Life Does Not Begin at 40

Likely by now, everyone has heard the term mid-life or mid-life crisis. However, there is no clear-cut definition as of yet. In the hunter- gatherer phase, the average life expectancy was in the late 20s; 200 years ago the average life expectancy was 35 In the United States; and in 1970, the average American collected Social Security checks approximately 14 months before death. Today, an individual can expect to live in their mid-80s and some predict that 120 will be the new age marker.

Unfortunately, the portrayal of those in mid-life crises has been portrayed very negatively in an unflattering manner in the media, movies and TV. No doubt the realization that one’s life is half over, can be very upsetting. But not all succumb to the stereotypical portrayal of the aging process.

Psychologically, all types of behaviors symbolize the passing of time and defending against one’s own mortality. Not everyone welcomes or looks forward to their demise. Some, purchase Harley-Davidson motorcycles-Corvette Cars; divorce; remarry; begin competing in Ride and Tie –and other extreme sports like the Western States 100 –Tevis Cup, etc. These behaviors have to do with attempting to stop the aging clock or denying the aging process and even denying the inevitability death.

In fact, my first book titled “It Has Nothing to Do with Age” has to do with athletes 65 and older still competing in extreme athletic competitions. Today, I would retitle the book “It Has Everything to Do with Age.” Let me explain about the numerous changes that begin and take place within the 40-65 age group. These changes aren’t happy, but can be a good source of motivation. Physiologically speaking some but not all of the changes include the following: 1. Fatigue 2. Slowing metabolic rate 3. Declining muscle mass. 4. Increased body fat 5. Altered sleep patterns 6. Changes in memory and learning 7. Reduced libido 8. Reduced growth hormone synthesis 9. Reduced neurotransmitter synthesis 10. Reduced cardiac output 11. Changes in pulmonary function.

For the past 4-5 years, I have run a 10 mile trail race on New Year’s Day and my New Year’s Eve regime has not changed since I still attend parties. For the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, my trail times have been good in the sense that I have not run this event slower. But this year, my time was slightly slower and I had difficulty subsequently with two 50 K trail runs. Also, my running partner Tony and I have, in the past year, walked more during our training runs-outings. We have remarked that it feels good to walk and that running is certainly more difficult. Then reality hit when I I took this INR continuing education class on mid-life medical changes.

So I have to accept some realistic limitations as far as my running speed. But I do have control and can put more effort into the following in order to slow down the physiological changes taking place in my body: 1. I can eliminate all the night light when retiring-this means wearing a blindfold to block out all the light; I can perform deep muscle relaxation in order to prepare for sleep-sleep can restore and help regenerate brain functioning. 2. I can do weightlifting to restore muscle mass, increase Growth Hormone, increase bone strength, physical strength and increase testosterone. 3. I can make better food choices or nutrition for problems such as with inflammation and weight gain; and wash fruits and vegetables and read labels to eliminate or minimize all the chemical toxins that are added to our food by that industry. Arsenic is used in other countries excluding the United States in the treatment of fruits and vegetables. The notion that there’s more vitamins in the skins is incorrect. A particular study in the 1930s, measured the vitamin content in unwashed apples. They found more iron in the skins. Actually, the iron was from the dirt. Reduce or eliminate the amount of tuna, shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tile because of the high mercury content. 4. I can increase my hydration procedure while running since hydration deficits results in fatigue.

I’m not ready to throw in the towel as my aging fight is not over. I’m more motivated, as I think about my health, and want to continue doing what I’m doing in a way that promotes immortality. I’m selfish about this as I want this process to continue. So, that means I have to change certain behaviors and continue to assess along the way. 

Recruiting, Character, and Jim Harbaugh

College football recruiting seems to go on all the time, as evidenced by articles in the Bleacher Reports as to where a 3, 4 or 5 star high school player might attend in the 2016 or 2017 season. And yes, we have national rankings of stars in either a 3 or 4 or even a rating of 5 of a high school football player. These rankings are supposed to assess football ability. However, there are no rankings of character as of yet. What seems to matter is the physical attributes as opposed to the personality development of today’s athletes.

Back in the late 60s, when coach Bump Elliott was recruiting, there were no star rankings. There were only local and state rankings and an All-American ranking. Once again, player football ability was the most important and only variable measured. Of course it was subjective back then, and these rankings did not have a sophisticated computer logarithm component built in to it. Then, it was up to the coach and his recruiting staff to evaluate potential high school prospects.

Of the eight players interviewed, in Bo’s Warriors, one central character theme dissects each regardless of player position, racial origin, socioeconomic status, or rural versus urban playing environment . Underneath the extraordinary athletic ability [These athletes excelled in many numerous sports], there was an element of insecurity, and doubt about their ability to play on the big stage. These terrific athletes did not have inflated narcissistic egos nor did they believe they were the King of the castle. Did Bump sense this in his recruiting process and thereby recruited only athletes that had an underlying insecurity? I do not know if my sample of eight is representative of his entire career. However, I do know about these wonderful eight U of M super stars

.

I will give two examples of some of the things these players told to me during their interviews with me. I’ll begin with Tom Curtis. Tom was a superstar quarterback from Aurora, Ohio, a small rural community near Cleveland, Ohio. Tom didn’t understand and was irritated that Coach Bo Schembechler, then the head coach at Miami of Ohio, didn’t recruit him out of high school. Tom and his father made sure that Bo got his newspaper clippings. The fact that Tom was somewhat unknown [Based on level of competition] contributed to his insecurity. In fact, Brian Healy, the quarterback from Sandusky, Ohio was the Ohio player of the year and he enrolled at Michigan, also. That didn’t help, Tom’s sense of competence, but only doubted his ability to play quarterback at that prestigious level. Also, In Tom’s sophomore season, his position coach asked him to start at a different cornerback position. It was different from the side he was practicing – he was uncomfortable, afraid and insecure, and made sure he didn’t dare admit that to his coach. Even the town crier spread it around the community that Tom, would not even make the traveling squad at the University of Michigan. Tom never challenged or confronted the man.

