Students remember the good ol’ days
A framed picture in the football office shows the scene.
Central Michigan, at 1-8, faced off with 8-1 Western Michigan at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The underdog Chippewas prevailed 21-17 that Saturday afternoon in 2000, but have not beaten the Broncos since.
Most of this year's Chippewas, including coach Brian Kelly, were not around for CMU’s last victory in this rivalry. Most of CMU's current student body also were in high school.
But some were here, including Portland senior Troy Miller.
“It's painful to admit that I’ve seen every Central-Western game since 2000. We won my freshman year when Western was on the brink of breaking into the top 25,” he said. “But since then we've been beat three times in a row — something that’s not been done in 25 years I believe. It would be nice to graduate by putting this streak to rest this year.”
The win continued Chippewa dominance against WMU in Mount Pleasant. Until 2002, the Broncos had not won a game at CMU since 1973.
Most students, especially freshmen at the time, were apathetic toward CMU football and planned to use the weekend as a good excuse to drink.
“I had a hockey bag full of beer,” said Canton senior Dan Mclean. “It was a good time.”
CMU scored first, snapping some students back into soberness. But even a lead against its bitter rival couldn’t keep everyone interested.
“I left at halftime because it was freezing, and went back to my friend's dorm room,” said Monroe senior Seth Longton. “But then people started getting in trouble for drinking, so we went back.”
Longton and every other CMU fan was rewarded with a victory, which was sealed as WMU was unable to score after driving to the CMU 21-yard line. The Chippewas took over with 1:14 remaining and ran out the clock.
CMU students rushed the field in a frenzy after the game, most not believing what they had just seen. Bay City senior George Whittaker expects that if CMU wins tomorrow's game, even though WMU is just 1-6, students will grace CMU's new FieldTurf.
“My best memory will be when we take down the goalposts,” he said. “Because we don't know when we'll beat Western again.”
Whatever happens, Mclean said he'll have fun.
“I'll have a hockey bag full of beer,” he said. “And it will be a good time.”
