A: STEVE'S IDEA

 University of Michigan Student Response

It was in the midst of these “TUMULTUOUS TIMES"  (October 1967) that two conservative Michigan Engineering students  were sitting in their fraternity house lamenting on how things were changing so rapidly: the ARMED REBELLION,, race relations,  the draft, the war, the music. 

U of M was at the epicenter of the protests and they did not like it.

 SDS, Students for a Democratic Society, was formed at UM and was leading the protests.  

U of M faculty threated to strike in protest of the Vietnam War, but instead staged the FIRST "TEACH IN"

The world in which they grew up seemed to be turning upside down.  Even American music had been invaded by the British. 

Steve glanced at the picture of Sparty, the Michigan State University Mascot,  featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine and said, 

     “Wouldn’t it be great if we pulled off a good old  fashioned college prank. 

     Something so dramatic that it could bring some cheer  and joy to the news!

     Let’s kidnap Sparty. 

     We  can make it into a Michigan mascot by painting over  the Green and White 

      with Maize & Blue.

   We can call the newspapers and invite them to visit the  newly painted Mascot.

  After the newspapers leave, we relocate Sparty then  paint our Greek letters  on the 

  Mascot.

  Then just before kickoff, we bring our new Mascot into  Michigan Stadium and onto the   field.”

Bob replied,

    “I know where they keep it!” 

and Steve SMILED a BIG grin.