Speaking of Sports Column Archive

Speaking
of
Sports

by
Bernie
Fratto

A Belated
Thanksgiving -
Bo Knew

11/22/06

I was 13-years old before I knew my mother was educated at the University of Michigan, and once I found out, it was with great interest that I attended every Rose Bowl in which the Wolverines played.

Great Michigan teams, repeatedly, were beaten by the likes of Stanford, USC, UCLA, and Washington, but for some reason I could never take my eyes off some guy named Bo Schembechler. Even in defeat his troops were fierce competitors, taking on the personality of their legendary Field General.

It is with gratitude, and great willingness that we ride the emotional rollercoaster that is the world of sport. Particularly, when our children are involved. And that is why the vicarious odyssey we embrace as athletes, teammates, and parents becomes so intense when you meet a man like Glenn E. “Bo” Schembechler.

This man was born to coach. Sure, he knew x’s and o’s, but more importantly, he knew people. He knew what made them tick. He knew what made them happy, what made them sad, and he knew how to motivate. His communication skills were par excellence’ and people always knew where they stood with him, there was never any mystery.

He always believed that if people could communicate, ‘both sides would always have a fair shot.’ As a freshman in the early 80’s, U of M Quarterback Jim Harbaugh once asked Coach Bo, “do you think we’ll have a great team this year?”

Schembechler’s response was predictable: “Ask me in 20 years,” he replied. “If you’ve become a great husband, father, and you’ve been responsible in your community and successful in your career, then we’ll know this was a great team. Ask me in 20 years.”

When 15,000 strong, including 500 former players assembled at the Big House Nov. 21st to pay their respects to a man that taught them how to live, there could be no doubt that when God created Bo, his destiny was to coach, teach, and lead by example.

Every coach wants to believe they have the right formula. And if your ex-players, and former co-workers are staying in touch with you long after your season’s have passed, then you probably do have the right formula.

Coaches typically hold players to a high standard, but unfortunately many, don’t hold themselves to the same standard, especially when it comes to the warrior in uniform - the human being.

Many can proudly say, “I played for Bo,” or “I worked with Bo,” or “I love Bo.” But, we can all say we learned from Bo.

He not only believed things could be done the right way, he devoted his entire life to that profound concept.

God Bless Bo Schembechler…

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Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker. His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto. "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.