Brady Hoke, Chris Cristie,Vitamins and Job Security

  Brady Hoke, Chris Christie and vitamins

  Well, today started with a bang. Early this morning, I was interviewed by Warren Pierce of radio station W JR -760 on your dial. During that interview, I talked about Bo Schembechler’s competitiveness during the tumultuous 1960s. Warren was not aware of Michigan’s Mellow Men (Thom Darden, Reggie McKenzie, Mike Oldham and Glenn Doughty, Butch Carpenter, Billy Taylor and Mike Taylor    ) and the fact that Coach Bump Elliott facilitated the rental of that house for these players. I also mentioned that this group of seven men, with Coach Schembechler’s approval, blocked the entrance to the engineering building on campus. The interview time went by so quickly but it was so much fun.

WJR has very special meaning for me. For me, a good portion of my time in early childhood was spent listening to the radio since we didn’t have a TV. As a youngster, listening to the radio, i.e. Lone Ranger, the Shadow, and The Green Hornet etc. was very important in my developing years. Aside from these programs, I also listened to sports, and grew up with announcer Van Patrick.  Patrick was an honorary member of my family. I was a fan of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Red Wings. The Detroit Pistons were not in town yet.

So thinking about WJR brought back special memories about growing up in Detroit. Even then, sports were extremely important to me. In fact, reading John R Tunis, the author of stories about sports, was also a favorite activity of mine. I read about sports, I listened on the radio to professional sports, and I played unorganized sports in and around my neighborhood. Having the opportunity to go back to my roots, so to speak, was terrific and that started my day.

Then, the stage was set for the Ohio State and Michigan, big game held in Columbus, Ohio. On Michigan’s first possession, Gardner, threw an interception and the Buckeyes scored quickly. Michigan then scored two touchdowns and held the lead until about two minutes, going into the half. However, Ohio State’s quarterback ran for a touchdown, tying the score, leaving little time on the clock. In the third quarter, the Buckeyes received the ball and scored, taking the lead. Michigan came back to score, making it a game until the Buckeyes put the game away in the fourth quarter.

ABC’s announcers were talking about that more than likely this is Brady Hoke’s last game as Michigan’s coach. Maybe Brady Hoke should have taken Chris Christie’s advice. According to an article in The New York Times Magazine November 23, 2014, Christie takes vitamins and lap- band surgery for his health. Brady, if you had done as Chris Christie, perhaps your health and job security would be more secure.

Well, I just completed another 6 ½ miles today and thus totaled a little more than 75 miles of running this past seven day week. I take vitamins, but I also exercise, rest and utilize recreation for my health. And as I say in closing, keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, loving and appreciating.

Go Blue! There is always next year.

Born in Detroit

"Living well and beautifully and justly are all one thing." – Socrates

  My 75^th Birthday

Tuesday was my last trail run in my first 74 years. My trail run today was about 12 ½ miles. I decided to take Tony’s advice and run for at least 57(reversing number 75) miles for the week. On Sunday, I ran a little over 21 miles and a little over 6 miles on Monday. So in my first three days of the week, I totaled over 40 miles. My birthday run today will total 8 to 10 miles with Madhu. That means, I will easily reach my goal of over 57 miles on “Turkey Day.”

After a good couple months of easy running, I’m starting to increase my mileage for 2015. On New Year’s Day,  I have registered for a 10 mile trail run (Resolution Run). I also registered for a 50 K (Jed Smith) for February 7, 2015. In December, I plan to register for a 50 K (Way Too Cool) held March 2015.

I must admit I been somewhat distracted as a result of the marketing of Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. There have been presentations to the University of Michigan Alumni Association, radio interviews, etc. But now I have to get more serious with my running.

Activities associated with my book have been fun, but simply running on the trail has been a way of life for me. It has provided me with excellent health, friendship and pleasure. In other words, it’s been good for my physical and mental health.

Life has been good as I figured out what works for me. In closing, keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, loving and appreciating. Further, beat Ohio State.

   Go Blue!

The Warren Pierce Show -WJR Radio

While watching Monday night football with Chris and Tony, I brought up the fact that I beat Tony to Cool the day before, even though he took a slightly longer running route. Both Chris and I were delighted that I beat him. After that discussion was over, Tony told me the trail he wanted to run for the next day and I agreed.

Tuesday is our typical running day. As we were heading out to run this morning, he told me he would race me to the wooden bridge at Brown’s bar. Again, he knew that I would likely take a shorter trail. I asked him why he didn’t tell me the night before that he wanted to race. He replied that he didn’t want me to worry and lose a night’s sleep over it. Then he admitted that he wanted to see how he would feel in the morning.

