had since been on a roll and entered the game with a 7-2 record. They were led by a young, first-year coach named Bo Schembechler. Coach Schembechler told his team that if they couldn’t remember Schembechler, “just call me Bo.” Previously, coach Schembechler had been a head coach of Miami of Ohio, known as a hotbed of coaching talent. He brought with him young, talented, energetic and intelligent football minds in assistants. Gary Moeller , Jim Young, Chuck Stobart, Jerry Hanlon, and Rick Hunter  among others. These coaches also had experience as high school head coaches, which some believe contributed to their understanding of how to better communicate, teach and motivate athletically gifted young men.
Bo was described by many as a psychological genius because of his ability to understand, teach, motivate, and underscore the importance of “team” to his players. He drilled the concept of teamwork over and over again, which resulted in the cohesion of his squads .It as about the team, the team, and the team. These young men became psychologically part of a group to which they belonged (what he called “bonded teammates”). As a result, for example, Mike Taylor, a defensive All-American specialist, got on Reggie McKenzie an offensive All- American stalwart, for dogging it during practice drills. He said to Reggie, “Come on, they’re watching you. Don’t go through the motions.”
Source: The Wolverine ,October ,2014

To Be Continued

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines

The controversy regarding Brady Hoke continues. I guess the only thing that might stop the noise is winning. In fact, I saw an online poll that had to do with when Hoke might be terminated. Also, there was an article regarding the number of potential recruits that have decided to go elsewhere. All this noise although expected is not good to say the least. On the other hand, even though the San Francisco 49ers are winning, there is speculation that head coach Jim Harbaugh will leave the Niners at season’s end.

If coach Harbaugh leaves the Niners, I wonder if he would return to his alma mater. Jim was an All-American and a co-captain while playing there. In fact, the other co-captain for the University of Michigan was Andy Moeller, Gary Moeller’s son. Andy is currently coaching in the NFL. Jim Tombaugh has been a winner as a player in college football, and in the NFL. Further, he has been a winner as a coach in college and also in the NFL. Would he ever return to coach for the University Michigan? If he did, I know he would be a good fit. Incidentally, Jim’s father Jack coached at the University Michigan and for Jim to return as head coach would be something. What do you think?


Go Blue Go!

Monday, October 6, 2014

How Much Time Does Brady Hoke Have?

Unfortunately, the University of Michigan lost its third consecutive football game on Saturday. This time, the score was Rutgers 26 and the Wolverines 24. In their loss to Utah and Minnesota, they were simply outplayed and likely out coached. Although I didn’t see the Rutgers game, the score suggests that Michigan was in the game to the end. For the past few weeks, the media has been relentless, with its desire to remove Coach Brady Hoke and A.D. Dave Brandon. The apparent concussion to sophomore quarterback Shane Morris in the Minnesota game brought more negative criticism and media outrage. Should Brady Hoke, go along with Dave Brandon? If there is going to be a coaching change during the season, it would likely happen during Michigan’s bye week.

Let’s go back to 1968, when there was a coaching change. In 1968, the Michigan Wolverines finished the season with eight victories and two defeats. However, the last defeat of the season was to the Ohio State Buckeyes-the big rival. During that game, the halftime score was Ohio State 21, and Michigan 14. It seemed that Michigan was still in the game. By the end of the game, it was Ohio State 50 and Michigan 14. In fact, Coach Woody Hayes went for a two-point conversion on their last touchdown. When asked why he went for two points, he replied, “Because I couldn’t go for three.”
At the time, Michigan’s football coach was Bump Elliott. Elliott was an All-American, a Rose Bowl winner as a player, and in fact, even coached his Wolverine’s to a Rose Bowl win. Coach Elliott was loved by all, especially the players he recruited. He also impressed the parents of his recruits by being well-dressed, polite, sincere and speaking, impeccable English.

The athletic director was Don Canham, a track and field All-American, as well as a track coach, whose team set world records. Canham apparently had no difficulty in removing Bump Elliott, as head coach and replacing him with the rough and tough Bo Schembechler.

Perhaps, if Canham was A.D. today, he would have no difficulty removing Coach Brady Hoke. Everyone agrees that Brady Hoke is a nice guy. When A.D. Canham hired Bo, he wasn’t looking for a nice guy. He was looking for a no-nonsense tough as nails coach like Bo Schembechler. However, this is 2014 and not 1968. What is certain at this point, is the story goes on. Keep tuned for developments.

