Calvin Magee Interview

Calvin Magee Interview from MGoBlue.com

http://www.mgoblue.com/Multimedia/MultimediaCenter.aspx?categoryId=81876?id=139038?id=139038

The Other 90% - Part Two: Cognitive Functions and Athletic Performance continuation of part 2

Taking away the variables of effort and attitude, this enigma can be explained by differences in cognitive functions. Cognitive factors can give some athletes an advantage and explain why some kids with abundant physical skills do not succeed. Take this into consideration; the higher up the ladder of competition, the more difficult it is for an athlete to overcome a weakness in cognitive functions. The pros quickly notice deficiencies and either do not draft, sign, or keep questionable players.

College coaches like the physical skills they see in developing athletes, but come to find that sometimes the other 90% is not what was expected. Coaches typically will individualize instruction and attempt to add extra repetitions. Coaches will lend support and attempt to muster maximum confidence. Some of their work is rewarded, but players who keep on demonstrating the same mistakes are labeled as projects. After a year or two some players blossom, due to the extra work of coaches and often just having mental skills further develop because of normal maturation late bloomers). Some players display little success or improvement and are sent to the scrapheap.

In high school, skilled athletes do not need the other 90% to beat players of average skill, so they achieve. In college, huge changes in competition, intensity, and expectations, combined with a greater equality of physical talent across the player spectrum, make for a quick and brutal shock for some student athletes.

Cognitive functions are typically termed executive functions or cognitive controls. Executive functions are brain processes that guide decisions, find patterns, make sense of physical surroundings, make order and analysis of a situation, and provide the thought processes needed to reach a systematic goal. Research indicates these controls are located in the prefrontal area and are clearly related to academic, athletic, and job success

One such cognitive function, linked to athletic success, is field independence. Field independent people tend to succeed more than field dependent people. Someone who gets lost in a phone booth is severely field dependent. Someone who can dissect the entire environment almost immediately and make a great decision is field independent. Great quarterback play is often attested to superior vision, but the reality is that many quarterbacks have a high level of field independence.

I will insert a personal example here that became shockingly accurate during my coaching. After watching incoming freshman and walk-ons settle in for a week, a number of players stood out as having potential but were having difficulty with drills, directions, or any type of execution. The players having trouble were always behind in reacting to any situation and made at least twice the number of mental errors as the other newcomers. These players were taken to a course where there was a bowling pin every 10 feet and every pin was placed at a ninety-degree right angle. The objective was to loop each bowling pin on the inside and go to the next pin and repeat the loop on the inside of the pin (the space between the two pins) until the course was completed up and back. Sending the players up to the end and then back made them reverse mental operations. There were seven pins. Each prospect watched as an upperclassman ran the course fast and without mistakes the first time. Some freshmen that were doing well were added as a control. The successful freshmen ran the course an average of 10 seconds quicker, with one mistake or less. Those who had trouble in practice would frequently not have a score, stopping at every pin trying to make the correct loop. They simply could not function in an environment where correct and speedy decisions were a prime necessity. Players who committed two or three mistakes, but improved after two or three trials, usually did well with good individualized instruction and by their sophomore seasons were “with it.” The kids who never or marginally improved on the loop-the loop test, rarely played, improved at a slower rate, and were always behind the other players. The problem was not of effort or attitude, it was, I am firmly convinced, linked to field independence. In the forty-yard dash, which takes no field independence, the “slower reacting players” could hold their own with the team studs.

written by Doc4blue

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Michigan Football: Stadium Construction Photos part 4

Written by Morencie124 and ErocWolverine

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Bo painting donated to Schembechler Hall

from MGoBlue.com
http://www.mgoblue.com/football/article.aspx?id=139014

Local Artist Donates Painting of Bo for Schembechler Hall

To see more pictures of the event please visit: http://www.mgoblue.com/Common/PhotogalleryCenter.aspx?albumId=139008

Video Highligths of the event:
http://www.mgoblue.com/Multimedia/MultimediaCenter.aspx?categoryId=81876?id=139032

May 28, 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Friends, family, distinguished guests and University of Michigan athletic department staff gathered Tuesday afternoon (May 27) for the unveiling of a painting of Bo Schembechler to be on permanent display in the lobby of Schembechler Hall.

