Week 7 Notes and Predictions

On Thursday night I had the privilege of viewing "Black and Blue", the documentary about Gerald Ford, Willis Ward, and the 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech football game. After watching the program, I came away with an altered view on Michigan's football history. I won't go into the details here because I believe this is one that is a must see for all Michigan fans alike but I do enjoy hearing about the history of Michigan football, and this is a chapter that has been forgotten over time and shrouded in gray. There will be another showing of it on November 18th at the Brighton District Library, and DVD copies will also be on sale for 20 dollars. Due to the efforts by a 2nd grader in Brighton, October 20th will be Willis Ward Day...so look for information regarding that come next week when Michigan will be hosting Michigan State. On a final note, considering this Saturday will be homecoming, and also the game honoring the late President Gerald Ford in the Legends Patch ceremony, that makes the game a watershed moment. Not only does the timing of the documentary work well with it, but there's rumors of Willis Ward being mentioned as well. I plan on attending the game, not only to see our beloved Wolverines kick Illini butt, but to soak in the history of Ford, Ward, and the story behind it all.

"Black and Blue" Showing

The Emmy-nominated documentary "Black and Blue: The Story of Gerald Ford, Willis Ward and the 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech Football Game" will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday at Howell High School's auditorium. The viewing is free and open to the public. The film was produced by Brian Kruger and Buddy Moorehouse.

The documentary tells the story of Willis Ward, a talented University of Michigan football player who was benched in 1934 for a game between Michigan and Georgia Tech because he was black. Future President Gerald Ford was a teammate and close friend of Ward, and he originally planned to quit the team due to his friend's benching.

"It was very moving," said Kathleen Zaenger, director of the Howell Carnegie District Library. Zaenger played a key role in bringing the film to Howell. She said local libraries had just launched the Building Community Through Civility and Compassion program, which is aimed at engaging the public in discussing the importance of community, civility and compassion in their daily lives. Zaenger said the film seemed to fit the goals of the new program.

Although it's unlikely such an incident would happen today, Zaenger said race and other issues raised in the film are still relevant. She said the film highlights the importance of how we get along with one another and how we conduct ourselves around one another. The viewing of "Black and Blue" is sponsored by First National Bank, the Livingston Diversity Council, Bob Maxey Ford and Howell Public Schools.

In other words, the public needs to make an effort to come and view this landmark story.

Legends Patch Nominees: Bennie Oosterbaan

Since Desmond Howard became the first Michigan player to receive a Legends Patch, there has been much debate surrounding which players deserve the award as well.  In an effort to settle some of the debate, we will be breaking down a former Michigan football player that we believe should be analyzed as a nominee for a Legends Patch.  This does not mean our writers believe they should be formally nominated in some way, but only that their credentials should be reviewed. If you have an opinion please comment or contact our writers via Twitter.


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Nominee: Bennie Oosterbaan
"Michigan's first, and one of only two, three-time All-Americans. Considered one of the greatest pass receivers of his era. Chosen on the All-Time All-American team in 1951. Also a National Football Hall of Fame member with his team-mate Benny Friedman to join such other Wolverines preceding him as Snow, Heston, Schulz and Kipke. Named to Michigan Hall of Fame as well. One of the greatest all-around athletes in Big-Ten history, All-American in basketball and All-Conference in baseball as he won nine letters. With Friedman, formed one of football's foremost passing combinations. Later coached his Alma mater when the Wolverines won or shared Big Ten titles three times, captured the 1951 Rose Bowl and earned national football championship in 1948. Football Coach of the Year in 1948." - Bentley Historical Library

Legends Patch Nominees: Ron Kramer

Since Desmond Howard became the first Michigan player to receive a Legends Patch, there has been much debate surrounding which players deserve the award as well.  In an effort to settle some of the debate, we will be breaking down a former Michigan football player that we believe should be analyzed as a nominee for a Legends Patch.  This does not mean our writers believe they should be formally nominated in some way, but only that their credentials should be reviewed. If you have an opinion please comment or contact our writers via Twitter.


