MSU Invasion

Last night (Sep 7) I found myself in Chicago with two of my best Spartan friends, Amanda and Kevin. It was the eve of the most anticipated day of the year, my return to Michigan after a remarkable and unpredictable year. I always wondered what September 8th would bring as it has been so long anticipated. I had no idea how it would turn out. I can easily say that it couldn’t have gone any better. This is the story of how it all unfolded.

It was my 365th, and last, night out of Michigan (at least for a long time). It was a night to celebrate. I’m glad I was with two of my best friends. Amanda, Kevin, and I decided to head to a bar for a couple drinks. We found ourselves walking just a block or two to Plan B. This is where it all went down. We walked in and I noticed a small MSU sticker on the window. So we grabbed a quick photo of us next to it. The bouncer came by and asked if we were all Spartans. We proudly answered “yes”. He introduced us to the owner and before we knew it we were the only ones in the bar to have Spartan mugs (free to take home with us) full of beer free of charge. Little did we know, we walked into a Spartan bar, owned and operated by MSU alumni. Plan B has only been opened six months, and we could have walked into any bar, but we found our place, we were pumped. Plan B is going to be around for a long time.

Amanda, Kevin and I were ecstatic. We’re proud to be Spartans. Plan B even had the movie 300 playing on the TVs. We were in a great mood. And out of the blue one of us mentioned the football game the next day back home at Spartan Stadium. I made my offer. “Let’s go to the game tomorrow, I will drive you there and drive you back.” We all looked at each other for just a second and made the toast. But, before our cups hit, I stated, “I’m not making this toast unless I have your word and promise to go to the game.” We toasted. It was only 12 hours before kick off. On about three hours of sleep we got up at 6am and hit the road. I was very happy to have two of my best friends with me when I entered Michigan, I had someone to share it with, and a very special moment. Plus, it simply prevented me from thinking too much.

We arrived to campus. I was high on life. I couldn’t believe, exactly 365 days after leaving Michigan. We found a perfect parking spot, and I hadn’t set my foot on MSU territory for longer than 10 seconds when a few tailgating students approached the car. They were honored to hear about my trip. I was pleased to tell them that it was my first 10 seconds on MSU ground after a year.

The three of us had no idea if we were going to get tickets. It was just a chance we all took. Turns out we found three tickets for $51. It was a perfect day for MSU football, and another win for the Spartans. My return to MSU couldn’t have been better. We met up with other friends, and on three hours of sleep it turned into one of the longest days of the year. While parked to take a photo at the MSU sign, a student on a bike came up to us and asked, “Is this the legend about the traveling guy?” I couldn’t believe it, as I thought to myself, “Does this guy really know about my trip?” So I asked, “Well, that depends, what’s the legend?” He explained my own trip to me as if he was a regular reader, he heard about it somewhere and knew exactly what he was talking about (even though he was tipsy). So I said, “Yes, that’s me.” He also used the word “honored” and I was blown away. I hadn’t even been on campus for more than a few hours. A legend? I doubt that. An amazing year with lots of Spartan pride, yes!

I’m back, it’s good to be back. As overwhelmed and exhausted as I’ve ever known, but this has been a perfect return to MSU. Kevin and Amanda, thank you!

I’m not sure I ever had a Plan A for my return, but ironically, I surely went with Plan B. Just like everything else this year, whatever the plan was it just worked out.