The artist, Johnnie Dew, and his wife, Kathy, donated the painting to the U-M football program for display in the facility bearing the name of Michigan's all-time winningest coach. A reception, formal dedication and brief program was held in the Commons at Schembechler Hall.

Dew is a self-taught artist who began his painting career in February 2007 after a medical retirement from Ford Motor Company at the age of 32. He received no formal training and his only previous experience was one course at Romulus High School. Dew works primarily in pastel, the purest means of applying pigment to a surface, but also enjoys graphite as well.

Cathy Schembechler, Bo's wife, selected the photo that will forever represent Bo in the football building. An Ann Arbor resident since 1980, Dew spent well over 200 hours working on the painting.

"Listening to his memorial service and hearing all the wonderful things that people had to say about Bo, I felt like he should be honored in this manner," said Dew.

"I want to thank Kathy and Johnnie Dew because without them none of this would have been possible," said Cathy Schembechler. "I'm happy that whenever people walk through the doors of Schembechler Hall they will be able to see this beautiful painting of Bo. I know that Bo would be very happy knowing that today would be happening. Having the opportunity to talk with many people around here, I know that Bo is still touching people to this day. I want to thank everyone for coming today, and I know that you are going to love it."

A limited number of replica prints are being produced and will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition portraits will benefit the Bo Schembechler Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan. More information on the prints will be available at a later date on MGoBlue.com.

The Other 90% - Part Two: Cognitive Functions and Athletic Performance

The Other 90% - Part Two: Cognitive Functions and Athletic Performance

The first article in the series “The Other 90%,” demonstrated that there is more than meets the eye regarding change as a process. Still, change is immensely dwarfed in complexity by the second topic, cognitive functions and athletic performance. Tackling and understanding the relationship between cognitive science and athletic success is a difficult venture, an endeavor that takes years and requires expertise across multiple disciplines. The disciplines an advanced cognitively oriented coach should possess a high level of knowledge about include physics, kinesiology (yes, the academic discipline the domers wrongfully mock), behavioral psychology, human learning, communication, brain behavior and structure, and while at it let us add expertise of the skills, strategies, and techniques of the involved sport. All coaches want brainpower and mental toughness, some obtain results in this domain by understanding the power of the mental game and implementing proven strategies.

The first discussion topic is a brief history of the cognitive revolution and the role of competing psychological schools regarding changes in coaching methods and philosophy. The first known cognitive revolution happened in the “golden era” of open cognitive thought, namely, the time of the great Greek thinkers. Socrates would not conform to change, Plato fumbled the rock, and Aristotle lacked the physical skills to play the line. In addition, Alexander the Great was a socially misfit bully. The second cognitive revolution involved the great thinkers in and near the time of the Age of Enlightenment, especially philosophers grouped into the rationalist camp. Finally, the third and most modern cognitive revolution arrived during the 20th Century. Those not so random groundbreaking sparks collectively created a growing fire that resulted in the cognitive school of psychology achieving domination, over your daddy’s and granddaddy’s behaviorist school of psychology (stimulus, response, and reinforcement) that still rules sports coaching today. Now these 20th Century contributors really did make discoveries that have already advanced coaching and learning through an awareness of the other 90%. For some this knowledge is largely unknown but remains potential treasure to be plucked.

In today’s era, top tier football programs have, over the last decade, hired professionals with the title of mental toughness coach or mental conditioning coach, These specialists are not really tutors or study table enforcers. Instead, they create programs designed to maximize cognitive performance and present strategies and routines for cognitive improvement. The benefits are obvious; players that are better prepared, make fewer mistakes, display more confidence, and win more often against players of equal physical talent.

Society, collectively but with individual exceptions, is past, the dumb jock image that once was very pervasive. Still, there are questions that arise regarding connecting athletic performance and intelligence. Try this age old question: How can someone with so much ability play so poorly or make so many mistakes, every single time?

written by Doc4blu

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Michigan Football: Stadium Construction photos part 3

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Michigan Men's Lacrosse: Michigan Varsity wins Championship

from MGoBlue.com
http://www.umich.edu/~menslax/Articles/07_08Articles/051708MCLACHAP.htm

Event: Men's Lacrosse
Site: Irving, Texas (Texas Stadium)
Score: #1 Michigan 14, #2 Chapman 11
Records: U-M (20-0, 7-0 CCLA), Chapman (19-2, 8-0 WCLL)
Next U-M Game: Season Has Concluded

Culmination! Michigan Tops Chapman for First MCLA Title

Dallas, Tex. - The #1 University of Michigan men's lacrosse team captured their first MCLA National Championship on Saturday night (May 17) in Irving, Texas at Texas Stadium, defeating the second-seeded Chapman Panthers by a score of 14-11. After leading for most of the game, Michigan allowed Chapman to draw even mid-way through the third quarter. The Maize and Blue buckled down however to score five unanswered between the third and fourth quarters before fending off one final Panther run.

