2/23/03- Book Review- Bo Schembechler: Man in Motion
by Joe Falls (1973)

This is one of my favorite books on Michigan legend Bo Schembechler.  Published in 1973 it offers a unique view of Bo when he was at the top of his game as a coach. 

The book is interspersed with columns from Detroit News Sports writer Joe Falls as he covered Bo's early Michigan career.  It provides a unique perspective the events covered in the book.  You get the reporter's view and then Bo's take on events.  As a long time resident of Michigan, I grew up reading Joe Falls writing about the end of Bo's career at Michigan.  It was pretty obvious that he was a big fan.  I would have never guessed that the two started as antagonists and actually came to respect each other through the writing of this book.

The Highlights

This book is very much about Bo Schembechler the man and the coach as opposed to Bo the legend that we know now.  Bo talks about his football strategy, his life, his heart attack and his teams with a candor that is refreshing.  Of special interest to Michigan fans is the time spent discussing the 1969 Ohio State game.  A lot of time is spent on his heart attack and subsequent recovery.  After reading this account of how serious his problems were in 1969 I can understand why he retired years later when doctors warned him about his heart.  One humorous note is that even back early in Bo's career Michigan was criticized for being 'boring' in victory.

Conclusion

This is a great book.  Unfortunately it's been out of print for nearly 30 years.  Keep an eye out for it on e-bay or at a used book store.  It's a must for the library of any Michigan football fan...

Go Blue!

Phil Callihan
UMGoBlue.COM, Editor-in-Chief
phil@umgoblue.com
 

Phil Callihan is the Editor-in- Chief of UMGoBlue.COM.  Phil graduated from the University of Michigan in 1993 and has been a football season ticket holder since 1994.

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