Michigan Wolverines

WOLVERINES

If you’re ever watching the television program “Unsolved Mysteries,” don’t be surprised if the University of Michigan nickname isn’t examined. Since the earliest memories of Michigan athletics, its teams have been known as the Wolverines. However, there is no known reason why this animal was ever associated with the university. There has never been a verified trapping of a wolverine inside the state, nor have there been any skeletal remains of a wolverine found that would suggest a history with the state.

The nickname topic has been debated through the years. Legendary Michigan football coach shared his theory when he wrote about the subject in the 1944 Michigan Quarterly Review. Yost thought the nickname evolved from the trading of wolverine pelts at a Sault Ste. Marie trading station. The fur traders may have referred to the Michigan trappers as “Michigan Wolverines.” This fact would have led to the state nickname and eventually to the University.

Albert H. Marckwardt described another theory eight years later in the 1952 Michigan Quarterly Review. His thoughts focused on when the French first settled Michigan in the late 1700s. Their appetites were so gluttonous or “wolverine-like” that the wolverine name was given to them.

A border dispute between Michigan and Ohio in 1803 is the catalyst for the third nickname theory. While the two sides fought over the proper establishment of the state line, the Michiganders were said to have called themselves wolverines for their fierce negotiating skills. The Ohio version leaned more to the wolverine name being more associated with gluttonous “wolverine” habits of the Michigan natives.

“THE VICTORS”

This fight song is synonymous with Michigan’s winning tradition and is one of the most recognized throughout the country. Many opposing teams have heard it time and time again after a Wolverine score.

The first notes of this tune were first hummed after a Michigan come from behind win over the Chicago Maroons in 1898. Louis Elbel celebrated the victory that day at Chicago’s Marshall Field. On his walk back to a relative’s house where he was staying, he thought about something that was missing from the post game celebration. Michigan he decided, didn’t have the right celebration song. The melody of the refrain for the “Victors” came to him while he continued walking and the sounds of a Michigan victory were headed down a new path.

Before a year had passed the song had evolved into a piece that was played by a 23-instrument band. The song continued to reach higher notes as it was played at the University’s Minstrels concert in April 1899. This also marked the first time that the words were sang in public.

For the first time one month later, “The Victors” was played for its original purpose as 1,500 Michigan students welcomed back their victorious baseball team at the railroad station. From there the team was escorted to the Law Building on a hay wagon while the band played “The Victors” as many students sang along.

The most know part of the song is the chorus. It reminds all fans that it’s time to Hail to the victors.
“Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan
The leaders and best!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan,
The champions of the West!”

Michigan fans love to set out for the game with their Michigan Wolverines Merchandise. Tailgating with Michigan fans can be some of the best times of your lives. Setting up the tent and getting out the Michigan tailgating chairs is as good as it gets.