Former University of Michigan head football coach Bo Schembechler died Friday. He was 77.
Schembechler was a legendary coach at Michigan. His record was 194-48-5 from 1969-89. He was a seven-time Big Ten Coach of the Year. Bo led the Wolverines to 10 Rose Bowl berths, including three of his final four seasons.
The Wolverine world reacted with sorrow and respect for the man who engineered Michigan's modern football dynasty and will to win.
I listened to interviews of grief stricken former players, coaches and opposing coaches.. With admiration and respect, Bo was described as a loving and tough man, who was a powerful motivator and disciplinarian.
He made his players become mentally fit and tough. He believed in mental fitness and was the epitome of mental fitness. Mr. Schembechler taught and can teach us a lot about mental fitness.
He had his first heart attack 37 years ago. Dr. Kim Eagle, clinical director of the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center and Schembechler’s doctor for five years, said the coach fought heart disease and diabetes for 40 years.
“He’s the most courageous patient I’ve ever had,” Eagle said Friday during the press conference.
He said Schembechler fought hard and was determined to stay healthy. “He was absolutely determined to fight his battles and win every day,” Eagle said.
"He wanted to live everyday to its fullness". At the age of 77, he continued to be Mr. Michigan Football. Yesterday, he gave a pep talk to the Wolverines and he died preparing for a sports show. He lived his life to its fullness.
How could he live so long with his medical conditions?" Dr. Eagle reported, "He took his medical care to the level of discipline he took to football". Bo Schembechler lived his live with incredible heart, strength and valor.
Dr. Eagle revealed Schembeckler's belief regarding the importance of the mind. Bo believed, "What the mind can conceive, the body will believe". What a powerful affirmation for those who are sick!
Dr. Eagle concluded his interview by saying, “It’s with great sadness that I bid him farewell.”
We will miss Bo's presence in college football, but his strength of character will never die. What a wonderful world Bo Schembechler created for all of those who knew him and for those who admired him from a far.
He has left us a wonderful legacy to fill our hearts and minds. He has left us footprints for living life.
Remember, we live within the environment created by our choices.
Dr. Hal
Life and Mental Fitness Coach
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