Mike Keller was a superstar athlete from Grand Rapids, Michigan. According to Mike, his level of football competition ranked about third in the state behind the Detroit public schools and Lansing area schools. Keller in Grand Rapids was the big fish in a little pond. However, at Michigan, he was the little fish in a big pond. He didn’t place football as a first priority, in his thinking, and wondered why Coach Elliott offered him a football scholarship. In fact, Notre Dame’s Ara Parseghian did not offer him a scholarship but told him he probably would receive one at a later date. Mike Keller saw himself as a student first and was hoping to get his degree, which would set the stage for things to come in his future by becoming an attorney. He said that he was hoping to at least make the traveling squad. Mike played even though he was not a full physical strength because he knew there was somebody behind him ready to take his place and he was afraid of that happening. He did not miss any playing time.

With doubt and insecurity comes anxiety. Anxiety is not pleasant and something to get rid of or reduce if possible. When the anxiety level gets too high or too much, that can result in psychological paralysis. In sports, it is referred to when a player “chokes” during an important play or event during a significant part of the game. When it comes to taking a school exam, and the student does miserably, it’s called test anxiety. On the other hand, another option is to increase the activity level of something physical. It could be by playing the game of solitaire quickly and over and over. It’s not uncommon today to see individuals with some electronic device in their hands, compulsively being a captive. When it comes to sports, physical activity can reduce anxiety, perfectly. This means compulsive weightlifting, running, and bike riding, being on a rowing machine, etc. works well.

For Mike Keller and Tom Curtis, It was playing all sports at all hours in the night and in the day. There was unlikely a day when either was not practicing, playing or improving their skill. Both played basketball and loved to shoot and compete [Both played in the evening-Mike even played in the dark]. So for these two individuals, they reduced their anxiety through the physical activity of sport. They would come home tired because they extended themselves when they played. They played to win [Competition served a good purpose for them because it reduced their anxiety].

Another way to deal with insecurity and anxiety was their submission to the authoritarian dictator like football coach Bo Schembechler. Bo was a tyrant on the field and disrespected the players verbally and physically. He frequently put them down verbally through the use of his colorful street-gutter language. And, initially they disliked, and some even hated the man. They were angry and resentful. In order to deal with their anger, resentment, they had to unconsciously repress those feelings. And by repressing those feelings, they submitted to Bo and became part of the team. That was their way of dealing with their anger and resentment. They had to become the team, the team, the team. It was Bo’s team, and make no mistake about it. And once that happened [It was the fifth game of the season with Minnesota when it happened-team came together],  played as a unit on offense and defense and began to function as a single dynamism with Bo Schembechler as their leader. The anger and resentment toward Bo got displaced and they took it out on each other during practice and especially game time. In fact, in their next 25 regular-season games, they won 24 of them.

Tom Curtis holds the Michigan record for most interceptions; was All-American; and has two Super Bowl rings. Mike Keller holds the Michigan record for outstanding gameplay for three seasons; played in the college All-Star game against the Dallas Cowboys [The team that drafted him] and has  been connected to  football ever since. These men conquered their anxiety, and are simply good guys. Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh can recruit players that have a similar personality structure as both Curtis and Keller. Don’t forget Jim, that’s a mighty important variable to consider. Then, you won’t have to worry about suspensions, dismissals or other breaking of the rules.

Go Blue!

Nietzsche Claimed That God Was Dead

A recent article in The New York Times, dated May 17, 2015 discussed recent data about “America’s Changing Religious Landscape.” The Pew Research Center found the following: 1. There is a rise in the unaffiliated [in this category, there’s been a rise of six percentage points within the last seven years, totaling about 23% of all Americans-in this category there are people that describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or nothing in particular. Within this group, there are those that have little use for belief, as well as the acts associated with it. While others in the grouping believe in God, pray at least occasionally and think of themselves as spiritual people]. 2. At least a third of Americans today do not maintain the religious affiliation with which they were raised. 3. Many of these individuals are likely “Shelias”-individuals who believe in God, but do not attend church and trust their own internal voice to direct themselves on a spiritual path.

 Another article in The New York Times talked about the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail spans 2650 miles from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. This trail has been traversed by many either by hiking, running or on horseback. The trail spans cactus, desert, redwoods with uneven temperature patterns [triple digits to snow] along with having to traverse rivers and deal with rattlesnakes, bears and other wildlife. It’s estimated that fewer individuals have traversed the full Pacific Crest Trail than have reached the summit of Mount Everest. However, the beauty of the adventure is that it can be accomplished in parts or segments. One does not have to do the entire 2650 miles at one time. Moreover, more and more hikers than ever are hitting the trail. In fact, there’s currently a limit of up to 50 thru hikers per day on a journey that begins from the Mexican border.

Perhaps the book by Eric Rybak or different movie versions of “The Wild” are incentives for many of these hikers. Spirituality, as well as camaraderie are other motivations for Americans. Let’s face it, can you think of a better place along this journey to experience spirituality? And because of more and more individuals on the trail, there is a greater opportunity to connect with others along the way. We remain social as well as herd human animals when confronted with awesome endeavors. Individuals have been known to share food, water and one individual even found her husband on this very journey.

