A Final Ode to Bo

One Man’s Tribute to Bo Schembechler

The winningest coach in Michigan football history

– By Barry B. Gallagher

Glenn Edward Schembechler, The man who we called “Bo,”

Came to old Ann Arbor town,

A long, long time ago.

He came to coach the Wolverines

Of legendary football fame.

This tough, hard-driving Buckeye

With the unpronounceable name!

People scoffed at Mr. Canham

For his apparent oversight.

Hiring a “Little Woody” to coach

Just didn’t seem right.

But Schembechler proved his loyalty That very first coaching year,

When his Wolverines ambushed the Buckeyes And knocked Woody on his ear!

In twenty-one years of coaching The fabled Maize and Blue,

Bo accomplished everything That a football coach should do.

Big Ten titles rolled in Like cars off the assembly line.

Thirteen of his twenty-one teams Were champions – starting in sixty-nine!

Bowl games became a habit For players and fans alike.

The Wolverine faithful looked forward To their annual mid-winter hike.

Bo coached forty All-Americans And had some new ones every year!

And if winning is your yardstick, Then Bo was quite a man.

His lofty winning percentage Satisfied even the most ardent fan.

But after all the years and games, 'Twas Bo who won the most!

Overall Record: 194–48–5
13 Big Ten Championships
Winning Percentage = .796

“The Team, the Team, the Team” was his famous battle cry.

Defense and the running game were his bread and butter.

Eventually Bo let his quarterbacks throw, But hated to watch it flutter!

His 234 wins placed him among the all-time best.

Somehow he survived the pressures And maintained his youthful zest!

Like a maestro leading his orchestra, He was a master of his craft.

Bo excelled as a teacher and leader And loved to share a good laugh!

Ufer said “General Bo” was a great one, But Schembechler always said “No Way!”

Maybe he was just a man with a whistle who was thankful for each new day.

He finished his career atop Michigan’s all-time victory heap.

And to every player who stayed with him, His promise he did keep!

Those who stayed were champions!

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Glenn Edward “Bo”Schembechler

April 1, 1929 – November 17, 2006

Rest in Peace and Go Blue!