Chapman got on the board first at the 12:11 mark with a quick-stick goal, but the Wolverines were able to answer three minutes later on a dunk goal from freshman Trevor Yealy (Pittsburgh, Penn./Upper St. Claire) after being fed by sophomore David Rogers (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills). Senior Peter Krauss (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) gave Michigan their first lead of the contest at 8:19 but Chapman answered right back themselves, knotting it up at 2-2 on a dodge and fire from the right wing.

The Wolverines regained the lead at 5:42 after junior Peter Vasher (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) scooped up a loose ball in front, spun and fired high for the 3-2 lead. Senior Mark Hammitt (Madison, N.J./Delbarton - Boston College) extended the lead to 4-2 on a blast from the top of the box that went right over the left shoulder of the Panther netminder.

After a Chapman turnover in their own box, sophomore transfer Kevin Zorovich (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa - Marist) fed junior attackman Riley Kearns (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Brother Rice) who was parked 10 yards out. Kearns turned and fired high for the 5-2 lead to close out the first-quarter scoring.

Both teams traded possessions throughout the first 10 minutes of the second quarter, but neither team was able to produce any quality chances as the both defenses were up to the task. Chapman eventually broke through first on a dodge down the right wing followed by a shot that snuck inside the far-side post. Chapman notched their second goal in a row less than two minutes later to claw within one with 2:21 left in the first half.

Michigan slowed the Panther momentum a minute later as sophomore midfielder Svet Tintchev (Rockville, MD./Bullis) dodged from the left wing and fired high for the 6-4lead as the Wolverines took a two goal lead into the locker-room.

U-M scored immediately out of the half, after a clean faceoff win from senior captain and faceoff specialist Brekan Kohlitz (St. Claire Shores, Mich./Notre Dame Harper Woods) produced a clean possession for Michigan. After the Wolverines initial chance on goal came up empty Zorovich picked off a pass in front and buried the ball into the open goal for the three-goal lead.

Chapman clawed within two four minutes later on a dodge from the right GLE, before scoring at the 7:59 mark to cut the lead to the slimmest of margins. A shot from the top of the box gave the Panthers their third unanswered goal of the quarter to even the game at 7-7 with 6:48 left in the third.

Sensing the tide turning, U-M wasn't about to see their title hopes dashed and regained the lead at 5:12 on a long, bouncing shot from Vasher from the far left wing. Zorovich extended the Wolverine lead to 9-7 on a dodge from the right GLE, before firing low for his second of the game. Hammitt added his third of the contest for the 10-7 lead on a dodge down the middle as the Maize and Blue took a three-goal lead into the final frame.

Tintchev added his second of the game on Michigan's first solid possession of the fourth on a blast from the left wing before Kohlitz won the ensuing faceoff, raced down field and fired high for the 12-7 lead.

After five unanswered goals from Michigan, Chapman called a timeout to slow the Wolverine momentum and was able to score right out of the timeout to draw within four with 11:59 left. Rogers answered right back for the Maize and Blue for the 13-8 lead just over a minute later.

The Panthers wouldn't go away however, scoring a man-up goal at 8:50 to draw within four once again. A low shot from the left wing found the back of the cage for Chapman at 5:36 as Michigan hung desperately to the 13-10 lead.

Chapman continued their late game run on a quick-stick goal in front to claw within two with just 2:46 left in the game. Kohlitz's superior play on faceoffs continued however, and the Wolverines were able to secure possession in the waning moments of the game, working the ball around the box before Vasher found himself open just outside of the crease. With Panther goaltender Daniel Kirkpatrick harassing Hammitt behind the net, Hammitt fed Vasher for the open-net goal to seal the victory.

