Michigan Fan Fantasy
10/12/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
by Suzan Glesner, Wife of the Sportswriter for a Day
Today my husband Bill was an honorary member of the press corps covering the Michigan vs. Penn State Football game. Watching my Michigan Fan's dream come true was priceless.
The day began at the Michigan Golf Course. We were met by Mr. Ike Okenwa from the Sports Marketing department. Ike was our tour guide and protector for the day. He is fine example of a true Michigan athlete and gentleman. While on the golf course, we also had the pleasure to meet one of our favorite Michigan sons, Mr. Jamie Morris.
Our credentials allowed us to enter the stadium through the tunnel! It is hard to explain the feelings that over come you the first time you walk through the tunnel and walk out on to the field and are greeted by a hundred thousand people.
| | Carter (left), with former coach Bo Schembecher, was recognized for induction into two Halls of Fame. |
The reaction of my Michigan Fan to Mr. Carter reminded me of an afternoon on a special day in 1979. It was on that day in 1979 that I understood my Michigan Fan loved me, but Michigan Football was always going to share his heart.
Up to the press box. To a regular fan, nothing is more coveted -- except for maybe tickets on the 50-yard line -- than a chance to enter the press box. My Michigan fan has only missed one home football game in 33 years, so he falls into the extraordinary fan category. As we entered the press box his eyes were moving everywhere at once trying to take everything in.
The press box has assigned seats, you cannot cheer (at least not too loud) and all good reporters are taking notes. Since my Michigan Fan wanted to be a good reporter, he too took notes. Here is a little secret: everyone is very nice in the press box.
Of course the view from the press box is spectacular. Not only can the game be viewed like a huge screen TV, but it showcases the Michigan Marching Band too.
The race. After the game, all good reporters run out of the press box, down the stairs of the stadium, against the crowd, around the field, and to the postgame press conference. Since my Michigan Fan is a good reporter, the race was done with determination.
The press room was located in Crisler Arena. It was full of the men and women of the press. Players and Coach Carr came in and took questions. It was really wonderful to observe and admire the poise and confidence of the young men of the University of Michigan.
The end. The day ended as the press conference ended. My Michigan Fan and I said thank you and goodbye to our new friends. We had to rush home so my Michigan Fan could write his byline and submit it to the editor.
I would like to thank Ike Okenwa and Jamie Morris for making this day so wonderful for my Michigan Fan.
Note: Bill Glesner's "Sportswriter for a Day" package is one of the "once in a lifetime" type items that are up for bid on MGoBlueAuction.com. All funds raised from the official Michigan Athletics auction site support the Michigan Athletic Scholarship Fund.
