The Michigan 1969 football team...

The weekend after Alison's wedding, I flew to Michigan to spend the weekend with my dad and attend the Michigan vs. OSU rivalry game. (On a side note...it was probably my ninth round trip flight this year. That seems crazy to me but is true. I love traveling!)

Last year my dad and I went to a Michigan football game too--my first one in the Big House--so maybe we are starting a yearly father-daughter trip? Possibly. This year was the 40th anniversary of one of the years my dad played football at Michigan--1969. That was Bo's first year coaching Michigan football and they beat OSU, against all odds. (Here is an article and some video footage about the '69 team and the OSU game that year: http://www.annarbor.com/sports/forty-years-later-build-up-to-michigans-greatest-football-win-still-evokes-memories/ )

It was really neat to hear all the stories about Michigan football during Bo's time as coach and to have an opportunity to meet so many guys my dad played with during his time at Michigan! It was a memorable and priceless experience.

(Here is another article too: http://www.detnews.com/article/20091119/SPORTS0201/911190411/Bo-s-triumph-in-1969-should-inspire-2009-Wolverines )

We flew in Friday afternoon and went out for lunch after dropping off our suitcases. We saw this car on the road, and I couldn't resist capturing a few shots of it.


Friday night there was a dinner for the '69 team players. These are all guys my dad played football with at Michigan (at least the ones that made it to the reunion). Can you find my dad?


These pictures are from before the game started. My dad and his previous teammates were on the field waiting for their introduction. My dad's wearing a blue hat, in case you want to locate him. :)


The Buckeye marching band...




The Wolverine marching band...




This is when my dad and the rest of the'69 team were introduced and crossing the field under the "Go Blue" banner.


This is an up-close shot--my dad is jumping up to touch the banner.


A shot of the stadium...


The other side...


And the game begins...






At the second time-out, the '69 team was honored on the field. They gave some background information and showed some video footage of the game on the scoreboard screen. It was all very moving.


My dad's on the right hand side...


Here we are after the game. Even though Michigan lost, I had a great time with my dad reliving some of his really special memories from the past. Thanks for taking me dad!