Well, on our race, I heard him coming up behind me, and he caught me prior to the wooden bridge. He was pleased and I was less pleased. I might add that there was plenty of laughter on Monday evening and Tuesday morning regarding our discussion. In essence, we laugh a lot at our idiosyncrasies. Further, Chris was about a 2: 25 marathoner; and Tony and I are still waiting to experience the “runners high.” As far as we are concerned, it’s simply a myth. We all laugh about that also.

On Another note, I was pleasantly informed that I was invited to be on The Warren Pierce Show, Saturday, November 29^th at 7:50 AM on station WJR. For those that don’t know, I’ll be talking about my book “Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football” prior to the Michigan, Ohio State rivalry game. Hopefully, Michigan will pull the upset like they did 45 years ago against the Buckeyes. Make sure you tune in Saturday morning to the show.

 I must admit that I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, listening to WJR, since my family didn’t receive a television set until I was roughly an adolescent. So, I listened to the radio stations WJR, WWJ and WXYZ. Anyway, I’m likely to have many dreams this week that pertain to Detroit.

In the meantime, keep moving, smiling, laughing, bonding, loving and appreciating. Don’t forget, Go Blue!

What do the Oakland Raiders and Michigan Wolverines have in Common ?

One might say that the Wolverine offense is offensive

 Congratulations go to the Oakland Raiders for their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last Thursday. Prior to that game, the Oakland Raiders ranked number 32 in the league as far as the yards gained on the ground (rushing). They were simply last in the entire league. The first string running back was Darren McFadden whom they a re-signed with a one-year contract.  They paid a lot of money for free agent Maurice Jones-Drew their second string running back.  Some faulted the offensive line for not providing the holes for these two outstanding running backs. Another interesting statistic was that first year quarterback Derek Carr was not sacked very often. The reason given was that Carr released the ball quickly, making it difficult for the defense to sack him. There were not many that credited the offensive line play of Donald Penn, Gabe Jackson, Stefen Wisniewski, Austin, Howard or Khalif Barnes. The Raiders won loss record was 0-10.

Then, last Thursday they played the Chiefs. In the second quarter, they inserted third string running back Latavius Murray. Well, Murray scored the first rushing touchdown that the Chiefs had allowed this season. Then, he ran 90 yards for another touchdown against the Chiefs. Murray scored two touchdowns and the Chiefs then allowed their first two touchdowns. All in all, Murray ran for 112 yards in four carries before going out of the game as a result of a concussion.

Now, did the Raiders offensive line play just get better against the number one ranked defense in the NFL? Or, perhaps, Murray has a better skill set that fits with the Raiders line play. If Murray becomes eligible to play next week, I’ll bet we’ll see more of that third string running back.

Some might say, what does this have to do with the offensive woes of the Michigan Wolverines? I’m suggesting, that the Wolverine coaches have not utilized quarterback Devin Gardner’s skill set. Statistically, there are 128 Division I teams playing football.  The Wolverines rank 113 in passing yards; 114 in total yards; 111 scoring and 116 in passing efficiency (whatever that means).

Devin Funchess played liked an All-American wide receiver early in the season but whose play lately has been disappointing. Early on, the magazine, The Wolverine, had on the cover Funchess catching a pass.  On the side, had the title “One to Watch.” Underneath was the following description: Junior Devin Funchess Is a Big Part of U of M’s Young Emerging Wide Receiver Group.  That was the October 2014, edition. I’ll bet the December 2014 cover would have a different picture with a different story. I’m still waiting for wide receivers to emerge. How about you?

All in all, there are additional problems as evidenced by the record. Perhaps a new A.D. and a different head coach might right the sinking ship. Bo Schembechler did it in his first season with players, recruited by Bump Elliott. Can lightning strike twice in the same spot? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, Go Blue Go!

Jimmy Hackett,Brady Hoke and Michigan Football

Jimmy Hackett the interim athletic director at University Michigan is reported to have said that he will decide on Brady Hoke’s future. And that decision would likely come after the end of the season, or after a bowl game. Well, if one is pounding nails into Brady Hoke’s coffin, one less nail is left. Today, the Wolverines in front of a few of the fans were tied at halftime 9-9 with the Maryland Terrapins. The Wolverines took the lead, in the third-quarter, but lost the game on a fourth quarter score 23-16.

