highest honor, he said the only thing he would remember about the contest was that it was his last game as a Wolverine.
For three consecutive seasons, Woolfolk was the team’s leading rusher. During his sophomore year, he earned 990 yards. The following season, he tallied 1,042 yards with eight touchdowns. But in his final year, he blazed the ground for 1,459 yards. On average, he gained an astonishing 5.2 yards per carry.
Woolfolk was known as a power runner, but he also whipped off long gains. Such was the case in 1979 when he darted 92 yards against Wisconsin. Two years later, he bolted 89 yards, again against the Badgers.
Woolfolk was an All-American in 1981 and first team All-Big Ten for three years. He also won the Rose Bowl MVP in January 1981 when Michigan defeated the University of Washington Huskies 23–6.
Woolfolk was a workhorse who carried the load for his team. He ran with a mission and got the job done.
Do you pull your weight around your home or workplace? Do you operate as a team player?
REVIEW THE PLAYBOOK
Are there areas in your life where you can make some adjustments? Perhaps you tend to complain about situations instead of focusing on the positive. Maybe you shift blame to others when unpleasant circumstances arise. You are human, and it’s easy to point a finger, especially if you are not the one who made a wrong decision. But your actions and attitude can have an impact on those around you. Do you add to their burden, or do you help lighten their load?
CARRY THE LOAD
You may never get the opportunity to run for 253 yards against one of your rivals, but you can carry the load in your own way for those who depend on you. It all boils down to taking responsibility and doing what is expected of you.
The first step is to own your thoughts, actions, and words. You alone have the ability to control your thoughts and what comes out of your mouth. Be a good role model and talk like an adult. Never blame others for your actions. When you push responsibility to a family member or a business partner, you set yourself up as the victim, which lessens the chances of changing your situation. When you take ownership, you put yourself in a position to make alterations.
You can also carry the load when you stop complaining. When an event that is out of your control and impacts you in a negative way takes place, try to look at the big picture and learn from the situation. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges in taking on responsibility is to not take things personally. Most of the time, circumstances are not about you but about others. Think about ways you can make a difference. Always demonstrate good intentions, live in the present and not the past, and be happy. When you do these things, you will carry the load for those around you. You will look for the good in people and be more enjoyable to be around. Go Blue!
How do you contribute at home or at work? Do you carry your load?
Cyle Young
November 3, 2007: Michigan at Michigan State
THE 2007 SEASON WAS SUPPOSED to be great. University of Michigan entered the season ranked number five in the country. The nation expected Michigan, with a large group of returning players, to be one of the teams to beat. However, after humiliating losses to University of Oregon and Appalachian State, Michigan had slipped from frontrunner to disappointment.
A late-season meeting between Michigan and in-state rival Michigan State would make or break the season for both teams. After the rough start to the season, Michigan had managed to win seven straight games and brought a 7–2 record into the rivalry game. Michigan State struggled through their first season with new head coach Mark Dantonio. The team’s 5–4 record was nothing to be excited about, but a victory over Michigan would end the Spartans’ season on a high note.
As with any UM and MSU game, players on both teams traded barbs via the media. Anticipation built in the weeks leading up to the game, and even though neither team entered the game with a championship-caliber season, in-state bragging rights were on the line.
In the first half, everything pointed to an easy Wolverine victory. Spartan quarterback Brian Hoyer struggled to find wide-open receivers. With the Spartans’ obvious offensive challenges, the Wolverines managed to take a 14–3 lead into halftime. The MSU cornerbacks struggled to contain Michigan’s star receiver, Mario Manningham, who would finish the game with eight receptions for 129 yards.
At halftime, the teams entered their respective locker rooms to game-plan for the second half. When the Spartans returned to the field, they looked like a completely different team. At the close of the third quarter, running back Javon Ringer ripped off a 72-yard run to set up Brian Hoyer’s go-ahead touchdown pass, and giving the Spartans a 17–14 lead. Shortly after, running back Jehuu Caulcrick converted a 1-yard rush for a touchdown to give MSU a 24–14 lead with 7:40 left in the game.
Michigan had to get their act together fast. On the next drive, Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne twisted his ankle. He had to leave the field for one play, and freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett replaced him on the field. Mallett fumbled the snap, but running back Mike Hart grabbed the ball and ran for a first down. MSU coach Dantonio later stated, “The turning point was when the ball came out and we blitzed Mallett, and Hart scooped it up.”
And a turning point it was.
Henne reentered the game on the next play and ended that drive with a touchdown pass to Greg Matthews. Only forty-eight seconds had expired since the Spartans had scored.
Michigan’s defense held on the Spartans’ next possession, and the Wolverine offense entered the field with momentum. Henne drove Michigan down the field and on third and eleven tossed the game-winning pass to Manningham.
After the game, Michigan running back Hart famously quipped, “Sometimes you get your little brother excited when you’re playing basketball—let them get the lead. And then you come back.” This come-from-behind victory didn’t only help Michigan recover some pride in its season, it also created the new MSU moniker “Little Brother,” which is still in use by UM fans today.
Have you ever faced what you thought were unbeatable odds and pulled out a win anyway? How were you able to push yourself to victory?
COME FROM BEHIND
The early season losses were devastating for the Wolverines, but the team didn’t let them ruin their season. Sure, Oregon and Appalachian State were major setbacks, but the team recovered. You’ve probably experienced something similar in your own life. There are many times when situations don’t go how you planned—in the workplace, at home, or in relationships. Sometimes we go into things expecting success only to find out that we have a lot of work to do to get those personal wins.
But you, too, can turn this season of your life around!
SCOOP UP THE BALL
Have you ever felt like success is right before you, but someone else has come into the game and fumbled the ball and put your
