It started over seven years ago in South Quad, a college dorm at the University of Michigan. A group of friends from the class of ‘94 at Riverview, Michigan, came to Ann Arbor for the high quality of education, and football and basketball tickets. After our first year in the dorms, we split up for a year and found new friends before coming together again in a 6 bedroom house across from Yost Ice Arena, where we stayed until graduation…or until most of us did.

For those that follow the message board, most of the obscure references (reintatements) that have been made over the past several days are a result of these college years. This past weekend, the Webmaster, T-Matt, and JJ all toured the campus area in an attempt to capture in pictures some of the things brought up on the board. Those that know our circle of friends will appreciate many of of the memories, and the rest of the tailgating family can get a glimpse of our previous lives.

The picures are available by clicking here.

Michigan Basketball: Be a FAN

If I wanted being a football fan to be easy, I’d follow the ‘green team’ up in East Lansing. No expectations, every win is a big win. But being a Michigan fan is not easy, an 8-4 season is chalked up as a major disappointment. With the basketball team, things are not that way. Over the past several years, we’ve become numb to the team that plays in Crisler arena, and forgotten the rich tradition that started in the 60’s and 70’s, and was rebuilt in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They are an afterthought when talking about Michigan sports.

I am just as guilty of the indifference as anyone. Tuba even called me out on it. The Wolverines stand at 10-11, one game under .500. They now often start two walk-ons, Herb Gibson and Mike Gotfredson. However, living in Ann Arbor, I have been lucky enough to have seen a few games this year, and if nothing else, Michigan basketball is fun. During my SEVERAL years at the U, I saw underachieving basketball players play lackluster basketball. The current team works hard, they have heart, and they care about the program. Led by the team’s (and most likely the Big Ten’s) most improved player, Chris Young, and their coach, Tommy Ammaker, the Wolverines have shown that they can win. Postseason basketball is not out of the question, as the NIT has expanded it’s field to 40 teams. The remaining schedule is not easy, but I invite all of you to come out and support the team for their two remaining home games, 2/17 against Indiana, and 3/2 against Ohio State.

Coming Soon: March Madness

Don’t forget, Selection Sunday is right around the corner, and that means that the 2nd Annual UMTailgate.com Tournament Challenge is too. Stay tuned for details.

GO BLUE!

The Webmaster