The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/703389
FROM OUR READERS and promote the best interests of our student-athletes. Richard Glass Portage, Mich. Your concerns are noted, Richard, al- though softball doubleheaders are hardly unprecedented, even with an extra-in- ning game thrown in. It wasn't the best of circumstances, perhaps magnified by the undesirable result. NOT A FAN OF THIS SALUTE Dear The Wolverine: An old grad's reaction to "Military Appreciation Day." I grew up on Michigan football (even when I had to turn my radio upside-down to catch plays through the static) and, at 73, I'm still true blue. I met my first love in Michigan Stadium, a revered place that was a proud part of the overarching Michi- gan experience, even when the teams were so-so. One of my proudest life-shaping Michigan moments was at the na- tion's first anti-Vietnam War teach-in on March 24, 1965, a 12-hour protest of speeches and seminars staged by over 200 U-M faculty members who were appalled by militaristic, hege- monic policies. So what does that have to do with Michigan football? Nothing! I could ask for my beloved Alma Mater to have a Pacifist Appreciation Day at a U-M football game, too, but I have an even better idea. Let's leave Blue Angel fly-overs and cynical, moneymaking jingoism to the pros and their network spon- sors (not change the name of Michi- gan Stadium to "Quicken Loans Stadium" or "Century 21 Big House" so we can buy solid-gold helmets for heralded freshmen). For as long as possible, let's just let Michigan football be an exciting diversion from studies and the world on lovely, crisp autumn afternoons — and the rest of the week, act as though the best way to honor our military is to work harder for peace. GO BLUE! Steve Coffman Dundee, N.Y. That idea won't pacify some, Steve, but you made your point. • The Notre Dame game provides great exposure to the program and if you hadn't noticed, Jimmy likes exposure. I don't like that the first game is away, but this is a game that should be played. Elite coaches AND players want to play in national stage games against the best competition. This rivalry game checks both boxes. This game is great for recruiting and Jimmy doesn't care where it is played — he simply loves to compete. On a personal note, some of my greatest memories growing up were watch- ing this game with my dad. His extreme hatred for all things Notre Dame was From Our Website