by Jessica Baysdell
Staff Writer
My family anticipates fall because it means football at the University of Michigan is back! My father started bringing my sister, Kristin, and me to Michigan football games in 2013, and this tradition has brought us much joy.
We start the day before the game by choosing our game day outfits and preparing our snacks for the game.
Game days are all-day events. We wake up at 6:30 a.m. to get ready and pack the car. My sister said one of her favorite parts of game day is the long drive to Ann Arbor because we listen to music and have deep conversations. "I love asking my dad questions and learning the game from my him," she says.
We arrive two hours before the game so that we can see the players get off the bus and watch them warm-up. We get there early so that we have a front-row seat to see our favorite players. We then stand by the tunnel to slap the hands of our favorite player: quarterback J.J McCarthy.
After a pre-game snack, we get to the best part: the actual game! It is inspiring to sing the Michigan fight song with my sister and dad, and high-five each other when Michigan makes a good play. Throughout the season, we share articles with one another and talk about the team on a daily basis.
Because of Michigan football, I have an amazing bond and great memories with my dad and sister.
My grandfather took my dad, Rick, to Michigan football games when he was growing up, and now my dad says, "I am so happy that my girls share a passion and love for Michigan football as I do. I hope when they look back at their childhood, they have as many good memories as I did when I was little."