The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/603303
THE MICHIGAN DIFFERENCE Dear The Wolverine: After watching and listening to Jim Harbaugh and Mark Dantonio over the course of time, the difference be- tween them has become obvious to this fan. Jim Harbaugh lives for the spirit of competition and the growth it pro- vides for his athletes. Mark Dantonio lives for the victories and the glory it brings his athletes. This philosophy is exemplified in star lineman Shi- lique Calhoun, who needs to point to his name on the back of his jersey when he makes a play. Not exactly, "The Team, The Team, The Team." I am glad we have Jim Harbaugh as our coach. As a (retired) teacher for 32 years in the Catholic high schools of Grand Rapids, I appreciate his emphasis on the spirit of competi- tion and the ensuing psychological growth it produces in young men. Even when our players lose, they win. For Jim Harbaugh, The Big House is his classroom. Bo would be proud of him. Stephen Platte Grand Rapids, Mich. Point taken, Stephen. But even Bo would urge Harbaugh to keep the losses rare, like he did. It's evident even this early that's what Harbaugh plans to do. ALMOST HURTS THE WORST Dear The Wolverine: The loss to Michigan State hurts for many reasons, most importantly that the game appeared to be won. Not only that, but Michigan never trailed in the game. The monkey was about to be removed from our back! Hallelujah! But wait! Michigan had to finish the game. Eleven men on the line of scrim- mage for Michigan State, most likely to block that punt and possibly run it for the winning TD. We all know that a block was not necessary. The snap was low, followed by the cascade of events, including the bobble, fumble, muffed kick or whatever, that we all know resulted in the winning score by MSU. What was the significance of the 11 men on the line of scrim- mage and the role that it had to have played in the urgency of the moment for the snapper and the punter? Har- baugh said mistakes were made. I listen to interviewers from the media ask the too-often-inane ques- tion that starts with "what was going through your mind?" I can certainly imagine some of the things going through the minds of Scott Sypniewski and Blake O'Neill at that moment of the punt. There had to be a sense of urgency to get it right. It faces them every time they are on the field, and that is exactly why it takes a special person to play FROM OUR READERS Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: jborton@thewolverine.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length.