Further, perhaps, Luther and Calvin of the Reformation era provided an underlying base for motivation. Their religious philosophy emphasized, in part, the liberation of man, individual initiative, hard work, human autonomy with   dignity. This resulted in a marked change in the psychology of man from the medieval societies. On the other hand, the philosophy of the existentialists such as Kierkegaard and others hypothesized about finding meaning in life through experience and rationality. They saw the human being as lost, separate, conforming, powerless, helpless, anonymous and helpless while becoming more insignificant-a cog in the wheel in the technological advances and mass production taking place in our capitalistic economic society. They also saw the collapsing of formal religion and would have predicted the current phenomena taking place in the United States.

 Perhaps, the drop in traditional church membership might be related to this psychology of man. Apparently there’s no drop in finding one’s own spirituality, only in church attendance. Will this United States trend continue? And, if you researched the numerous people hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, you might find a higher number of individuals who do not attend a physical or traditional church, temple or synagogue. In fact, they may have found a spiritual meaning in their lives. Further, being on the trail is terrific for mental and physical health. Spirituality, meaning, initiative, achievement, hard work, personal bests and friendship are just some of the things that one can find on the trail.

A past post about my nightmare did not foreshadow yesterday’s [19+ miles] Western States 100 training run. The run was good as I did not lose my voice, cramp or suffer any injury. Tony did well on his run. On the ride back to Forest Hill, Tony sat next to an individual who came in fourth place on the Western States 100 run last year. I sat next to woman who won my book “It Has Nothing to Do with Age” on a 50 K trail run two years ago. This years’ experience was good. I’ll catch you on the trail.

My nightmare

"Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is."
– Aleksei Peshkov

I had a bad dream last night-a nightmare, In fact. This dream had to do with a trail run and the difficulty experienced, especially at the beginning of this run. For example, one part of the dream had to do with my starting off while being in the water. The water, somehow, was supposed to be about waist high but in the dream, it was up to my chin and I was afraid that I might drown. I quickly was able, somehow, to get out of the water. In another dream sequence, I had to enter and leave through this weird shaped building before I could begin my run. There was a door leading into the building, but, once inside, I had difficulty finding and opening any door to leave -I was stuck inside and unable to begin my run. These two memories stand out while the others have simply faded away. Needless to say, this dream was very disturbing.

The dream suggests my anxiety in running the second day [Sunday -from Forest Hill to White Oak Flat -about 20 miles] of the Western States training run during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. I have taken part in Western States training runs over the past 13 years or so. All told, these three day training runs total about 75 miles of the 100 mile one day event.

Some background that explains my concern about this year’s run. During the past few years, the daily temperature has warmed up considerably on those particular Sunday’s. Possibly, not having any significant heat training prior, resulted in my having an extremely tough time for the last 5 miles or so, especially last year. I became tired, dehydrated and had difficulty speaking as I lost my voice. After rest, of course, my voice came back normally. And, this year I haven’t had heat training. Also, I know from previous running experiences, that I don’t do well with high temperatures.

Further, my trail runs this year have been very different. On January 1, I ran this particular 10 mile trail run [Resolution Run] for the fourth or fifth time in a row. And for the last 2-3 years, my trail time has been pretty consistent. This year’s 10 mile event was a little different in that it had an extend

ed uphill loop. Possibly that explained running this event slower compared to the past two years.

After running that January 1 event, I read about sodium bicarbonate and begin using that in preparation for my 50 K in February-I’ve competed in the Jed Smith event for the past 12 or 13 years as well. Well, I’m unhappy to report, that I became extremely tired after 25 miles or so, during the event and essentially walked to the finish. I felt terrible and my running time was the slowest ever for this Jed Smith event.  I attributed my difficulty to possible irregular training, and especially the sodium bicarbonate.

Then, I began preparing for a 50 K Way Too Cool in March-which I’ve done for the past 12 or 13 years. During my February training, I experienced some difficulties with irritation in my groin area. I went to the Monster of Massage, for treatment, and he assured me that I would be fine for my race. I even consulted a medical doctor to get his opinion. He told me to rest and take Aleve until the day of the event. During that 50 K I was cognizant and continued to evaluate my physical condition during my event-I was okay. However, at about 18 miles or so, I started to cramp. My friend Randall joined me on the trail and we headed toward the finish. I did some slow running and walking for the next 7 miles or so and then climbed up the very steep Goat Hill. After leaving the aid station at Goat Hill, I cramped so bad that I went to the ground with a whole lot of tightness and spasms. Randall massaged my cramping leg, and I was then able to stand and continued toward the finish with a lot of walking.  My Way Too Cool trail time on that miserable day was by far my slowest for that event.

I must say that March and April have not been terrific running months for me. Last Saturday, I ran an extremely difficult and tough 10 mile Coloma River trail run-I’ve done this one for last four years. During the run, I felt terrific. This was a marked improvement over my 50 K experiences in February and March. Nothing was bothering me that day and the temperature was terrific for running. It was like there was a heavy burden lifted off my shoulders. I was surprised that my time was slower compared to the past two years. So, initially I felt terrific during and after the run. When I compared my time to the previous year, I was both surprised and disappointed. So far I’ve been consistently slower this year compared to previous years-this just might be my reality.

Well, it makes perfect sense to me that I have concerns regarding my next run. That bad dream brought my anxiety into my reality. I’ll keep you posted as to how the actual run turned out.

PS

Tony had a difficult time on his recent 50 K. He’s taken some time off and we’ll see how it turns out, for him this Sunday as well.