Friday, October 3, 2014

The Wolverines Are In Trouble

Last week, Linda and I were in Ann Arbor for our book launch. During that week, Mike Keller, Linda and I had a private meeting with Dave Brandon the athletic director. He seemed relatively calm despite the media uproar. Keller reminded Dave that the 1969 team’s record was two wins and two losses going into the Minnesota game. Not only that, Michigan was behind 9-7 at the half. And from then on the transformation of Michigan football began.
Also during the week, I presented along with Coach Brady Hoke for the Ann Arbor alumni and was on his and Jim Brandstatter’s radio show. There were a series of questions about the Minnesota offense. Coach Hoke made it clear that the Gophers had a formidable running attack, and really didn’t need to pass much for their victories. Also, the Gophers head football coach hadn’t announced, who would be their starting quarterback. Apparently one quarterback was a better passer and the other a better all-around quarterback. So, Michigan, was aware of their running attack. Coach Hoke declined to name his starting quarterback, and verbalized a lot of positives about his players.
Would Coach Hoke bench Gardner, and insert sophomore quarterback Shane Morris? It appeared that Morris was a better drop back quarterback, but that Gardner was much more athletic and explosive. Both Coach Hoke and AD Brandon appear to be likable. Is that enough in today’s football world of college sports?
Prior to Saturday’s game, Linda and I attended Richard Caldarazzo’s tailgate. Some of the players like Reggie McKenzie, Fritz Seyferth Mike Keller, Bruce Elliott, Jim Betts, and so forth where there along with Coach Dick Hunter and trainer Lindsy McLean. Then we headed to the game. There was a crowd of little over 102,000 which was below capacity. The biggest cheer was when it was announced that Michigan was ranked the number one public university in the country. Also, getting big applause was when the 1969 and 1964 teams were introduced along with the various Michigan conference champions, especially the basketball team.
There was not much to cheer about during that game. In the first half, the score was tied 7-7 and Minnesota had the ball on about their 2 yard line with a few minutes left in the half. They drove down the field, and kicked a field goal at the end of the half to take a 10-7 lead. Would the second half provide the same magic as did the 1969 team?
Well, the third-quarter was disastrous for the Wolverines. As I recall, they did not have any positive yardage either running or passing.  The game was clearly over by the end of the third-quarter. Michigan had serious trouble and difficulty either running or passing. The Wolverines also could not stop the balanced, Minnesota running the football or throwing the football attack.
Gardner entered the game in the fourth quarter when Morris was injured. And then when Gardner, lost his helmet on a play (according to the rules, the player has to leave the field) and Morris came in for one play. From the stands. It appeared that Morris had a possible leg injury, but now were told he had a possible concussion. More bad news for the Wolverines.
I must admit that I’m worried about tomorrow’s game with Rutgers. However, I’m still a fan.

Go Blue Go!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Go Blue

Linda and I just returned from Michigan, where we launched my new book, “Bo’s Warriors” Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. We started with a Barnes & Noble book signing with Mike Keller in Grand Rapids, on 9/21 and from there headed towards Ann Arbor. On 9/22. I presented to the Ann Arbor, Michigan Alumni along with Coach Brady Hoke. I was joined by Mike Keller, Jim Betts, and Jim Brandstatter. The next day, on 9/23, I did a Barnes & Noble book signing in Shelby Township. On Wednesday morning Sam Webb interviewed Mike Keller, Jim Betts and I on his radio talk show. That evening I was a guest on Jim Brandstatter and the Brady Hoke radio show, and was joined by Mike Keller, and Jim Betts. Thursday evening I was joined by Thom Darden, Jim Brandstatter, Mike Keller, and Jim Betts for a book signing at the M Den in Ann Arbor. Earlier in the day Coach Gary Moeller signed books as well. On Sunday the 28th, Fritz Seyferth joined me for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Northville.

The experience with the players was simply joy. I had a fun time and was on such a high. It is clear that these players from the 1969 historic Michigan team like each other. It is also clear that they bonded as a team and that connection is still strong. One memory was at the M Den signing. In my book, I titled Jim Brandstatter as the Duke. He is funny and quite the entertainer. The joy, the laughing was contagious. Jim does impersonations especially of John Wayne. He also initiated singing popular rock ‘n roll songs of the 60s. And of course, Jim Betts, Thom Darden and Mike Keller embellished along the way.

I am very blessed that I got the opportunity to meet and write about these guys. In the process, they have become friends. And that my friends is my real reward for writing this book.

Go Blue!