ALL IN On Rose-Scented Wins

I thought I knew all about in-state college rivalries before I moved to Michigan in 2020. After all, I’m a committed Arizona State University Sun Devil and lived for many years among fellow Arizonans cheering equally as hard for their pitiful UAZ Wildcats. Well, did I have a lot to learn ….

In Michigan, Wolverines and Spartans recalibrate the fan-o-meter to their own extremes. And now that the University of Michigan has won the 2024 Rose Bowl to continue a one-for-the-ages unbeaten season, I’m resetting my own expectations for what ALL IN means both on and off the gridiron.

The Wolverines Played To Win, Not To Not Lose
As the Los Angeles Times reported, even Jim Harbaugh’s dad Jack most likely would have punted in the fourth quarter with 3:19 remaining, three timeouts in hand and a shut-down defense ready to take the field. But Jim Harbaugh played to win by trusting his quarterback and relying as much on analytics as instinct. The resulting drive tied the score and set up overtime.

Flying In Formation Elevates The Odds of Success
This year, SpartanNash takes to the field with a renewed focus on flawless execution. We call it Flying In Formation. Equally relevant for U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilots and high-performance teams that drive organizational growth, Flying in Formation emphasizes training, trust, humility and accountability for working together towards common goals.

The No. 1 ranked University of Michigan exemplifies winning teamwork by proving its commitment to pre-game preparation and on-field execution throughout its unbeaten season. It’s been thrilling to follow, but I admit I’m still recovering from some of the cardiac key plays in the Rose Bowl. Kudos to the coaching staff and the players.

Big Wins Prepare You for What’s Next
It’s a truism of sports that only one team wins its last game. It’s equally as true that there’s always another hill to climb, another hurdle to clear and fresh film to study for the next opponent.

As the University of Michigan prepares to face another unbeaten team with national championship honors on the line, passions are high here at SpartanNash. I like the energy. I like the storylines. I like hearing lunchroom banter among Wolverines and Spartans.

This coming fall, our classic Michigan rivalries will resume. For now, this Michigander is ALL IN on U-M. Go Blue!