Can Jim Harbaugh Save Michigan Football?

For example, in one study, the findings were that even having low income or educational attainment was still associated with upward mobility. And these individuals, were most likely to think that such movement was possible. In another study, ethnic minority groups tended to overestimate upward mobility more than European Americans. Another research finding was that political liberals were less likely to overestimate upward mobility, than politically conservative minded individuals. Don’t forget that these studies were with college students. The researchers concluded that the belief in the American dream is certainly misguided, comparing it to objective reality. There is another way of stating it. Simply put, defense mechanisms like repression, rationalization and denial are frequent components of reality distortions.  It is very difficult to acknowledge and deal with things as they actually are because of the ease of thought distortion.

 Is a major reality  distortion  taking place in Ann Arbor with the University of Michigan football. In 2014, the Michigan Wolverines had a disastrous season, comparing it to the previous history of Michigan football. The 2014 team had five wins and seven losses. This is unheard of, and not acceptable. Then, in December 2014, Jim Harbaugh was hired as the new football coach. The hiring of Harbaugh was, in some ways, like the second coming as he was quickly brought from the West Coast to Ann Arbor to lift Michigan football like a phoenix rising from its ashes .  Harbaugh was going to be the Savior and bring Michigan back to its former football greatness. Many believed this was going to happen immediately.

Jim Harbaugh inherited a team that did very poorly. In part, some of the explanation might be placed to when Rich Rodriguez was hired as head coach. Coach Rodriguez brought in a spread offense philosophy that relied on having fast, athletic, mobile lineman. However, Rodriguez wasn’t there long enough to create success. Then Brady Hoke was hired, and his philosophy was more related to a pro-style offense. He even brought in an Alabama coordinator to run that offense. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the necessary 300+ pound lineman to run and control the line the scrimmage. So, last year’s quarterback Devin Gardner, frequently was harassed by the defense and didn’t have enough time to accurately throw the ball. He was often running for his life and trying to elude all those defensive players collapsing on him.

So now we have Coach Jim Harbaugh and his NFL Pro philosophy offense. If his offense is to be successful, he will have to be able to control the line of scrimmage and run the football. Did previous coach Brady Hoke, recruit enough large, talented lineman during his tenure? Is the cupboard bare or is it filled with good stock? If the cupboard is bare, coach Harbaugh and his NFL position coaches have their work cut out for them in order to be successful. As talented as Harbaugh and his staff are, he still needs the horses up front.

In 1969, when Coach Schembechler took over from Coach Elliott, the cupboard was not bare. Because it was well-stocked, Coach Schembechler had immediate success. Names like Dierdorf [NFL Hall of Fame]; Henry Hill, Reggie McKenzie [all Pro]; Jim Mandich-all Americans that made Michigan’s running attack work. And with that, it was 3 yards and a cloud of dust. And don’t forget the others, he had All Americans, Tom Curtis, Billy Taylor, Marty Huff, Mike Taylor and all Pro, Thom Darden as well.

For the Michigan faithful, because of Michigan’s difficult football schedule this year, starting off with Utah and Oregon State .A 6 win and 6 loss record would be terrific, coupled with a win or wins over Michigan State, the Golden Gophers, Penn State, Maryland Terrapins or Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Ohio State is more than out of the question for this year, unless the likes of Darden, Dierdorf, Mandich, Curtis from that historic 1969 team come out of retirement.

Reality might be brutal this year for the Michigan Wolverines. Just wait for different results when Harbaugh gets the horses. In the meantime, Go Blue Go! 

Bo Schembechler Employed, Psychology

Industrial Psychologist Elton Mayo Conducted A Classic Experiment At The Chicago Hawthorne Works Of The Western Electric Company To Improve Worker Production. Even Though These Workers Were Repeating The Same Task Over And Over; Could Monotonous Work Become More Productive And/Or Be Made Interesting With Their Active Participation? Briefly, 6 Workers Were Put Into A Room In Which They Assembled Telephone Coils. This Experiment Lasted For Five Years And During That Time, The Work Was Divided Into Various Experimental Conditions. Without Going Into Many Details, Some Of The Conditions Included: Rest Pauses In The Morning And Afternoon; Refreshments; Reduction In The Work Hours; And An Arrangement Of The Workers That Facilitated More Social Intercourse. In Essence, Although The Uninteresting Work Remained The Same,   Changing The Social Aspect Of The Total Working Conditions, Resulted In Changing The Attitude Among The Workers. They Became Aware That They Were Participating In A Meaningful And Interesting Experiment. And, It That Became Important Not Only To Themselves, But To The Workers Of The Entire Factory. This Group Of Workers Developed A Sense Of Participation In The Work, Because They Realized What They Were Doing, That It Had An Aim And Purpose, And That It Resulted In Influencing The Whole Working Procedure By Their Suggestions And Input.

Does This Experiment, In The 1940s, In Any Way Pertain To Bo Schembechler? Remember, For Schembechler It Was About The Team, The Team, And The Team. Let’s Apply Principles From The Mayo Experiment And Superimpose Them On The 1969 Michigan Wolverines Football Team Focusing On Variables Of Social Participation, Aim, Purpose, And Attitude. For Instance, Of The 10 Scheduled Teams For 1969, Only Two Were Circled-Michigan State And Ohio State On Coach Schembechler’s Blackboard. Simply Put, Those Circled Games Were Primary And Major Goals For The 1969 Season. The Players Were Expected To Beat The Other Teams, But A Major Focus Had To Do With The Rivalry Between Those Two Circled Teams.

