MSU Red Cedar Message Board

I sat in the stands on November 23, 1987. Michigan State defeated Indiana to lock up a Big Ten football title. I rushed the field, I was happy. Guys like Rison and Banks were money. Lorenzo was a tribute to the human race. It was a magical year, yet some bad pub did manifest to cast a light pal over the scene.

I sat in the stands when guys like Essensa, Miller & Miller, McSween, Foster, Clement and Anastos got it done. Their coach became legend.

I sat in the stands, in high school, when an Everett kid came into my high-school house and put another notch in his belt. And, I sat in the stands when his future teammate played one-on-one against my high-school vice-principal to the amusement of the entire student body (that vp and I had crossed paths, and Jay Vincent was my personal salvation on that day).

I sat in the stands when a short, chubby white kid from Indiana made an all-world media sensation his personal bitch.

I sat in the stands, when MSU football started to shine, yet I watched the coach on the sidelines with the kids, and it just didn’t seem right (same coach has won national titles elsewhere).

I sat in a bar with a former hockey player (1 year removed from the Mason years). He said something wasn’t right.

I sat on my couch when I saw a coach reclaim pride I had let slip (“I only care about Michigan State”).

I sat in the stands through so, so, SOOO many things. Peko, head slaps, Rocket, face slaps, “I don’t knows”.

Here is the point. I sat in the stands tonight. I saw a coach get emotional over a kid who could have wrecked him, and also could be his next salvation. I saw a man who could not be more perfectly etched in his element.

We, as fans, are very, very fortunate. The kids who choose to commit to the leaders MSU has chosen are very, very fortunate. I could not be more proud of our leaders. They represent my values better than any I have seen prior. Compete, grow, and don’t sell out.

MSU is a family, I am proud to be part of that family. Anybody that doesn’t want to join… eff off.