I, _______________, hereby pledge allegiance to the University of Michigan, its mission, and athletic teams. I make this pledge because it is my solemn hope to one day be recognized as an honorary Wolverine.
By signing this document, I grant Michael S. Balkin (referred to as “Leviathan” henceforth) the full and unequivocal authority to certify my status as an honorary Wolverine. The review process, administered by Leviathan, shall take no longer than 1 year and shall begin at a time of my choosing.
Within the allotted year, I must complete and honor the following requirements:
Consume the following: one Collider with 4 toppings (from Rod’s Diner); A Georgia Reuben (Zingerman’s); a 20 oz. Constant Buzz (from Dominick’s); a small size Cheesy Bread with ranch and marinara on the side (Pizza House); an original Hippie Breakfast w/ Hippie Hash (Fleetwood Diner); a burrito with queso (BTB or Panchero’s).
Purchase 3 of the following items: (1) pair of soccer-length Maize 'n Blue socks; (1) neon-yellow thong with the Michigan logo; (1) pair of yoga pants with the Michigan logo; (1) soft, tight t-shirt with the Michigan logo; (1) sweatshirt with the Michigan logo; (1) hat with the Michigan or Michigan Band logo.
Push the cube.
Hop over the Big M in the center of the Diag.
Memorize and Perform the chorus to The Victors, the University of Michigan’s official fight song.
Make a verbal presentation on the importance of the late Bo Schembechler (including a PowerPoint as part of the presentation is encouraged). The presentation should last approximately 3 minutes.
If all requirements are met within the 1-year period, I will be eligible immediately for a final hearing of certification administered by Leviathan. I shall wear the apparel I have chosen, described in the above “Purchase” section, to this hearing. I shall receive a written notice of Leviathan’s decision no later than 1 week following the hearing. If a decision is made in favor of certification, it can never be revoked for any reason. If approval is not granted, I have the right to appeal the decision and sit for a second hearing with Leviathan. In this case, I will be given 5 minutes for a verbal appeal and a final decision will be rendered immediately thereafter.
Addendum I: This contract does not preclude me from making financial contributions to my alma mater. This contract does not prevent me from attending events held by my alma mater.
Signature: ______________
Printed Name: ______________
Witness's Signature: ______________
Witness's Printed Name: ______________
Date: ______________
*My Wolverine Contract was signed on April 4, 2014 with Michael "Leviathan" Balkin as my witness. The 1-year period officially began on October 10, 2014 with a visit to Ann Arbor.
Remember the first time you tailgated in college? Remember waking up at 7 a.m. to take Jell-O shots and belt out the glorious fight song? I don’t. That’s because I went to Emory University – a fine academic institution with a D3 status and a ban on intercollegiate football written right into the university’s charter. To make up for this, our campus bookstore sells t-shirts that proudly proclaim, “Emory Football: Undefeated Since 1836.” Aren’t we clever?
As a student, I reveled in my academic experience at Emory. As a professional football fan, I was disheartened by the lack of a college tailgating experience. While I took solace in rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles and my siblings attended Penn State and University of Maryland, an appreciation of the Big 10 never resonated with me. Homecoming didn’t hold much meaning. That is, until I started dating my boyfriend: a University of Michigan alum and avid football fan. In April of 2014 he set out to recruit me as the next honorary Michigan Wolverine. And it all started with a contract of allegiance…
Mike loved his college experience and the city of Ann Arbor so much that he wanted me to share that part of his life with him. I readily signed the contract, a bucket list of tasks to perform, food to consume and songs to memorize about his beloved alma mater. In October of 2014 we visited Ann Arbor for the Michigan vs. Penn State game. I was able to tour the campus and check off a few items on my contract’s list of obligations. This website serves to track my progress and spread the Michigan love.
If you went to a Big 10 school, or wish you went to a Big 10 school, this website is for you. To the alumni of Michigan: I charge you to challenge your friends and family to become honorary Wolverines. Use my contract, send me additional bucket list activities or make up your own experience. GO BLUE!
My Progress
Consume
(1) Georgia Reuben (from Zingerman’s)
(1) 20 oz. Constant Buzz beverage (Dominick’s)
(1) small size Cheesy Bread with Ranch and Marinara on the side (Pizza House)
(1) Collider with 4 toppings (Rod's Diner)
(1) original Hippie Breakfast w/ Hippie Hash (Fleetwood Diner)
(1) burrito with queso (BTB or Panchero’s)
Purchase
(1) pair of soccer-length Maize and Blue socks
(1) pair of yoga pants with the Michigan logo
(1) soft, tight t-shirt with the Michigan logo
(1) neon-yellow thong with the Michigan logo
(1) sweatshirt with the Michigan logo
(1) hat with the Michigan or Michigan Band logo
Do
Push the cube
Hop over the Big M in the center of the Diag
Memorize and perform the chorus to The Victors
Make a 3-minute verbal presentation on the importance of the late Bo Schembechler
“The Victors” fight song was composed by U-M student Louis Elbel in 1898 following the last-minute victory over the University of Chicago that clinched a football league championship. An abbreviated version of the fight song is played after the football team either scores or makes a decisive defense play, such as an interception.
Lyrics of the chorus:
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
The leaders and best!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
The champions of the West!*
*The phrase "champions of the West" is often misunderstood; it is a reference to Michigan's membership in the Western Conference, later renamed the Big Ten.
Bo Schembechler
Bio
Glenn "Bo" Schembechler, Jr. (April 1, 1929 – November 17, 2006) was an American football player, coach and athletics administrator. With a Michigan coaching record of 194-48-5, 13 Big Ten titles, 10 Rose Bowl appearances and 7-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, Bo was Michigan's most winningest coach and one of the NCAA’s best football coaches ever. Sadly, Bo passed away of heart failure a day before the No. 2 Wolverines were scheduled to meet No. 1 Ohio State in the latest installment of the century-old rivalry. Nearly 10 years posthumous, he continues to have an impact on Michigan and its sports community. Read Bo's full timeline here.
Speeches
“Those Who Stay Will Be Champions”
“THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM”
Michigan Legacy
Bo's passion for the game and his team is felt to this day. Tough enough to take on his former coach, boss and mentor, Woody Hayes, Bo sustained a fierce rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State. His positive impact on the Michigan, NCAA and professional football communities continues to be honored and remembered. I encourage you to read Bo's Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership" for his inspiring philosophies on leadership, teamwork, perserverance and life.