Schembechler Formed And Created A Cohesive Group To Accomplish His Goals. He Put Up The Sign “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions” Which Clearly Delineated Whether Or Not You Were Either Part Of The Team Or Not Part Of The Team. If You Agreed To Stay, You Were Part Of His Experiment. He Also Reinforced The Team Concept By Telling The Players Something To The Effect That” Son Of A Bitch, You’re Not Red, You’re Not White, You’re Not Blue. You Are Michigan. You Can’t Be Divided; No One From The Outside Is Going To Get Between Us.” So The Players Clearly Realized That They Were Part Of The Team And They Were Expected To Practice, Practice, Practice, Which Meant A Lot Of Repetition And Drudgery [Monotony]. However, Each Player Had To Learn His Position Assignment, Regardless Of Whether It Was Offense Or Defense. Not Only That, The Players Knew That Aside From Knowing Their Assignment, They Had To Execute That Assignment Because That Would Be Important For Many Reasons.

Jim Brandstatter, An Offensive Tackle Not Only Had To Learn His Blocking Assignment, But Also Had To Call Out The Correct Blocking Assignments For Others On The Line. His Call Was Based On The Defensive Scheme And Player Location On The Field Of Play. This Wasn’t An Easy Assignment Since The Defensive Opponents Didn’t Stand In One Place, But Moved About Prior To The Snap. Jim Knew That His Job Was Not Easy, But Highly Significant, And It Had An Aim And Purpose. If He Blocked His Opponent Successfully, And Made The Right Blocking Assignments [By His Call], Then, His Teammates Would Be In A Better Position To Block Their Opponents As Well. And, If The Blocking And The Line Play Was Successfully That Could Result In Making An Important First Down Or Even A Touchdown. If Jim Made A Mistake, Then That Particular Play Would Likely Be Unsuccessful. In Essence, Jim Would Be Letting Down His Teammates, Himself And His Coaches.

Each Player Had A Part To Play, And Through The Combined Efforts Of All Team Members They Could Be Successful. Players Like Brandstatter On Offense And Keller On Defense Did Not Want To Let Their Teammates Down By Not Doing Their Best-By Being Successful. They Did Want To Be Out Of Position, They Did Not Want To Be Beaten By Their Opponent. They Simply Wanted To Excel. Keller’s Calling His Teammates “A Band Of Brothers” Suggests The Cohesiveness Among The Members Of The Team.

This 1969 Team Was A Group That Had A Sense Of Belonging; Had Similar Expectations; Common Interests; Interdependent Goals And Identified With Each Other. This Sense Of Belonging, The Social Aspect Resulted In An Attitude Change. Having Membership In The Group Resulted In A Highly Cohesive Band With Solidarity. These Teammates Socialized Together, Attended Classes Together, Roomed Together, Joined Fraternities Together, And Partied Together. As A Consequence, These Athletes [Friends] Were Motivated To Contribute To Themselves, To Each Other, And To The Team’s Welfare. Their Individual Narcissism Was Appropriately Developed And Held In Check Or In Abeyance As They Became Part Of This Larger Band Of Brothers. They Were Not Individuals Acting Alone. They Were Part Of Something Bigger Than Themselves. They Were A Highly Desirable Bunch With High Value Status. They Were The University Of Michigan Football Team.

In Essence, Bo Schembechler Created, Molded Attitude Change Among His Group [They Became His] Of Highly Motivated Athletes. Schembechler And His Coaches Made Practices Meaningful As Keller Told About The Creativeness Of Position Coach Gary Moeller. Every Player Knew That Their Participation Was Important As Brandstatter Told About His Experience, Going Through The Tunnel To Play Ohio State On November 22, 1969. He Said He Was Walking On Air; In His Heart He Thought That The Wolverines Were Going To Win. He Said His Senses Were Heightened. He Wanted To Get On The Playing Field And He Experienced, And Became Part Of The Moment. Even Though He Was Not A First String Starter, He Knew He Was An Important Component Of The Team, And Made His Contributions To The Team During Practice And By Being A Good Teammate. For Jim; It Was About The Team, The Team, The Team And He Said “I Felt Special.”

Coach Schembechler Knowingly Or Unknowingly Somehow Incorporated The Findings Of Dr.Mayo In That Chicago Factory. Perhaps He Used Research Findings In His Approach To Running The Michigan Wolverines. Or, Perhaps, Others Could Study Schembechler’s On The Field “Experiment” And Find Support For The Earlier Findings. In Any Event, It Is Clear That Schembechler Was Smart, Intelligent And It Was No Accident That He Got The Best Out Of His Players By Employing Sound, Psychological Principles. He Obviously Knew What He Was Doing And His Record At The University Of Michigan Speaks Volumes.

Since You Can’t Converse With Coach Schembechler, I Suggest That You Communicate With Jim Brandstatter, Thom Darden, Fritz Seyferth, Mike Keller, Jim Betts, And Others At Our Book Signing Of Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler And The Transformation Of Michigan Football On September 17 From 6 To 8 PM At Sesi Motors In Ann Arbor. This Band Of Brothers Remains Close To This Day. You’re Invited To Participate In Their Joy.

Just wait until Jim Harbaugh transforms the University of Michigan football team into the team, the team, the team.

Go Blue!

Tom Brady and NFL Inequality

With the recent PSI controversy in the NFL, it is clear that inequality exists in that venue. The NFL appointed its prosecutor [Ted Wells] to try Tom Brady and then as judge and jury, the NFL found Tom guilty and sentenced the highly touted quarterback, the present and future Patriot team as well as the owner Robert Kraft.

