Maize ‘n Blue in the Keystone State

ANN ARBOR,MI–Growing up in grade school, I didn’t know football. I was a Philadelphia Eagles fan because my father is an Eagles fan, but around age nine I finally realized there were more teams out there and I found out about college football. I ended up becoming an Oakland Raiders fan because I liked their skull logo and Tim Brown was a great receiver. However, I still hadn’t chosen a favorite college football team at this point.

During the fall of my fourth grade year I turned 10 years of age, and this is when I noticed that my blood was not red, but it was maize and blue. My best friend’s family hailed from Wisconsin, so naturally he was a Badger fan. That fall when I was 10, Michigan beat Wisconsin on the gridiron, making me a Wolverine for life. There was something about Michigan football and seeing them beat my best friend’s team that made me a fan.

Nearly 13 years later, I am still a diehard Wolverine football fan. The surprise? I have resided in the heart of Penn State Nittany Lion territory for my entire life. Beaver Stadium is roughly 50 miles, or one hour, from my hometown. Michigan Stadium? Yeah, more like 440 miles, or seven hours. Even in PSU country I proudly display my love and affection for Michigan on my vehicle.

Everyone asks “How can you be a Michigan fan when Penn State is just down the road?” My love for Michigan football is just like a long distance relationship with a woman. It takes loyalty. It takes dedication. At first is isn’t very easy to stay loyal or dedicated when everyone is on you about being a fan of a team in a different state, but soon enough the love is solidified and you become a part of the family. I am proud to be part of the Maize ‘n Blue family, and look forward to many years of watching Wolverine football.

Over the past few years I have traveled to The Big House at least once, but twice on occasion, for a game. During those trips I have met many out-of-state Wolverine fans, hailing from Texas, Ohio, South Carolina, New Jersey, and so on. Those folks are in the same shoes as myself, but they, like me, are dedicated to the Michigan family.

In just over a month, our favorite Wolverines will be taking the field in their first gridiron match of the season. I am proud to say I will be in attendance for such a great event, and yes I will be making that seven hour trek from central Pennsylvania to Ann Arbor with other proud Michigan fans.

And remember….if you are an out-of-state Michigan football fan — stand proud! GO BLUE!

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