Wolverine Roots

If you are a sports fan growing up in Michigan's lower peninsula, there comes a time in your life when you decide if you like the Wolverines or the Spartans. I remember when I made that not so difficult decision. I was good friends with two twin brothers from my elementary school. One day during the fall, they asked me which time I liked more. I didn't know the difference between the two teams (I was like 8 or 9 years old). I said that I liked Michigan more. Maybe it was because their father played for Bo Schembechler or maybe it was because their father would eventually become a regent of the University of Michigan, but I think my friends probably pressured to say Michigan that day. Once I was a solid Michigan fan, their family would start taking me to Yost Arena with them for hockey games for the next few years. However, I didn't need the bribe of free hockey tickets to know that I chose wisely.

Tomorrow is the Michigan-Michigan State football game. It's the Catch-22 game if you are a Michigan fan. Win, and the only feeling is relief. You can't talk trash against your Spartan friends because they will respond by saying that it's no big deal since Michigan was supposed to win. Lose, and you don't hear the end of it for the next 365 days. It's like playing a game against a younger sibling. There is nothing to gain. Hopefully I will be breathing a sigh of relief tomorrow night!!

GO BLUE!