Over the past year or so, the High Commissioner Roger Goodell [what’s “good” about him] has found guilty and sentenced numerous NFL players that have committed some sort of crime. It might have been for spousal abuse-Ray Rice; child abuse-Adrian Peterson; and numerous drug offenses etc. . In each of these player cases, a crime was committed. I don’t have a problem with a consequence when a crime has been committed; although I do question the inequality of NFL sentencing on top of a jury sentencing. This commissioner acted arbitrarily.

From what I’ve heard about the Wells report, Robert Kraft did not commit a crime  nor break a rule; Bill Belichick did not commit a crime nor break a rule; none of the players on  the Patriot team committed a crime nor broke a  rule; equipment managers/personnel did  not commit a crime  nor did Tom Brady commit a crime. Apparently, equipment personnel may have broken a rule, or maybe not. Tom Brady did not break a rule [someone may have heard him say that he likes a little air taken out of the ball]. Certainly, what he may have said didn’t break a rule. He personally didn’t break a rule. For me, breaking a rule is breaking a rule with behavior. Yet, Robert Kraft has a million-dollar fine; the Patriot organization is losing future draft picks and Tom Brady is being suspended for four games or $2 million.

It appears that Mr. Brady’s “crime” was not turning over electronic records to headhunter Ted Wells. Since when is it a crime nor a rule that a player has to comply with the headhunter and give that electronic information to your prosecutor? That prosecutor personally interpreted some nebulous conversation and then concluded that Brady was guilty. Some admit that the Patriots are being punished for previously breaking rules, as well as not complying with league earlier warnings. This whole business is in some ways is like the McCarthy hearings of the 50s. Men are not having difficulty judging other men simply on their terms. The burden of proof or innocent until proven guilty does not apply within this NFL monopoly.

Roger Goodell, you have gone too far. Hopefully for you, it’s not to the point of no return. This case is not about the integrity of the NFL, it’s about you, retaining your job. You’ve had bad press as a result of all these player infractions, as well as past and present player head injuries/concussions. Agreeing with this decision does nothing for your integrity and speaks more to your arbitrary way of thinking. No one, and no one has said or implied that the PSI pressure in any way affected the outcome of that Indianapolis Colt playoff game. The Patriots dominated the line the scrimmage and running back Blount ran through and over the Colts repeatedly. And Brady’s stats were even better in the second half, using, an “official” football. Andrew Luck’s balls were intercepted and just maybe Bill Belichick and staff is superior to the Colts coaching staff.

So NFL high command, you seem, at this point, incapable of establishing equality. Get on the ball and as the cliché says “level the playing field.” Just do it fairly.

Bo Schembechler's View of Man

While interviewing Fritz Seyferth, we talked about the philosophy of Bo Schembechler. According to Fritz, Coach Schembechler believed that the nature of man is lazy and that he can always do better. And, that it was Bo’s mission to develop the player by practice, practice, practice. Let’s take a look at the notion that individuals are lazy. Is it true that man is generally lazy? If we take a look at individuals who are employed in manual, white-collar or semiskilled labor positions, i.e. assembly-line, fixing a machine or working in an office, we likely see individuals who are perhaps alienated, and bored  as evidenced by tardiness, absenteeism, illness, etc. individuals in these occupations are more accurately described depressed, as evidenced by their own spotty  productiveness.

Coach Schembechler also believed that an individual can do more. I agree that an individual can do more but that may or may not be in his best interests. The cliché practice makes perfect fits in this case. Yes, practice is good, but there comes a point of diminishing returns. Yes, the players can run more wind sprints. However, when running wind sprints, individuals get tired as expected. And sometimes when tired and exercising, the result can lead to and develop muscle overuse and /or injury. So when there’s physical exercise there needs to be a proper amount of recovery through hydration, nutrition, and rest. I’m not sure that Bo personally knew when to quit or stop thinking about football. He certainly placed stress on his heart and had a cardiology issue.

Find an individual, who is employed, interested and was passionate about his work in a productive environment and you have one highly motivated person. Bo Schembechler was not the least bored, lazy, alienated or depressed individual. He was anything but that. In other words, Coach Schembechler did not fit his own description or assumption about man being lazy. Mike Keller was another example and one of “Bo’s Warriors.”  Mike was initially recruited by Coach Bump Elliott in 1968. Keller was anything but lazy, bored or alienated. He was involved in sports, from an early age, and even had, at age 4, foot races with his mother, whom he described as the drill Sgt., He began competing and played for his elementary school teams. He said he’d rather be out playing sports than being at home because his mother would put him to work. He even practiced shooting baskets in the dark because he rationalized that if he made the basket in the dark, just think how good he would be in the daylight. It was certainly in Mike Keller’s character to improve and get better.

In explaining Keller’s motivation to succeed, his insecurity was one factor. Even though he was a big fish (an outstanding athlete in every sport) in a little pond in his high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mike Keller did not have a big head. He wondered whether or not, how he’d rate on a national stage at the University of Michigan. Even perceived himself as a student, first and a football player second. He knew that the   University of Michigan was a prestigious institution and that he would be in a good position for the rest of his life by getting that degree.

