This is Alpha, the first-born, when he was 2YO.
This is Beta, the second-born, when he was about 2YO.
This is Gamma, the third-born, when he was about 18MO.
Spring Game
Apr
18
2011
Beta and I got free admission to a Michigan football game!
Of course, so did everyone else. It was the spring game – the final spring scrimmage – which is open to everyone.
I met my dad, brother, nephew, and a couple of my brother’s friends there. I didn’t plan my route very well and had to go right through the Stadium-Main St. intersection. That slowed me down, so I parked by Industrial with about ten minutes left before kickoff. Beta and I had to walk 4/5 of a mile to the Big House. I should add here that I had to wake Beta up at that the end of the car ride, so he was not going to be moving very quickly.
I decided that the only way we would make it in time was for me to carry him on my shoulders. I didn’t want to run, since I haven’t started my annual running season (Halloween to Easter is chocolate-eating season, Easter to Halloween is running season), so I walked as quickly as I could with a 37-pound weight on my shoulders.
We made it in the stadium a couple minutes after kickoff. And I was sweating. Everyone else had their winter coats on, since it was in the upper 40s, but I took mine off and was quite comfortable in my long-sleeved T-shirt, for about two or three possessions.
Once we sat down, we were at the 40-something yard line, 40-some rows up. Here’s the view from there (offense in blue, defense in white):
And here’s the view that Beta had if he sat:
For those of you who didn’t catch the game on the Big Ten Network: the final score was 14-7. Michigan won, of course. But Michigan also lost. The first-string offense would be on the field until they either scored or turned over the bowl on downs or punted. Then the second-string offense would take over. The defense alternated similarly.
The 14 points was for the offense and the 7 points was for the defense (interception return for a touchdown). There were a few interceptions, but maybe the quarterbacks are trained to look for the winged helmet. And there was an attempt at a field goal, but it was wide. The second one, later in the game, hit the upright. There was no third attempt.
I don’t know how the end of the game was decided. There was no clock (other than the play clock) and there were no quarters. The whole things lasted about an hour and a half. But for the last 10-15 minutes of real time, this is how Beta and his cousin passed the time:
That’s right – Angry Birds.
And pool. And whatever else he could find. I figured that he could have a little bit of distraction after sitting nicely for over an hour.
Another shot of the game:
And the team congratulating itself after the game:
Afterward, we headed out the nearest exit, which happened to be right next to where the players were exiting. Most of the players stayed within the barricade, heading past the dozens of fans and keeping to themselves. One of our party turned around, however, and noticed a Michigan player behind us, Sharpie in hand and signing whatever people wanted. I didn’t recognize the name (Hawthorne) but I did notice he was left-handed, so I immediately liked him. Here he is, signing my nephew’s baseball cap:
Oh, and those barricades were just for show. We left the player exit area and headed for our cars. The barricades just ended and so we were walking alongside all the players. Here are some of the players walking right in front of us:
It’s easy to forget these are college students. What was I doing in April of my junior year in college? These guys weren’t even born when I was in college.
One last picture before I go. It’s easy to tell when you’re in Ann Arbor:
And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Matthew 12:25
This little article thingy was written by Some Guy sometime around 6:45 am and has been carefully placed in the Sports category.
April 18th, 2011 at 8:07 am
Defense definitely had the better day.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:20 pm
At least the snow held off for the game!
April 18th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I hope the coaches learned never, ever to attempt a field goal in a real game. The previous coaching staff did not learn that, despite the many reminders. You either punt or go for it. I don’t care if UM is down by 2 with 1 second left on the opponent’s 15 yard line. You throw for the endzone. Field goals are not yet an option for UM. Maybe next year.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
It rained for about 5 or 10 minutes. Not bad at all, considering what the forecast was earlier in the week.
The defense may have had a better overall game, but they did give up some big plays. Maybe they’ll tackle better and hit harder against not their own team.
April 18th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
I went to a spring game too – “Township soccer in the rain.”
The score was 10-0. Thankfully, my 6 year old soccer player was on the winning end of that score.
Go Blue!
April 19th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Mr. Hawthorne’s arm is very, very large.