I went to CMU and love my school, my experience, and my degree. That said, I have been a big Spartan fan for as long as I can remember. I did get in to MSU, but for various reasons I ended up at CMU.
So I get asked often: Why are you such a big MSU fan? Here is my answer:
I was born at St. Lawrence hospital and lived in Okemos until the age of 9. My father, from Ohio, started to follow the local University. Like most young lad's I did the same...however I knew nothing of UMICH, only that I liked MSU because I lived close to the school.
My family than moved to the east side of Detroit. No big deal right? Well as a 5th grader, and the new kid in school, the Friday before the MSU vs. UM football game, kids were allowed to ware the colors of their favorite team to school. I came decked out in the only Michigan State sweatshirt in my dresser, at that time. I showed up to school and was literally the only Michigan State supporter in my class/grade. That led to being verbally berated and yes physically roughed up by some punks. (different era folks - bullying was the norm and you had to suck it up back then).
So as a 9-10 year old, I came home from school that day with a decision. I either conform, or I dig in. Since I was really pissed about what happened that day, I made the only self respecting choice I could...I dug in! Lesson: stand up to the bully folks...the punks eventually backed off and some became friends. But my love for Spartan sports has grown every day since, and my despise of all things UMICH has grown at the same rate. Win or lose, good team or bad team, my heart and passion has been and will always be with the Spartans.
Thought I would share this experience and what has truly shaped a lot of who I am today. What is your story (as Coach D. often says, everyone has a story).
Go Green!
So I get asked often: Why are you such a big MSU fan? Here is my answer:
I was born at St. Lawrence hospital and lived in Okemos until the age of 9. My father, from Ohio, started to follow the local University. Like most young lad's I did the same...however I knew nothing of UMICH, only that I liked MSU because I lived close to the school.
My family than moved to the east side of Detroit. No big deal right? Well as a 5th grader, and the new kid in school, the Friday before the MSU vs. UM football game, kids were allowed to ware the colors of their favorite team to school. I came decked out in the only Michigan State sweatshirt in my dresser, at that time. I showed up to school and was literally the only Michigan State supporter in my class/grade. That led to being verbally berated and yes physically roughed up by some punks. (different era folks - bullying was the norm and you had to suck it up back then).
So as a 9-10 year old, I came home from school that day with a decision. I either conform, or I dig in. Since I was really pissed about what happened that day, I made the only self respecting choice I could...I dug in! Lesson: stand up to the bully folks...the punks eventually backed off and some became friends. But my love for Spartan sports has grown every day since, and my despise of all things UMICH has grown at the same rate. Win or lose, good team or bad team, my heart and passion has been and will always be with the Spartans.
Thought I would share this experience and what has truly shaped a lot of who I am today. What is your story (as Coach D. often says, everyone has a story).
Go Green!
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