A second factor relating to Keller’s motivation is called “intrinsic” which fit his perception as being an extremely terrific athlete. This perception fulfilled his need for achievement. As a result, he didn’t require anyone to prod him or get on his back about improving his running speed. He ran, and conditioned himself to become faster and he accomplished that very well. When it came to running sprints or hustling on a play, he put it into high gear and his speed was one of his strong points. Also, a third factor is called “extrinsic” motivation. Mike Keller knew that by playing well, both at practice and in the game, that this would please himself, but also Coach Moeller, Coach Schembechler ( external praise, pleasing others or reinforcement) and his teammates because then, the team would also be in a better position to win the game. Also, each player was graded per game, and Mike Keller achieved the highest ranking during his sophomore, Junior and senior years of any player in the University of Michigan’s football history. Extrinsic motivation is therefore performing a task for reasons outside of the task itself. Mike Keller was therefore a product of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

A third factor relating to Mike Keller’s motivation to achieve was being reared in a competitive household. Although, Mike was not the oldest, he wanted to beat his older brother on any occasion. It didn’t matter if it was playing the card game of war or at golf.  Keller wanted to win every time, and generally he did. His mother, a college English professor, got on him about his learning. And he became an expert on Beowulf at an early age. He was even sent to parochial schools to reinforce the notion that learning-his education was important. He knew about being yelled at, as well as about being responsible and about authoritarian discipline.

When coach Schembechler became head coach, number 90 was eager to learn and eager to perform. He did not at all fit Coach Bo Schembechler’s assumption that man is lazy. That is not to say that coach Schembechler didn’t motivate Mike Keller. However, Mike Keller was a perfect example of a highly motivated individual ready to achieve and he did with the Wolverines, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, etc. etc. etc.

For an opportunity to meet  Mike , Fritz, Jim  Brandstatter, Jim Betts, Thom Darden, Dan Dierdorf meet them at the  signing  of Bo’s Warriors at Sesi Motors in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on September 17 from 6 to 8 PM along with other teammates. Join us there.

Go Blue!

Jim Harbaugh Requires Players

In 1968, Bo Schembechler replaced Bump Elliott, as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines under Coach Elliott finished the 1968 season with an 8 win and 2 loss record. The record included 6 conference wins and 1 defeat for a second place record in the conference. On that team were talented players, recruited by Bump Elliott.  Some of his recruits attained All-American status. His recruits achieved these honors, while playing for coach Schembechler.  It can be argued that Schembechler had something to do with these individuals becoming All-Americans.

 The entire list of Elliott-Schembechler All-Americans include: tackle Dan Dierdorf, 1970; guard Henry Hill, 1970, and Reggie McKenzie, 1971;end Jim Mandich , 1969; linebackers Marty Huff, 1970, and Mike Taylor, 1971; halfbacks, Tom Curtis 1969, Billy Taylor, 1971, and Thom Darden, 1971.

In Bo’s first season 1969, his team’s record was 8 wins and 2 losses, just like Bump’s 1968 team. However, his team was ranked 8 in the coach’s poll and 9 in the AP poll.

In 1970, coach Schembechler’s team, in his second season, won 9 games and lost 1. This time, that a coaches ranking of 7 and AP ranking of 7. Again, they were in the top 10 on both national football polls.

The 1971 team had a regular season record of 10 wins and 0 losses. The coach’s poll had those ranked 4 and the AP 6. In 30 regular-season games over the first three years of Bo Schembechler, their record was 27 wins and 3 losses. Aside from the All-American status of the 9 previously mentioned, there were an inordinate amount of players that played professional football, became all pro, and even one Dan Dierdorf was elected in the NFL Hall of Fame. To Make a long story short, coach Bo Schembechler had a lot of talent as his won and loss record reflects from 1969-1971.

By comparison, Coach Jim Harbaugh took over from Coach Brady Hoke at the end of 2014. Brady Hoke’s record in 2014, was 5 wins and 7 losses. This 2014 team on rushing the football had a ranking of 62nd on offense; they ranked 109^th on passing the football and overall had a 109th ranking. Brady Hoke’s defense fared much better. His Wolverines ranked 14^th against the rush and 19 against the pass. There overall record on defense was 7 and a bright spot in a dismal season.  Coach Hoke’s overall four season record total was 31 wins and 20 losses.  Despite the Wolverines poor showing in 2014, Michigan has the most all-time wins in college football history-915; the most winning seasons-114;  the most undefeated seasons of teams currently competing in Division I-A- 23; and the longest streak of games in Division I-A without being shut out-365.

It’s safe to say that coach Brady Hoke, the not recruit such a prolific group of talented athletes as did coach Bump Elliott. However, coach Harbaugh has something to build on which is the defensive side of the ball. So coach Hoke, then leave the cupboard entirely bare. Moreover, Michigan football has a great tradition, coach Harbaugh more than likely will add in a positive way to the historic tradition. Further, coach Harbaugh is unlikely to have a winning percentage [27 and 3] or 90% in his first three seasons as head coach, as did coach Schembechler.

 This means, that the expectations run high, in Ann Arbor as far as placing winning Michigan football back where it belongs with its bowl invitations and high national rankings. I think we can expect a decent first season under coach Harbaugh and then when his recruiting machine gets in full gear, the athletes will come. I eagerly await the 2015 season, and especially the last game of the season in late November against Urban Meyer’s Ohio State Buckeyes. I don’t know if lightning can strike twice? Nor do I know if Jim Harbaugh coaching can make up for limited talent in 2015. But I do know, that Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football tells the story of the historic event that took place in Ann Arbor on November 22, 1969. And, to meet  Thom Darden, Jim  Brandstatter, Mike Keller , Jim Betts , and Fritz Seyferth, join us at our book signing  from 6-8pm at Sesi Motors in Ann Arbor on September 17.2015. 

Go, Blue !

How Sane Is Our Society?

