How do I put into words the networking lunch that had me tied up in knots all week? It’s not possible for me to express the giddyness I felt when I asked to attend the Big Ten Football Kick-Off Luncheon. As a former member of the University of Michigan men’s football team, (Yes, you heard me correctly. Defensive line manager. Hauling bags of practice sh** and running practice drills. Yes, me.) I get weak in the knees when anyone mentions college football.
I bleed maize and blue.
Unfortunately, though, my football glory days are well behind me. As I cruelly found out last season, my son doesn’t really care about Michigan’s last-minute drive attempts to try to win the Ohio State game.Â
So I need to live vicariously. Through myself. I need to squeeze as much juice out of my one-season appearance as the first female varsity letterwinner in football as possible. Yes, I will sell myself out repeatedly if it means I can see my favorite coach again or mingle (from a distance) with some of the players in person. Like I did earlier this week.
My low point at the luncheon: talking to (gasp!) the head of that “school down south” to get a signed poster for my son. (The son’s dad, yes, my HUSBAND, went to that darn school down south.)Â It was a painful process – I’m still trying to get over it. Of course, it didn’t stop me from posing with “the senator,” as my hubby lovingly refers to him.
Me, the Wolverine sell-out.
The highlight? Catching up with an old (not age) aquaintance of mine. Of course, when I stood face-to-face with him all I could muster out was: “I am working part-time.” Seriously, am I that big of a loser?
Football coaches don’t really care about the “Mommy Wars.”
And all the moments in between. Wading between school mascots and getting shut-out from the Michigan autograph table because the players had to go leave to make an appearance somewhere or something. Don’t they know who I am?
So close, yet so far away.
Those Spartans get so mad when you ask for a photograph.
Then, me, the ultimate sell-out had to leave right after I got all my photos. Work and child beckoned, and well, I got what I needed in the end, right?
Tags: Big Ten football, college football
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
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this is the first i learned of your dedication to michigan. i’m from cleveland, and, therefore, an ohio st fan. i have no idea how i’ll continue to respect you…
ok that’s not true. i think it’s AWESOME that you worked for team. seriously awesome.
Fabulous! I think I love you now, even if you root for a Big 10 school.
I am from Columbus, so I can’t say that I bleed anything remotely blue. I am jealous of your photo with Tressel. It was great to see photos of you since you have been a nebulous internet voice up until now. You are gorgeous! Post more photos as other photo opportunites come up!
Nice work SMM!!! The picture with Tressel is awesome….It’s even better that is above the one
with Carr. Just like is should be!!!
Keep up the good work,
Roomie
I originally hail from that great state shaped like a mitten, but am all about the green and white. Is it okay if I still stop by your blog? After all, it is now complete with a Michigan State Spartan picture!!
Yes, GO BLUE! l loved reading your blog about your tie to the University of Michigan and must admit I was quite jealous that you were on the team. In fact, my husband and I have been steadily brainwashing oldest daughter that she is going to be the first female head coach of The U of M football team! We’ll see if it works – she’s only 3 and a half. Anyway, as a lifelong fan and U of M Alum, it got me very pumped up for my visit in the fall. I’m in Silicon Valley now and hope to be at the Michigan v Oregon game in September. Got any tickets?!
Go BLUE!!! – Matthew
Go Bucks!