The Wolverines doused Head Coach John Paul in a traditional "Gatorade bath" before storming the field once the clock hit 0:00 to celebrate the program's first National Championship.

Statistically, Michigan won every category. The Wolverines outshot their opponent 44-35 and won the groundball battle, 36 to 22. The Wolverines were 21 of 29 on faceoffs, and finished 17 of 21 on clears, while riding Chapman to 14 for 21 totals. The Maize and Blue failed to score on two man-up attempts, while the Cougars scored on their lone chance.

With the conclusion of the season, please visit MGoBlue.com for all of your Michigan Lacrosse information over the summer months including information on the bevy of camps hosted by the Wolverines.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES
● Michigan became the first team in the MCLA era (1997 - present) to finish a season with a perfect record. They are also the first team from a conference outside of the WCLL or RMLC to win a national championship.

● Kohlitz finished in his career with another dominant effort on faceoff's winning 21 of 29 to go along with his fourth-quarter goal.

● Kohlitz also paced the team with 11 groundballs. With 138 groundballs this season Brekan Kohlitz is now tops in career groundballs with 386.

● Zorovich paced the team with four points on two goals and two assists while Vasher led the team with three goals.

● This was the first meeting between the two teams.

● Goaltender Graham Townsend (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville East) finished with 13 saves including a number of point-blank attempts.

● The game was televised by Fox College Sports. Please check your local listings for air dates or visit http://msn.foxsports.com/fcs. The first airings will be June 14 and 15.

● The Wolverines earned a number of spots amongst the All-American list that was announced throughout the game. Brekan Kohlitz and junior defender Zach Elyachar (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands) both earned 1st-team All American honors while Trevor Yealy, Mark Hammitt and Peter Vasher all earned spots on the second team. Freshman defenseman Harry Freid (Needham, Mass./Needham) earned a third-team honor, while Graham Townsend, senior long-stick midfielder Alex Martusiewicz (Troy, Mich./Troy), and senior captain and midfielder Bobby Morales (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Brother Rice) all grabbed Honorable Mentions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUOTES
Head Coach John Paul
On his general impressions: "I'm just so proud of this group of guys and they deserve it more than any team I've been a part of. They worked incredibly hard all season long and persevered through everything we put them through. I'm especially happy for this group of seniors. They did an amazing job this year."

On their offense: "They are a tremendous offense, and they tested our defense all game long. They scored 11 goals on us and no one has scored double-digits on us all year. Graham came up with some big-time saves. We knew they would have the ability to come back on us at any time, and at half-time we told the guys that we're going to have to continue to score goals if we were going to win the game. It was as much up to the offense to keep the cushion throughout the game."

On the play of Brekan: "What a great way for him to go out with his play during the tournament. He scored that goal late vs. Georgia to get back the lead, and with the game tonight against a kid everyone talked about being one of best faceoff guys in the country. But I think Brekan proved tonight he's the best at what he does at our level. I've worked so closely with him and to see the pride he puts into his work and to see it result in this is great."

On the second-midfield line: "We knew we were going to need goals from our second line, and we got three goals from that group and that's the margin of victory right there. It�s the way the team has been all year, with a ton of scorers who can break defenses down. Obviously Yealy put together a great year and if people leave him open on the crease he's going to score, but if you try to shut him down you're just opening it up for the rest of the guys, who are all completely capable."

On the process of coaching the team: 'This is the first year we've had a real, full-time staff and having Ken [Broschart] on the staff is a huge help and having Scott [Morrison] step up with the defense like he did was a major factor for us. We've put so much more into this season than in the past...it's translated into how much we've progressed and improved. They have more confidence in us because we've got to work with them more, and get to know them better. This is not just a closer team of 40 guys, it's a tight group of 50 with everyone who's associated with this program, and that's what makes this special".

On the legitimization of the win: "I think it's not only big for us, but it's big for the MCLA that someone outside of the WCLL or the RMLC won it. There were two first-time final four teams as well. A lot of teams have been waiting for a non-western team and I think that responsibility had fallen on us. Hopefully it allows some other teams to realize that they could get there to. Look at the way Georgia played us; how well Boston College played here."