It would seem that it would take a miracle victory against Ohio State next week at the Big House in order to save Brady Hoke’s job. Although a football miracle happened 45 years ago on this date, I don’t expect it to happen next week. In 1969, the Wolverines were on a roll as they were demolishing their opponents after a mediocre 3-2 start under first-year head coach Bo Schembechler. That team came together in the second half of the Minnesota game, and nothing could stop them, not even the undefeated number one ranked Buckeyes. That special Wolverines team had marvelous talent, the will, and players with great character. Coach Schembechler’s team was very cohesive when they played those Buckeyes. Bo also had the unconditional support of the first year A.D. Don Canham. And with that victory, it started the transformation of Michigan football

.

The 2014 team under Coach Brady Hoke does not have that A.D.’s support. This year’s team against good teams have not looked very impressive offensively. In fact, last year, the team could score some points as evidenced by their scores in the Indiana, and Ohio State game. Brady Hoke is a good human being and a well-liked. His team has practiced and played hard according to Coach Gary Moeller. But, obviously something is missing. Coach Hoke needs some sort of miracles and/or divine intervention to keep his job.

I support him, but would fully understand if he was let go. Good luck Brady and your Wolverines next week. Hopefully the ball bounces your way.

Go Blue Go!

A Win for the Raiders, Charles Woodson and Rich Eisen

  Oakland Raiders, Charles Woodson and Rich Eisen

I just finished watching the Oakland Raiders play the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming into the game, the Raiders had a 0-10 won loss record while Kansas City had a 7-3 record. The Chiefs were heavily favored to win that game, even though it was played in Oakland, California. Although Oakland had not won a game this year, I thought their play had improved. I even believed they might upset the Chiefs. The game was mostly played in rain like conditions.

The Raiders had not won a game in about a year. And this was the first time they had the lead (14 – 3) at halftime in quite some time. The Chiefs tied the game and took the lead in the second half until the Raiders scored, giving them the lead, with approximately 2   minutes left to play. The Raiders won the game and the players and crowd erupted in joy. There were a lot of smiling faces.  It was neat to see the victory since I am a Raider fan.

I was pleased 17 seasons ago when the Raiders selected Charles Woodson as their first pick in the draft. I especially enjoy seeing Michigan players doing well in the NFL, especially with the Raiders. During this game, the play-by-play announcers talked about Charles Woodson’s skill as a player and marveled.

After the game, Charles Woodson came on the set and was interviewed by Marshall Falk, Dion  Sanders, Michael Irvin and Rich Eisen. For those of you who do not know, Rich Eisen is a Michigan fan and plugs the Wolverines with every opportunity. He loves talking about Woodson and of course, Tom Brady.

Rich Eisen asked Charles Woodson If he thought Wolverines had a chance to beat the Buckeyes as Woodson’s Raiders beat the Chiefs. And Woodson said the affirmative. The Wolverines could use Woodson in their defensive backfield against Ohio State.

In any event, it was great viewing your underdog team become victorious. Hopefully, that’ll happen at the end of the month against the Buckeyes. Remember what happened in 1969.

Go Blue!

Recruiting Charles Woodson,Tom Brady and Steve Hutchinson

  Recruiting Charles Woodson and Tom Brady

 Perhaps one of the significant reasons for the University of Michigan’s lack of success on the gridiron relates to its recruits since 1997. In 1997, Lloyd Carr’s third year as head coach, Michigan won the Big Ten, won the Rose Bowl, and was the number one ranked team in the country, according to the AP. On that team, 31, of its players went on to play in the NFL. Of those 31, Tom Brady, Steve Hutchinson and Charles Woodson are likely to wind up in the NFL Hall of Fame. That doesn’t mean that players like Jeff Backus, Brian Griese, Dhani Jones, Anthony Thomas among others didn’t have successful careers.

So it’s safe to say that Coach Carr had a wealth of talent on that team just  like Coach Bo Schembechler had on his 1969 team. Nowadays, ESPN rates ,by position, high school football players. Just read the Bleacher report to find out about all the recruits not attending the University of Michigan. It’s also safe to say, that there will not be a plethora of this year’s players on the current roster that will make it to the NFL.

It appears that Michigan is losing the recruiting battle for the top recruits in football, and likely basketball as well. So, the athletic department has its work to do and must do a better job with its  recruiting program. That means not only the AD and staff but to enlist the assistance of alumni all over the country.

When Bo was coach, he had the athletic department and important alumni members in various states reaching out to the recruits. Not only that, Pres. Gerald Ford also reached out to young potential Wolverines. It seems to me that the alumni have to get on the same page, and work in concert with the athletic department. That means coordination and  things like persistence and utilizing social media as well as all other available resources. Let’s get top-notch players with good character.

In the delightful movie Field of Dreams a line from the movie was “build the field and they will come.” We have the Big House, we have to build and improve the message and utilize all the resources of our great institution. Let’s do it.

Go Blue!