Traditions

It's clear in the wake of the #1 jersey controversy last week that fans have a wide varity of opinions on that they consider to be traditions surrounding Michigan football.
 
What things do you consoder to be traditions?

Phil Callihan
Editor-in-Chief
UMGoBlue.COM

In short, Adidas not changing our uniforms. Winning. Our winged helmets. Having legends in coaches and players. Having the biggest stadium in the land. And cheering the Maize and Blue on with fellow passionate fans.

 
The University of Michigan 20-5-1 vs the SEC

collecting the cups i get at every game

The reason Chuck Norris recently lost his beard is because Mike Barwis tore it off

the helmet
touching the banner
the victors

I usually associate tradition with history. The longer something has been around the more traditional it is...that's why I didn't take a hard line stance on the #1 jersey thing.

However, I am not against newer elements becoming tradition. Iowa coach Ferentz has established one with the rock at Iowa that will probably become tradition there even after he is gone.

Those who can do, do; those who can't, go into journalism.

Paul Bunyan Trophy
The Little Brown Jug
 
 
 

Let's put things in a little perspective.
 
We all saw the outcry that came about over this whole No.1 contreversy: 
 
Some, like myself, didn't put much stock into the whole thing mainly because, a) many of us didn't feel it was a solid tradition to begin with and b) many of us also felt like we should take a wait and see approach before overreacting and allow Coach Rodriguez to actually chat with Braylon about the number and how it should be assigned. 
 
Others took it as an opportunity to lash out at Rodriguez for his lack of embracing the tradition at UofM.
 
Now, if Coach Rodriguez had no interest in embracing the tradition at Michigan, there are some better ways he could have gone about doing that.  Let's start with changing the helmets.  Better yet, lets just change the whole uni while we're at it.  Bring in a more modern 'Arena Football' sort of look.  Next, lets get rid of that silly banner.  Who needs that thing anyways. 
 
Anyone think of some other ways that Coach Rodriguez could carry on in his mission to do away with all of the storied Michigan traditions?

First thing I think of is the Helmet. Among the plethora of other things, the Little Brown Jug always seems to peek out. Maybe cause I used to have a replica that was "accidentally" blown up camping due to an error in moonshine containment

Of course Michigan Stadium, formerly known as the Big House thanks to the handicapped I'll always have my The 100th Game picture xmas gift proudly secured to my wall.

My traditions of Michigan Football, in no particular order:

The Winged Helmet
The most recognizable icon in sports.  It is representative of everything on this list, and far more.  It is Michigan Football.

The Band
God, how I love the band.  It is just indescribable watching them rush out of the tunnel, highstepping in unison, forming the block M.  Playing the Victors, the M Fanfare, Temptation.  The tradition of their entrance to the stadium, leading the faithful alumni and fans to the Big House.  There's nothing like it.

The Game
Of course.  That third Saturday in November is off-limits to anything and everything else.  It's The Game.  It's all that matters.  Over 100 years of two of the most prestigious programs battling it out almost always for the Big Ten title, and very often with National Title implications.

The Student Section
So, I may be biased.  There's nothing like students of all race, gender, ethnicity, and creed chanting the Victors in unison.  Standing and screaming for every play that our team is on the field for.  The Victory Wave.  Cowbells, signs, flying hotdogs

The Little Brown Jug
So much history behind it.  It turns what is often a mismatch into an important game.  I'll always remember that amazing comeback a few years ago in the Dome, one of the few highlights during that season.

#1
Why not?  Traditions have to be started somewhere.  I like the idea of #1 holding a special significance.  AC, Braylon, Terrelle.  That's just a start.  Why not continue it?

University of Michigan - Class of 2009
It's Great to be a Michigan Wolverine

Lets hope he breaks the newest "Tradition" of letting the Buckeyes getting the darn "Yellow Pants" pins!

ORIGINAL: MichiganFanInOhio

Anyone think of some other ways that Coach Rodriguez could carry on in his mission to do away with all of the storied Michigan traditions?

I almost forgot, not really a tradition, but a little humor doesn't hurt

Maybe he could stray away from being a cordial, good sportsman, etc (like Bo n Lloyd) and influence/sway/bribe the Chief of Police into bringin in the Bomb Sniffers for The Game, who have also been fed some diuretics so the uni's smell just fabulous

Winning with dignity.

ORIGINAL: Section 10

Not being able to go to UM for college, but a few things that hadn't been mentioned that I noticed:

Painting the rock
Painting Sparty
Beating ND
MSU game with my family
Tailgating on the golf course



Side note:  At work they have a "pillar" award for the 3 best jobs done in our IT dept each month..  The band likes to play "Go Blue!".  They say something else, but I always instintively yell "Go Blue!!"


One of these years, I will be able to see a game in the "Big House".  That is one the 2 things that I want to do before I die: Go snowmobiling for a weekend and see a game in the Big House (ND, MSU, or OSU).

Michigan National Championships 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1947, 1948, 1997

20-15-1 ND
57-41-6 OSU
67-24-3 MSU

The Helmet
History
The Stadium
 

Michigan National Championships 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1947, 1948, 1997

20-14-1 ND
57-41-6 OSU
67-24-3 MSU

All the above +
# 1 in wins
# 1 in winning %
Winning record against every big 10 team
Winning record against every BCS conference

Players handing the football to the referee after a touchdown and celebrating WITH teammates.  It doesn't get discussed much, but notice how touchdowns are almost always celebrated by group hugs in the endzone.  It is class.  It is Michigan.

1.  The helmet.
2.  The home uniform.
3.  The band playing "The Victors."
4.  The pride of Michigan's rich past and traditions itself.
5.  Having to endure obnoxious Buckeye fans here in Ohio.
6.  Bob Ufer and "TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!"
7.  The unbelievable thrill of beating Ohio State in Columbus!

  
  "Do you know the difference between a Hockey Mom and a pit bull?  Lipstick."

The helmet
"Those Who Stay Will Be Champions"
Ufer, Bo, "The Game"
The smell of the crisp fall air on a Saturday afternoon with 110,000 of my nearest and dearest friends.

Regarding our military: "If you can't stand behind them, stand in front of them."
RIP Bo. You were an amazing man; it is because of you, I am the Michigan fan I am today.

BOB UFER!!!  Has there ever been a bigger "MICHIGAN MAN" ever.....I listen to his tapes on every game day be it in the parking lot AA pioneer or home before a road game...And it amazes me to see the younger group who were never blessed enough to hear him live listen to the tapes at the tailgates and just gush with pride and awe.. Will there ever be anyone close to him who is not only a "HOMER" but damn proud of it.....That is tradition to me when you can just say a name and all the memories of great MICHIGAN games just rush to mind.  AC against Indiana, 1969, I was not even born when that game happened and to listen to his play by play makes me feel like I was there...GOD BLESS THE COTTON PICKIN MAIZE AND BLUE!

Hail To The Cotton Pickin Maize and Blue!


Bob The Greatest Wolverine Ufer