On the look at the entire season: "When you look at how far this program is coming and when you consider that we opened up the fall against defending National Champion Johns Hopkins, in Ann Arbor, on our field in front of 3,000, it's a pretty magical year. I don't think any of us could have envisioned this after the way last year ended."

Senior Long-stick Midfielder Alex Martusiewicz
On the team: "For everything to gel the way it did is amazing. Over the last eight months of practicing we've come together so much. The incredible support you get from everyone throughout the season is nothing short of miraculous. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes and that just really came together this week. JP was bold from day one with this season, considering our fall ball and our schedule and it all paid off."

Senior Midfielder Bobby Morales
On the win: "It means everything. This was going to be the last time you took the field and to go out in that fashion with a career win is what makes it so special. This year was a never a cake-walk and this team bought into everything the coaches asked for, and to experience it as a senior was just amazing."

Senior Midfielder Peter Krauss
On the year: "A lot of hard work came to fruition. We always knew we could do it, but when it actually happens it just leaves you speechless. I just didn't know how to react when we first won and it's just starting to sink in right now. It's something I dreamed about since I first dreamed about playing Michigan Lacrosse. We didn't win one game in the fall and we got our butts kicked in every scrimmage, but it goes to show you that nothing in life worth having comes easy. We stuck with it and got to the top."

Senior Goaltender Graham Townsend
On the experience: "Having everyone here and taking care of business going undefeated is just an unreal experience. It hasn't sunken in yet, but I'm sure it will. You couldn't ask for anything better in your senior year. To finish it all off like this is something I'll never forget."

Senior Attackman Doug Bell
On the senior class: "Having such good friends to experience this with was amazing. It took us all four years but it was all worth it. The coaches did such an amazing job and we were always prepared and all the hard work paid off."

Senior Attackman Thomas Lehman
On the season: "Each year definitely has a different feel and each team has a different mentality, but this year from the beginning we knew everything could come together and nothing but a National Championship would satisfy us this year. The entire process of this season just showed you where our program has come to in terms of everything that goes on."

Senior Attackman Matt Mierendorf
On the entire process: "I think we put a major emphasis on hard work this season and right now we're reaping the rewards of that. I've never played on a tighter team. Our ultimate goal was always a National Championship and it all came together in the end."

Senior Midfielder Mark Hammitt
On the final result: "Considering all the hard work we put in this year, I think we expected to be here at the end. I think once we won that first BYU game we realized this could be something special and our confidence just grew from there. We just wanted to complete our mission and went into every game expecting to win. This year we decided to be a complete team and when you look at how much we hustled, how we worked for all the groundballs, and how hard we rode, that's what makes all the difference."

Senior Faceoff Specialist Brekan Kohlitz
On the team: "I was just telling some other people that this group feels so much more like a family than a team. To go out like this just makes it all seem perfect. To be rewarded with all of the hard work that we put in throughout the entire season makes it so special."

The Other 90% - Introduction and the Process of Change continuation of part 1

What faulty assumption kills the process of change the most? Clearly it is a failure to understand that change, even under circumstances of superior procedure and resources almost always takes longer than anticipated. The process of change for any large human endeavor (including sports programs) is measured in years, not months or days. Under the best of circumstances, change takes two years; under normal circumstances change takes three to five years. And if the change is not brought about in five years, the venture is termed unsuccessful. Ironic how the theory world mirrors the actual world, since coaching contracts in big ventures are typically four or five years.

What circumstances help move along the process of change toward success? Change must be active and obvious. A support system must be quickly established in which players are invited to be the first to accept change and declare support, or else be pressured by others (taking into account normal variance of opinion) to get on board. Failure results in a declaration of nonsupport and usually to self-inflicted isolation or elimination. A change in “me” will result in a change in “we.” As participants in the process of change, players must expect obstacles to occur and become skilled in overcoming adversity of any type. Perhaps most importantly pre-established norms must be quickly stricken and replaced with strategies shown to be successful and inductive to change. Does any of this sound now eerily familiar?

