Tailgating: The Next Generation

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The Maize and Blue took to the field on Saturday in their final spring practice of 2004. In a rudimentary scrimmage format, the first-team offense matched up against the first-string defense. Fans that arrived early had the pleasure of watching Sophomore standout Steve Breaston return a couple of kickoffs without getting touched. Matt Gutierrez and Clayton Richard shared time at the helm, reminding Michigan fans what a normal release and a roll-out looked like. Meanwhile Jerome Jackson, Tim Bracken, and David Underwood took turns filling the shoes of NFL prospect Chris Perry.

Noticibely absent from the tailgate were the Hall of Fame tailgaters, but sons, daughters, and friends filled the role in what could only be called a "next-generation" tailgate. The Godfather's daughter (Kelly) presented me with the "Team Leader" award for running the 2004 UMTailgate.com tournament challenge. Goody poured the Captain and cokes, and the Godfather's other daughter (Sarah) unveiled a pile of cheesy potatoes sent by the Godmother. We never missed a beat.

The Final Four, and A Banner That Counts

Yes, they are a week late, but the pictures are now up from our trip to San Antonio for the 2004 Final Four. The UCONN Huskies, much to my delight, disposed of the Duke Blue Devils before annihilating the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets and capturing the title. Just four days earlier, the Michigan Wolverines defeated Rutgers to win the 2004 NIT Championship, and become one of just two teams to end the 2003-4 season with a multi-game winning streak.

Spring Into Action

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Practice Makes Perfect for Team, Tailgaters

On Saturday, April 13th, the Wolverines took the field against the Wolverines in the annual Spring Game. An estimated 25,000 maize and blue faithfull showed up to watch. They didn't paint the endzones, they didn't keep score, and each unit's jerseys didn't even always match... but nobody seemed to care. We came to release ourselves from winter cabin fever, break out the dusty picnic tables and coolers, get the flag down off my apartment wall, and reunite in a place where we are most comfortable, the Big House. A record number of UMTailgaters were in attendance for the Spring Game tailgate, and that butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling that we felt walking into the stadium for the first time in 5 months was second only to the heartfelt reception prior to game.

Who won?

If your talking about the game, they REALLY didn't keep score. If your talking about the quarterback job, I'm already sick of all the press, and John Navarre is getting the pressure. He was outperformed statistically by both Gonzales and Brinton. But it's Spring, and from what we've all been told, the job is still John's to lose, and what we saw Saturday had little to do with the offense we should see in the fall.

If you are taliking about the 2nd annual UMTailgate.com tournament challenge, the top 2 point-getters were in attendance, and they received their checks (can you say 'BOUNCE'?) as well as a token gift of a personalized coffee mug from the Godfather. Much to my surprise, I got one too, inscribed with the "Team Leader Award". That old guy just keeps getting more creative with all of his spare time. Note: I sold mine on EBay...and I think the Godfather bought it.

If you are talking about the Big Game Lottery, no one won that, and the jackpot is at $300 million+ on Tuesday. My plan when I win is to purchase our corner of the golf course, move the green back 40 yards, and put up a small tailgating house with bedrooms for our visitors, a kitchen for our tailgating cullinary artists, and bathrooms for our ladies.

If you are talking about the "Who came the longest distance to watch a practice?" contest, that winner was Tuba, who received a specialty drink, a variation of the 'Manhattan' called 'The Bronx'. 3 parts watermelon pucker, 1 part Captain Morgans... tell your local barkeep.

The next event is still in question, but there are a lot of things in the works for the summer, so stay tuned. 4 and a half months until the Dawgheads come to town.

GO BLUE!!!

The Webmaster

'Defense' Shows Off In Spring Game

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We can only hope that it is NOT a sign of things to come. Michigan QB's threw 8 interceptions in the Spring Game on April 14th. It was alot of fun though, as the biggest highlight was the fact that we brought a cooler into the Big House (thanks Pammy). Denny made two new friends... the guy that was supposed to blow the horn for the practice drills, and the guy at Fraser's that continued to follow him into the bathroom.


Our next event is still in question, but I will stand by my quest for a summer reunion at Vandercook Lake. Hope to see you all at the next one!