Some might question the saneness of today’s culture and society and its effects on today’s teenage population. On the other hand, there have been all sorts of claims about our greatness compared to other generations of past. Let’s look at a few variables such as values, parenting, suicide, alcohol, drugs and “Cool” products in deciding this society’s greatness and the mental health status among our teenagers. It can be hypothesized that these variables are indicators of troubled mental health in our society.

A group called the 247 composite evaluates and rates high school football players across our country. They rank them overall, as well as by position, played. These 50 or so full-time recruiting reporters have no difficulty evaluating sophomores, juniors and seniors, and even rate them by giving those stars-five star, four star and/or three star in their rating system. Now of course, how do we know if these ratings are credible [Do these ratings measure what they say they measure] or are they reliable [Is there consistency over time]? How do we know if they are really measuring the elite high school football player in the land as  they say they are; how qualified are  these raters that  pass on these judgments ; and is there universal agreement among the 50 raters? In any event, this is the system that is employed.

An athlete with a Five-star rating would likely get an inordinate amount of interest from college football programs. These coaches and football recruiters sell and/or market their program to the young 16 and 17-year-old kids. Who cares about academic qualifications [Values] if you’re a five-star athlete? Young athletic teenagers then have the problem of selecting what team to play for over the next four years. The goal for most of these five-star players is making it to the big time or the NFL, and likely not about pursuing a degree to get that “special” job. These kids are wanted, desired and heavily recruited. Our society values football and for the college and Pro’s it’s big business. So what could be the problem about fawning over these young kids? For one thing, their character development will catch up   [Me, me, me; others are very unimportant; and I can do what I want, when I want and not have to worry about the consequences] and impact them, if not sooner, but later. Just look at all the recent player suspensions in the NFL

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Well, there’s a group of privileged kids from the Palo Alto, California area that are a cause of concern. From May 2009 through January 2010, five Palo Alto teenagers committed suicide. Well, you might say that’s not a big number. The manner in which these adolescents committed suicide, was by stepping in front of railroad trains. And don’t forget, that in this community-many have almost perfect SAT scores, take advanced placement classes and earn super grade-point averages. Even, at the national level, the suicide rate among all teenagers has risen over the last decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate changed from 6.74 to 8.15 per every 100,000 Americans between the ages of 10 and 24.

Among high school seniors, the usage of alcohol and drugs were reported to be: 70.6% alcohol usage, and 34.3% marijuana usage. However, there have been declines in alcohol use, by 9th^, 10th^{,    and} 12^th-graders. However, the data suggests that marijuana use has remained stable, according to a 2014 survey. Currently, the majority of high school seniors did not think that occasional marijuana smoking is harmful with only 36.1% saying that regular use puts the user at great risk.

It’s safe to say that alcohol use is dropping; marijuana use remains stable, but suicide has increased among our youth. Possibly, and more likely today’s parents and society are contributors, but not the only contributors. Tiger moms have been characterized as being overprotective and overbearing [Helicopter parents-they hover]; micromanaging, directing and pushing their own parental achievement goals while rescuing and not permitting them the ability to fail. Even though many of these teens’ lives are ruled and controlled by adult parents, many of our young continue to act out through oppositional behaviors such as alcohol, marijuana and suicide.

 On one hand, we have a group of kids having difficulty deciding where to play the next level of football [What college football program will further my career best] and on the other hand, we have kids who worry about not necessarily which college to attend, but try to determine the odds of being admitted. Some of these academic minded students experience panic attacks, stomach disorders, stress, and anxiety even though they have outstanding SAT scores, and terrific GPA averages. Is it Stanford or bust [In recent admissions, Stanford admitted 5% of its local residents] or is it the NFL [If a player lasts more than 3 ½ years in the NFL, its unusual] or bust?

Regarding income inequality, we have some conflicting data. There are studies that suggest that after earning $75,000 per year, one’s level of happiness does not increase. However, there’s some apparently non rational findings such as: 1. Even though the wage gains since 2009 have essentially gone to the top 1%-the proportion of Americans who say they are thriving has actually increased 2. In a 2013 poll asking Americans to name the most important problems facing the country, only 5% cited income inequality or concerns about the poor or middle class and 3. The Gallup poll did find that 67% of Americans were dissatisfied with current income distribution.

Can one thrive even though they’re not in the top 1% of income-of course?  How can anyone dramatically change the amount of income earned that would then place them in the top 1% of income distribution-not very likely? It is clear that money alone above $75,000 does not result in happiness as there are many factors that contribute to mental well-being such as happiness, strength of character, good physical and mental health and good social relationships.

There are some that believe that one reason explains why people can deal effectively [The dissonance] with the inequalities of income. A recent study in Pasadena,  California found that when these subjects looked at products and people that were considered” cool” that sparked a pattern of brain activation in the medial prefrontal cortex-a part of the brain that’s involved in daydreaming, planning and ruminating- similar  to when individuals  received praise. The researchers concluded that one possible explanation is the tremendous amount of available consumer choices. This likely mitigates feelings of resentment, envy and outrage. In other words, they would say that because we have so many “cool” choices [consumer products] in all areas of our life that it allow us to distort reality. And as result, this unconscious distortion tricks most Americans into believing that they are reasonably content.

It may not matter if you can receive a paycheck from the NFL; go to Stanford to pursue an MBA and work on Wall Street, because all you need to do is find a way to buy all these “cool” consumer-products-get that latest Apple product, or purchase anything you want from Amazon. Apparently, these Palo Alto teenagers did not buy this explanation of becoming happy.

Source: the New York Times, April 12, 2015- Unequal, Yet Happy and Best, Brightest- and Saddest?