And now the grand caveat of the article, what is the assessment of Coach Rodriguez and the process of change? Many observations are evident and lack mystique. Coach Rodriguez, as stated in his interviews, has undergone change in previous programs. It does not bother him, nor could he care less what others think of this wheel of change. Some view this as selfish and egotistical, but highly successful people have conducted themselves in such a manner for centuries, frequently, but not always, leaving scorched earth as a residue. . One of Coach’s first proclamations was that change will occur and it is likely to be over a two or three year period. Coach Rodriguez appears to now be at the stage of inviting others into the circle that supports change through the choice of commitment. Some will remain stubborn, but this is a given in human behavior. By osmosis, any successful coach seeks and gives loyalty and commitment to players and associates. But Coach is making them earn this badge by actions in the future, not the words of today. . Coach Rodriguez, by accident or design, has taken the most recognized step in the process of change. That step is overhauling, almost completely, the previous culture. But that strategy brings about another certainty of the process of change, namely conflict is an almost guaranteed side effect. And this is not all bad, because faster players should still wear the winged helmet. And different style players should still be outstanding citizens and receive a high quality education. And most importantly the associated goal of good citizenry can uphold the reputation of the university in the future.

Regarding football: take two aspirins and figure out a way to get better tomorrow.

written by Doc4blu and ErocWolverine

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Michigan Football: Stadium Construction photos part 2

Michigan Stadium renovations

Michigan Stadium renovations
Michigan Stadium renovations new restooms and concessions
Michigan Stadium renovations
Michigan Stadium renovations

Written by Morencie124 and ErocWolverine

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Michigan Women's Soccer: Recruiting Class Tops Big Ten

from MGoBlue.com
http://www.mgoblue.com/soccer-w/article.aspx?id=138958

U-M Recruiting Class Tops Conference, Ranked Nationally

Interview with new Michigan Women's Soccer coach
http://www.mgoblue.com/Multimedia/MultimediaCenter.aspx?categoryId=82190?id=107108

May 26, 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's soccer team's 2008 recruiting class received the top ranking in the Big Ten Conference and a No. 16 ranking nationally from Soccer Buzz Magazine in its recently released recruiting rankings. The incoming class, which includes five top-200 prospects, was also tabbed as the second best in the Great Lakes Region.

Michigan will feature three newcomers that are ranked among the top 100 in the country by Soccer Buzz, led by goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer (Troy, Mich./Lahser HS), who was ranked No. 88; midfielder/defender Courtney Mercier (Erie, Pa./McDowell HS), the 90th-ranked prospect; and forward Clare Stachel (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central HS), the 99th-ranked prospect. Joining them will be a pair of top 200 players in defender Kimberly Siebert (Troy, Mich./Avondale HS), rated No. 138, and midfielder/defender Natalie Horner (Upper Arlington, Ohio/Upper Arlington HS), who was tagged as the 170th best prospect in the country.

The five ranked freshmen are part of an eight-member class that also features forward/midfielder Kristen Goncalves (Ann Arbor, Mich./Gabriel Richard Catholic HS), forward Meaghan Hennessy (Westlake, Ohio/Magnificat HS) and midfielder Kelsey Rogind (Emerald Hills, Calif./St. Francis HS).

With a No. 2 regional ranking, this year's class tied a program high on the Soccer Buzz rankings set by the 1999 class. That group was highlighted by Abby Crumpton (1999-2002), the program's all-time leading point getter, and Amy Sullivant (1999-2002), who amassed the fourth-highest career assists total.

The Wolverines graduated six seniors from the 2007 squad.

The Other 90% - Introduction and the Process of Change

The Other 90% - Introduction and the Process of Change

When any individual or collective group wishes to take up a mantra sure to secure thought and attention, the construct of change as a process heads the list of presentable themes. Look at the current world, politics equal the mantra of change (always has), education equals the mantra of change, as does any noteworthy human venture. It takes little thought or ability to discuss or propose change; it takes vision, knowledge, planning, and cooperation to pull off change. Michigan football is undergoing rapid and obvious change, hence this article.

Not so long ago, at a Big Ten institution I am embarrassed to mention, my department chair called me in and asked if I wanted some summer money. I asked what the gig would be. The gig was a complete and scholarly study of the process of change. At first, I thought this venture would provide only money. The assumption was incorrect: there is indeed great benefit from studying the process of change.

It soon became clear that perhaps the most prominent writer on the subject of change was a scholar named Fullan. This remains so today. So the following precepts are partly based on Fullan’s considerable contribution to the knowledge base.