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Nominee: Ron Kramer

"From East Detroit, Kramer became a two-time All-American and a nine letterman in three sports - football, basketball, and track. Led Wolverine grid scoring for two seasons and did the same in basketball. He was a star receiver, a fine punter, and placekicker, and a ball-carrier as well. Following graduation he embarked on a spectacular pro career with the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. He was named to the all-Pro team following the 1961 and 1962 seasons, as the Packers went on to win consecutive World Championships. Kramer finished his career with the Detroit Lions, following a trade involving their #1 selection in the 1965 NFL draft.  In the long tradition of outstanding Michigan athletes, Ron Kramer deserves to be ranked among the best. A nine-time letterman (three each in football, basketball, and track), Kramer's credits include two consensus football All-American selections (1955-56), the retirement of his jersey number (87) by the Wolverines following his senior season, and the selection as basketball Most Valuable Player for three years standing.  After retiring from football in 1968, Kramer was elected into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1971. Later, in 1981, he was named as a recipient of the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Award in recognition of significant professional and civic contributions spanning 25 years after completion of his college eligibility." - Bentley Historical Library

Legends Patch Nominees: Gerald Ford

Since Desmond Howard became the first Michigan player to receive a Legends Patch, there has been much debate surrounding which players deserve the award as well.  In an effort to settle some of the debate, we will be breaking down a former Michigan football player that we believe should be analyzed as a nominee for a Legends Patch.  This does not mean our writers believe they should be formally nominated in some way, but only that their credentials should be reviewed. If you have an opinion please comment or contact our writers via Twitter.

Nominee: Gerald Ford
Ford played center and linebacker at Michigan.  During his tenure, Michigan won national championships in 1932 and 1933.  Not only did he play for two national championship teams, but he also was an avid leader for the Wolverines.  He once brought assistant coach Bennie Oosterbaan to tears during a game because of his hard work.  His most iconic moment at Michigan was when he threatened to quit the team before their game against Georgia Tech because of Georgia Tech's racist policies.  His play and leadership at Michigan was exceptional, but he is most well-known for becoming President of the United States in 1974 after the resignation of Richard Nixon.  Not only is he the only Michigan alum to ever become President, but he is the only individual in history from the Big Ten to be President.  His number #48 jersey was officially retired in 1994 for his contributions, but the Athletic Department has now opted to un-retire its jerseys and consider them for Legends Patches.

Random Musings

Usually I tend to stick with one topic for an article, but I'm going to branch out tonight and touch on multiple topics.

1. I know my colleague wrote about Brady Hoke's comments about bringing back the No. 48 jersey, for whatever reason, here. While I do agree with what he says, I want to emphasize a couple things.

1a. Gerald Ford's #48 is a retired number. Save for MLB and every player wearing Jackie Robinson's No. 42, I don't think I've ever heard of any team, in any sport, un-retiring a number for this purpose. I've agreed with most decisions that Hoke has made so far, but I can't agree with this one.
       
1b. It's President Gerald Ford. Now, I support every retired number Michigan has, and I think there should be a couple more. Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson for example. But, President Ford holds a hallowed space in Michigan lore for being the President. No other player in the Big Ten has been able to say that, and unless Tom Brady decides to run for prez when he's done with the NFL, I don't see it happening again. I gotta say it would help having Gisele Bundchen as a First Lady---we would be the envy of other countries in that aspect.
         
1c. I know the football off season is long, both college and pro, but please stop putting emphasis on what number a certain player is going to wear. I know in the age of media now things can become blown up a lot faster than they used to, but does it really matter outside of who might wear the No. 1? Not really.
   

Bringing Back Gerald Ford's #48 Jersey - Bad For Michigan

I woke up today to find out that in a few brief comments to the radio, Brady Hoke seemed to "spill the beans" regarding the newest addition to the Legends Patch jerseys.  Over the past few weeks, we've actually debated several players, including Anthony Carter, William Cunningham, and Jim Harbaugh, on whether or not they should receive the Legends Patch honor.

The jersey number discussed was #48, the jersey worn by former Michigan player and former President Gerald Ford.  The number's current status with the football program is retired.  No player has been allowed to wear the jersey for years.  However, if the hints given by Hoke are true, the jersey's status will soon change and a player will begin wearing the jersey next season.