Bo Schembechler died a year ago on the day before undefeated Michigan and Ohio State faced each other in their annual rivalry.
Tomorrow, the Wolverines and the Buckeyes again will face each other on the football field. The legacy of Bo has not and will not be forgotten.
Today I read a very interesting article from "Bo's Lasting Lessons in The Detroit News. This book was co-authored by Bo Schembechler and John U. Bacon, a former News sports reporter. The picture of Bo and his son, Shemy, was taken by The Detroit News.
Bo has a reputation for being a tough-minded coach. As I read about the last week of his life, tears came to my eyes as I had a glimpse into the character of this man.
During the last week of Bo's life, he had still not fully recovered from a heart procedure. His son, Shemy, a scout for the Washington Redskins left his assignment at Michigan State early in order to watch the Michigan-Indiana game on TV with his father. Not knowing how many more games they would have with each other, I imagine watching this game was very special for Bo and Schemy.
The next evening, a former, third string quarterback, who played 33 years ago, by the name of Tom Slade died. Bo remained very close to his former players. During a difficult time during Tom's hospitalization, Tom Slade awakened to see his former coach sitting in a chair. They both looked at each other and said nothing. Slade fell back to sleep. When he awakened five hours later, Bo was still sitting in the same chair looking at him.
Slade's death was very hard for Bo. Nevertheless, he was at the U. of M football practice on Tuesday. Bo was not feeling well and found it necessary to sit on a stool. He and his son enjoyed talking and watching the practice. Although Bo and his sons were not overtly sentimental with each other, Shemy broke the family rule. He later told the author of the book, "I just told Dad I loved him".
On Thursday before the game Bo and his wife attended Tom Slade's funeral. Coach Lloyd Carr told Bo that he did not need to give the team his traditional Thursday night pep talk.
Bo could not be deterred and he gave the team his speech. Surprisingly, Bo did not talk about beating Ohio State, the Big 10 title or a national championship.
Instead Bo talked about Tom Slade. The players were encouraged to work hard, listen to their coaches, and stick together as teammates, so they might become good Michigan men like Tom Slade. At Michigan the goal was becoming good Michigan men more than winning a national championship.
The next morning prior to taping his weekly TV show, Bo died. In a memorial service three days later, one of Bo's former players, Dan Dierdorf explained what Bo's famous saying, "Those Who Say Will Be Champions" meant. The big former lineman passionately shared:
"What that really meant, was that if you stayed with Bo, you would be a champion not just while you were wearing the winged helmet of the Michigan Wolverines, but for the rest of your life. The way you would be a husband, the way you would be a father, the way you would be a responsible member of your community. I think that is what Bo really meant. What we did away from this town was more important to Bo than what we did when we were here. Bo, we stayed, and we are champions,and it's all because of you. Thank you."
Bo was extremely passionate about preparing and beating Ohio State. Make no mistake about his commitment about wanting to win the game. He was an extremely intense competitor. However, underneath his exterior was a man with a deep and caring heart. He had a clear understanding of the meaning of life and what is really important in life!
Bo we thank you for your legacy!
Remember, We Live within the Environment Created by Our Choices! Our choices can make us champions in all aspects of our lives.
Dr. Hal
Life and Mental Fitness Coach
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