Memories of the Michigan and Michigan State Rivalry

Personal Memories of the Great Rivalry Between Michigan and Michigan State

 Today, the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State continues. This rivalry is very special and brings me back to the late 1950s. In 1959, I visited Michigan State with Ed Budde and Ted Guthard during that winter. One of the things I remember is the radio commercial “if you want my advice sir, use deicer.” That was a Standard Oil, advertisement back then.

Once at the campus in East Lansing, we were met by fellow Denby High School football players, Larry Hudas, Mitch Newman, and Jim Haslip. Larry was heavily recruited by Duffy Daugherty and introduced me to Duffy, along with one of their position coaches named Burt Smith.

Larry, had competition, as Herb Adderley and Gary Ballman were also running backs. Herb played for the Green Bay Packers and Gary went on and played tight end with the New York Giants in the NFL.  Ed Budde played both ways for the Spartans and was a number one draft pick for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Ed chose to go to the AFL and played 14 years with the Chiefs. He is still president of their alumni Association.

Two years ago, I did book signings, “It Has Nothing to Do with Age” in Kansas City with Ed and met his buddy Conrad Dobler, “Pride and Perseverance.” To share with you a couple of connections is the following. Connie Dobler was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and was part of that illustrious line that featured Dan Dierdorf. Connie and Dan are good friends. Further, Jim Brandstatter’s brother Art was a teammate at Michigan State with Ed, Larry, Mitch, Jim and Ted.

Reggie McKenzie was all pro with the Buffalo Bills and his buddy was Michigan State’s Joe DeLamielleure. Reggie and Joe were part of the “electric company” as they turned on the juice. Simply put, they were the keys, when OJ Simpson broke the NFL rushing record. For another connection, my high school football coach Ed Rutherford became the freshman coach at Michigan State. According to Reggie, Ed told him that he didn’t think he was Michigan State material. I told the story to Ed Budde and he couldn’t believe that Rutherford told Reggie, that.

So, at one time I must admit that I rooted for the Spartans when they played Michigan. I now have switched alliances and root for the Wolverines. Let the better team win.

PS

For an autographed copy of Bo’s Warriors, go to the link.

Fun With the Reunion and Book Launch

Last month in September, Linda accompanied me on my Bo’s Warriors book tour. On 18^th of September, we were in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where we met none other than, Thom Darden. Thom was an All-American and an all Pro with the Cleveland Browns. He is both their single season and career interception leader. In the Michigan, Ohio State game of 1971, Thom made an interception that ESPN called “one of the plays that signifies college football. Ohio State’s, Woody Hayes went nuts and received not one but two 15 yard penalties. He wanted to pass interference call and attempted to get referee Bill Quimby fired. Referee Quimby later officiated in the NFL as well. Thank goodness, Linda took a picture of Bill Quimby at that Barnes & Noble book signing. You can find a picture of Darden, making that interception in my book.

On September 22, Linda and I were in Ann Arbor. We met the Michigan alumni at Weber’s Inn in Ann Arbor. Coach Brady Hoke (in the white shirt) was the main speaker. Mike Keller (gray suit), Jim Betts (dark shirt) and I followed Brady Hoke at the podium. There are also pictures of Jim Brandstatter (voice of the Lions and the Wolverines in dark suit), me, Keller (64^th draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl champions), and Jim Betts (drafted by the New York Jets), eating and signing books. Linda took six pictures at that event.

Frank,Mike Keller, Coach Brady Hoke & Jim Betts

Mike Keller,Jim Betts, Frank and Jim Brandstatter-M Club

On September 24, Linda and I attended the Jim Brandstatter (M shirt)-Brady Hoke radio show. After Brady Hoke spoke, Mike Keller (dark jacket) and I spoke. Jim Betts (white-striped shirt) accompanied us. There’s also a picture of Kathleen (radio producer), and the Little Brown Jug. All in all, there are five pictures.  

The M Den was the venue for 25th of September. Mike Keller (gray suit), Jim Brandstatter (white shirt), Thom Darden (white shirt), Jim Betts (light blue shirt) accompanied Linda and I for that book signing. Darden, Keller and Brandstatter were in the same sophomore class and were part of that 1969, upset against Ohio State. Jim Betts, was a junior that season. These players have so much fun together and for me it was one of the highlights. They laughed, joked, put each other down and told stories. The Duke (Brandstatter) did his impersonations and started off with a number of Motown hits from the 60s and 70s. That event was so much fun for me. There are five pictures.

Mike Keller,Frank& Jim talking to M Club

Thom Darden,Linda and Jim Betts at M Den in Ann arbor

There is one picture that was taken, in Charlevoix, Michigan, on September 20. I am talking to an employee in the bookstore with my sister Bev listening to our conversation. My sister lives in Connecticut and came in for one of our family, reunions. We have a number of cousins from the Detroit area. That weekend was a blast as well.

We are signing rapidly while Coach Hoke has the floor

Kathleen producer of Brandstatter-Hoke radio show-Little Brown jug

Jim Betts drafted by NY Jets

Betts,Brandstatter & Frank

Keller,64th pick by Dallas Cowboys,Thom Darden All Pro with Cleveland Browns,Brandstatter radio voice of Detroit Lions and the Wolverines

Betts,Keller, Darden ,Brandstatter & Frank at M Den

Brandstatter (Duke) and me

At Brandstatters radio show in Ann Arbor

Frank,Bev and sales person in Charlevoix book store

Jim Brandstatter,Frank, Mike Keller & Jim Betts at U of M Alumni function in Ann Arbor

Bill Quimby in Cedar rapids ,Iowa at B&N signing

Coach Brady Hoke U of M Club

Jim Betts,Mike Keller,Frank & Jim Brandstatter at U of M club luncheon

Mike Keller ,Jim Betts & Frank at Brandstatter-Hoke radio show

Remember to keep laughing, smiling, loving, bonding and appreciating because it’s good for you.

Part Three

Go Blue Go

An Excerpt from the New Book Bo’s Warriors

Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football

Roughly, 75 to 80 players stayed with the team. They may have complained about some of the tactics employed by Bo, but they stayed. Along the way, one or two of them would be talked out of quitting the team-Reggie McKenzie, for one. McKenzie went through a spell thinking that Bo was unfairly on his back. He was reminded by his family, “McKenzie men do not quit.” And from that point on, Reggie showed Bo his character. He told himself, “I’m not going to let Bo beat me.”

These young men became strongly motivated to contribute to the team’s welfare and advance its objectives instead of their own individual achievements. They bonded on the field and off. They roomed together, took the same classes, socialized, partied, got fixed up on dates by roommates, worked at the same places in the off-season, pledged the same fraternities, boycotted the same classes, and collectively they became inspired together. They were a part of something much larger than themselves (for one thing, University of Michigan’s gridiron history). And with a campus undergoing serious racial unrest in the 1960s, according to Jim Brands tatter, told them, “we are one race-Michigan football. You guys are not about race. No one from the outside is going to get between us. Race is not an issue.” Mike Keller remembered the coach putting it in more colorful terms: “Son of a bitch, you’re not red, you’re not white, and you’re not blue. You’re Michigan.” Bo also supported the Mellow Men’s (comprised of seven African- American football players) stand on boycotting the economics building during a campus demonstration.

PS

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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

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!

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