A Bedtime Story for Tonight
Three of us went on campus with no tickets in hand, and as we made our way past the basilica, the grotto, and all other sorts of sights on ND's campus that make you begrudginly appreciate it, our chances of finding three seats together seemed to diminish.
Well, as we passed the stadium one of my friends asked if we should simply try the box office, to which I chuckled -- not a chance, I suggested. Well, as we pass by the ticket sales window, there's a very short line of seemingly happy prospectors emerging with tickets in hand. Apparently, they opened up the wheelchair section for general tickets when all the seats are not occupied by handicapped patrons. Minutes later, we have three tickets in hand at face value.
While this doesn't seem like an entirely exciting scenario, here's where my weekend was made: as we sat in our seats, I notice a good-sized guy sitting one seat down from me, wearing a "1%" shirt, and wearing a shy grin rivalled only by Denard himself.
Three and a half hours later, Brock Mealer and I had shared a few great stories, frustrations, and high fives as we cheered Michigan on to victory. On a day which we celebrated the heroes of September 11th, I had the honor of celebrating our team's win with a hero in his own right. And in twenty years, when my kids ask me about that game where Denard rushed and passed into Michigan lore, I'll tell them that it was sitting next to a true champion that made my weekend.
He told me and a couple of nearby patrons a story about Denard: last week, before the game, he asked our QB if he ever thought about cutting off his dreads in case someone tried to pull him down (a la Polamu). Denard's response?
"If they ever catch me, they can have 'em."
September 12th, 2010 at 11:56 PM ^
....good for you. I'm glad you got to meet Brock Mealer.
September 12th, 2010 at 11:56 PM ^
That's a great Denard story! Thanks for sharing.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:04 AM ^
Priceless, even though the tickets were face-value.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:07 AM ^
Epic quote and story.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:08 AM ^
Awesome! What a story to tell your kids. My best story is meeting AC after his last game in Michigan Stadium.
September 13th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
sick story
September 13th, 2010 at 12:15 AM ^
Great story, way to take advantage of official channels so unexpectedly.
September 13th, 2010 at 12:52 AM ^
i love this team. everything that has transpired in the past two years, brock, rich rod, it's all for a reason...these are special kids and we're in for a special season.
September 13th, 2010 at 8:37 AM ^
Great story and a bunch of memories that you will always have.
September 13th, 2010 at 4:39 PM ^
This is my favorite type of post - all fact and no "I think" analysis. Hope Brock Mealer is able to go to every game (home and away).