Are coaches masters at understanding the process of change? Probably not, but it must be stated that the historical coaches of legendary status all were hailed as great teachers, great communicators, master psychologists, and leaders in achieving success. Most likely none of the coaching legends had the knowledge base of teaching, learning, and psychology attributed to experts. But by similar inherent, seemingly inborn, traits and an unbending willingness to succeed, coaches have achieved more success for themselves and their apprentices, than other entities who come into contact with student athletes.

Before a discussion of Coach Rodriguiz and the recent events of change, the process of change will be delineated. Remember, first of all, that change is rarely a singular event, involving one person, linked to a singular goal. The nature of change is clear: change involves a precise process; change has unintended consequences and is risky, and change causes commitment more than commitment causes change.

Have you the readers seen big business bring forth ads that center emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and change lately? This is not by accident, big business has thrown its entire belief system behind thinking outside the box, collaboration, and innovation through the process of change. Models of change are being produced by the dozens; some possess lengthy flowcharts with sophisticated task analysis sheets. One model that is not sophisticated, but highly effective and quick, is the ideal state model. In this model, what a group agrees upon as the ideal state (the coaching staff) is compared to the evaluated actual state. The differences are then noted and individual strategies are prepared to get the actual state moving to the ideal state. I would bet a dime to a dollar that Coach Rodriquez uses such a model without even knowing its theoretical background. Most successful people just intuitively think and act this way.

Coming up next:
The Other 90% - Introduction and the Process of Change continuation of part 1

written by Doc4blu and ErocWolverine

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Michigan Football: Stadium Construction Photos part 1

Michigan Stadium renovations

Michigan Stadium renovations
Michigan Stadium renovations near the tunnel
Michigan Stadium renovations of the visitors locker room and crane
Michigan Stadium renovations above Junge recruiting center

Written by Morencie124 and ErocWolverine

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Michigan Baseball: Kentucky against Michigan in Regionals first game

from MGoBlue.com
http://www.mgoblue.com/baseball/article.aspx?id=138952

Michigan Seeded No. 2 in Regional, Will Face Kentucky

May 26, 2008

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 18-ranked University of Michigan baseball team will be a No. 2 regional seed for the NCAA Championship, as announced by the NCAA Monday afternoon (May 26) live on ESPN. U-M is one of 16 schools selected to host a four-team NCAA Regional tournament and the only school hosting as a No. 2 seed. Contests for the regional tournament will run Friday through Monday (May 30-June 2) at the Wilpon Baseball Complex, home of Ray Fisher Stadium.

The Wolverines (45-12), regular-season and tournament champions of the Big Ten Conference, will be joined in the double-elimination regional by No. 1 regional seed Arizona, No. 3 seed Kentucky and No. 4 seed Eastern Michigan. Michigan will open regional play against Kentucky at 7 p.m. Friday (May 30) after Arizona and Eastern Michigan play at 2 p.m.

The winner of the four-team event will advance to a best-of-three NCAA Super Regional that will start eight Friday or Saturday, June 6-7. The Ann Arbor regional winner will match up against the winner of the regional being hosted by the No.1 overall seed Miami (Fla.). That regional consists of Miami, Missouri, Mississippi and Bethune-Cookman. The eight super regional winners will advance to the College World Series June 14-25 in Omaha, Neb.

Tickets for the regional tournament will go on sale to the general public through the U-M Ticket Office Wednesday morning (May 28) at 8 a.m. Single-game tickets range from $6 for general admission to $10 for a chairback seat. All-session passes range from $28 to $56. All tickets must be picked up in person starting Thursday (May 29) at 8:30 a.m. or at the will call window at Ray Fisher Stadium on game days.

Arizona earned an at-large bid to the tournament after posting a 38-17 record and finishing the season with a series victory against No. 3 overall seed Arizona State. Kentucky also earned an at-large bid after completing the regular season with a mark of 42-17. The Wildcats finished 15-15 in the Southeastern Conference and went 1-2 in the SEC Tournament.

Michigan is 12-41 all-time against Arizona and boasts a record of 14-1-1 against Kentucky, but the Wolverines have never before met either Wildcat club in postseason play.

Eastern Michigan is the most common non-conference opponent of the Wolverines both in the regular and postseason. U-M holds a mark of 109-51-2 against the Eagles during the regular season, including a pair of wins this season, and is 5-4 against them in the postseason.

