Go Bucks!
It is that time of year again, when the University of Michigan/The Ohio State University rivalry comes to a head. I have heard it is one of the biggest rivalries in all of college sports.
In these parts (Michigan) it is assumed that if you live in Michigan and did not move here from Ohio, you cheer for the "UM". And, with a (Michigan State) Spartan Season like the one I just lived through, you would think that I would join the other Michigan natives and cheer on the Wolverines as they face the Buckeyes.
WRONG!!!!!
Here is my list of perfectly good reasons to cheer for The Ohio State University Buckeyes this coming Saturday:
#1 and Most Important: True Michigan State Spartan fans NEVER cheer for the University of Michigan Wolverines.
However, my scarlet and gray leanings run much deeper...
#2 My mom was born, raised, and educated in Ohio (Ashland [College]University)
#3 My dad was born, raised and mostly educated in Ohio. (Case Western Reserve [Case Institute of Technology] and University of Michigan)
Note: While my dad used to sing Victors (UM Fight Song) to me as a child, it didn't take. He was granted an MBA by the UM, but never was a Wolverine.
#4 My Paternal Grandfather attended The Ohio State University in 1929, but had to quit due to the Great Depression. He was a big football fan.
#5 My Paternal Grandmother~while she didn't attend The Ohio State Unviersity and wasn't a great sports fan, Grandma W. is really my true connection to The Ohio State University football program.
Here is the family legend:
Woody Hayes was once a football coach of the New Philadelphia High Quakers. This is the Alma Mater of my Grandma, Great Aunt Kate, and Great Uncle Bill. My Great Uncle Bill played Junior Varsity under Woody's coaching. Uncle Bill graduated in 1938 and the following fall, Woody became head coach.
From espn.go.com
"...He [Woody] remained there for two seasons before moving to New Philadelphia High School, also in Ohio, as an assistant coach there. While at New Philadelphia, he met Anne, the woman who would become his wife.
In 1938, Hayes was promoted to head coach at New Philadelphia. Three years later, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he developed a passion for military history..."
Anne and my Great Aunt Kate were classmates and good friends. Such good friends that sometime back in the day, Woody and Anne, along with my Aunt Kate and Uncle Carl, had dinner at my Grandma and Grandpa's home.
Ever the Ohioan, my dad likes to point out that Bo Schembechler has strong Ohio roots too, include in Master's Degree from The Ohio State University. However, I think, in spite of his 40+ years in Michigan and UM degree, Dad is still inclined to silently root for The Ohio State University.
As for me, I am a graduate of Michigan State University. I NEVER cheer for U of M. However, I am confident that I meet the criteria to be a Buckeye fan on this one Saturday each fall.
Go Bucks!
In these parts (Michigan) it is assumed that if you live in Michigan and did not move here from Ohio, you cheer for the "UM". And, with a (Michigan State) Spartan Season like the one I just lived through, you would think that I would join the other Michigan natives and cheer on the Wolverines as they face the Buckeyes.
WRONG!!!!!
Here is my list of perfectly good reasons to cheer for The Ohio State University Buckeyes this coming Saturday:
#1 and Most Important: True Michigan State Spartan fans NEVER cheer for the University of Michigan Wolverines.
However, my scarlet and gray leanings run much deeper...
#2 My mom was born, raised, and educated in Ohio (Ashland [College]University)
#3 My dad was born, raised and mostly educated in Ohio. (Case Western Reserve [Case Institute of Technology] and University of Michigan)
Note: While my dad used to sing Victors (UM Fight Song) to me as a child, it didn't take. He was granted an MBA by the UM, but never was a Wolverine.
#4 My Paternal Grandfather attended The Ohio State University in 1929, but had to quit due to the Great Depression. He was a big football fan.
#5 My Paternal Grandmother~while she didn't attend The Ohio State Unviersity and wasn't a great sports fan, Grandma W. is really my true connection to The Ohio State University football program.
Here is the family legend:
Woody Hayes was once a football coach of the New Philadelphia High Quakers. This is the Alma Mater of my Grandma, Great Aunt Kate, and Great Uncle Bill. My Great Uncle Bill played Junior Varsity under Woody's coaching. Uncle Bill graduated in 1938 and the following fall, Woody became head coach.
From espn.go.com
"...He [Woody] remained there for two seasons before moving to New Philadelphia High School, also in Ohio, as an assistant coach there. While at New Philadelphia, he met Anne, the woman who would become his wife.
In 1938, Hayes was promoted to head coach at New Philadelphia. Three years later, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he developed a passion for military history..."
Anne and my Great Aunt Kate were classmates and good friends. Such good friends that sometime back in the day, Woody and Anne, along with my Aunt Kate and Uncle Carl, had dinner at my Grandma and Grandpa's home.
Ever the Ohioan, my dad likes to point out that Bo Schembechler has strong Ohio roots too, include in Master's Degree from The Ohio State University. However, I think, in spite of his 40+ years in Michigan and UM degree, Dad is still inclined to silently root for The Ohio State University.
As for me, I am a graduate of Michigan State University. I NEVER cheer for U of M. However, I am confident that I meet the criteria to be a Buckeye fan on this one Saturday each fall.
Go Bucks!
posted by Susan at 3:26 PM
4 Comments:
Great story. I'll link it.
I better correct my typos!
I live in New Philadelphia. Woody's birthplace is 20 minutes south of us in Newcomerstown. A buddy of mine has a New Philadelphia Quakers football program from when Woody was a head coach. What was your relative's name that played under him and coached there after him?
Drew,
Thanks for stopping by!
My Great Uncle was Bill Dienst. My understanding is that he played J.V. under Woody and then after Bill graduated in '38, Woody became the head coach. I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't in the program. That is really cool that he has one from that era!
While my dad was a Dover "Tornado", I have a few "Quaker" relatives. My Great Aunt Kate (Dienst) Hurst spent her entire life and raised her family in New Philly.
I'm guessing you are a Buckeye fan, so I'll conclude this with "GO BUCKS, BEAT MICHIGAN!!!"
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