It's Great to Be A Michigan Wolverine

As if missing two straight bowl games, after going to a bowl game for 33 straight years, wasn't enough (the last year Michigan missed a bowl game was in 1975). As if two straight losing seasons, with a combined record of 5-16, wasn't enough (after 40 straight winning seasons, if you ignore the 6-6 record of 1984). As if finishing tied for 9th and 10th in the conference the past two years, with a combined conference record of 3-13, wasn't enough (the last time Michigan finished lower than 3rd in the Big Ten was 1996, when they placed tied for 5th). As if going 1-5 against your three biggest rivals, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State, the past two seasons wasn't enough. And as if an embarrassing loss to a MAC team, and not even a decent MAC team, wasn't enough. As if all these things weren't enough for a Michigan fan to endure.

Well, prepare yourself for what I'm about to say because I'm about to drop a bombshell on you. I must warn you though, before I continue. If you have a heart condition, you might not want to read on. If there are any small children of reading age, please ask them to leave the room. If you have an erection lasting for more than 4 hours, call your doc--wait, disregard that one. If you scare easily, or suffer from motion sickness, you might not have the strength to read what I'm about to tell you. If you're clinically depressed, or have ever had thoughts of suicide, you may not be able to continue on after you read this information. What I'm about to tell you will turn your world upside down and blow your mind on so many levels. You have been warned.

It is with a heavy heart that I must report that the last known wild wolverine in Michigan has died recently. I know that this is tough to take, especially considering what the state of Michigan has been through these past few years, but let me put your mind at ease, my dear weasel lovers. Apparently, wolverines actually left the state of Michigan a long time ago (but not in a galaxy far far away) . In fact, the last confirmed sighting of a wolverine in Michigan was in the late 1700s and early 1800s, about 200 years ago. If you're wondering how Michigan became "The Wolverine State," and why the University of Michigan picked the animal as their mascot, the above Detroit Free Press article has a theory.

Here's one theory with some historical heft: When George Armstrong Custer led the Michigan Brigade into battle during the Civil War, he called his troops wolverines.

I have no idea whether or not this is true. If you would have asked me yesterday if there were any wild wolverines in the state of Michigan, I would have told you, "Of course, why else would we be known as 'The Wolverine State'?" What the hell do I know though, am I right? What this makes me realize, however, is how I can never assume something as being true. I assumed that there were wild wolverines in the state of Michigan. I never questioned it, not even for a minute. I just took it as a fact and never thought about looking into it further. I am glad to have this reminder, because it makes me realize how little I really know, and how I can continue to learn everyday.

Well, I hope you liked my post about the current status of the majestic Michigan wolverine. If you made it this far, you receive 10 internets and a copy of our home game. Enjoy!