Michigan has played host to NCAA Regional action on seven previous occasions, most recently in 1986. U-M also hosted in 1953, '61, '78, '80, '81 and '83. It will be the 21st time overall the Wolverines have appeared in the NCAA Championship and the fourth straight under head coach Rich Maloney.

Last year the Wolverines defeated top-ranked Vanderbilt twice in Nashville, Tenn., on the way to winning their eighth regional championship. U-M lost twice at eventual national champion Oregon State in the super regional.
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REGIONAL SCHEDULE (Times EDT)

Friday, May 30
Game 1 -- #1 seed Arizona vs. #4 seed Eastern Michigan, 2 p.m.
Game 2 -- #2 seed Michigan vs. #3 seed Kentucky, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 31
Game 3 -- Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 2 p.m.
Game 4 -- Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 1
Game 5 -- Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 2 p.m.
Game 6 -- Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7 p.m.

Monday, June 2
Game 7 (if necessary) -- Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser, 7 p.m.

A new series "The other 90%" coming soon

Coming Soon to Your Go Blue Michigan Wolverine

In the near future, we at Go Blue Michigan Wolverine will present a series titled “The Other Ninety Percent.” The name of the series is taken from a now famous quote from one of our most honored Americans, Yogi Berra. Yogi, as all know, brought howls when he informed the general public that baseball is 50% physical and 90% mental. The immediate response was to label Yogi as mentally inept, but as the years have passed, the current flavor of judgement is that of realizing just how shrewd this American icon was.

This was Yogi’s way of affirming that the mental side of sports is critical and overlooked, compared to the obvious physical execution that observers routinely witness at sporting events. Even though Yogi was not touted as a world famous psychologist, in the mold of B.F. Skinner or John Watson, he was a successful psychologist and parlayed this personal construction of psychological knowledge into incredible mental toughness and the ability to manage pitchers and game situations at the highest level.

Even if the famous 90% quote had never left Yogi’s lips, he remains a poster child for the mental facet overcoming the physical facet. Yogi was short and dumpy, had at best an average arm, and swung at pitches a foot out of the strike zone. He simply used his assets, mental toughness, and a love of hitting, to offset his deficiencies.

The different parts of the series are:
1- Introduction and how the process of change affects sports teams.
2- Cognitive functions and athletic performance.
3- Teaching and enhancing success,
4-- The final product: Linking the mental with the physical.

Doc4blu is the author of the series. He has studied under one of the nation’s leading authorities regarding learning and cognitive psychology. Doc in his hayday coached in over 500 games at several levels, including a near decade stint in college. He also incorporated, after great study, a very difficult mental toughness and athletic performance program based on the work of the famous Gus Hoefling, guru to the great athletes of the 1970’s and 1980’s, and a world master of marshall arts. Gus was Barwis before Barwis.

Therefore, with the topics of change, success, improvement, and physical and mental conditioning so epidemic to U of M football discussions, we at Go Blue Michigan Wolverine sincerely hope you enjoy these insights into the “other 90%.”

written by Doc4blue and ErocWolverine

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Michigan Football: New Fieldhouse Pictures part 2

Michigan Football's new Fieldhouse

Michigan Football's new Fieldhouse inside of the building

Michigan Football's new Fieldhouse straight on shot

Michigan Football's new Fieldhouse from the old soccer field

Michigan Football new Fieldhouse

Written by Morencie124 and ErocWolverine

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Michigan Softball: Pictures of the Alumni Field

Michigan Football new Fieldhouse in the background

Michigan Softball Alumni Field left field looking back to home plate
Alumni Field stands
Dugout on the third baseline
Home plate and new bleachers and fold down seating

written by Morencie124 and ErocWolverine

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/

If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Michigan Football: New Fieldhouse Pictures part 1

Michigan Football new Fieldhouse picture from Schembechler Hall

Michigan Football new Fieldhouse inside look of the massive structure
Michigan Football new Fieldhouse end
Michigan Football new Fieldhouse look inside the building
Michigan Football new Fieldhouse other end of the structure

written by Morencie124 and ErocWolverine

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Michigan Baseball: Regional Selection Show Today

Michigan Baseball:

Road to Omaha Selection show

12:30pm EDT. - 1:00pm EDT.

DirecTV Channel 206

ESPN

Memorial Day: Time to remember