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Sticker Tradition, Origins, and SignificanceThe University of Michigan's football team, popularly called the Wolverines, has a sticker tradition dating back several decades. According to some sources, coach Don Dufek introduced the sticker tradition in the early 1960s. The coach wanted a way of awarding players for outstanding performances on the field. He chose to use small decals that players could stick on their helmets.
The coach rewarded players for notable contributions on the field, like:
Touchdowns
Crucial tackles
Interceptions
Over time, the Wolverines started to award players for individual brilliance and contribution to teamwork and sportsmanship. The stickers have become a true symbol of a player's contribution to their team's success.
The initial stickers were simple decals with basic colors and designs. The elaborate stickers you see today result from sticker evolution over the years.
Furthermore, the Wolverine stickers currently have significance beyond the field. For example, many view the helmet stickers as a symbol of perseverance, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Such symbolism is especially true for players who have been with the team for a long time and have accumulated multiple stickers over the years.
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The Winged Helmet StickerThe Michigan University football team currently uses two types of stickers. One of them is the winged helmet sticker. Players receive this iconic sticker for extraordinary accomplishments on the field. Only those who exhibit extraordinary skill, leadership, and dedication to the team get this highly coveted helmet.
The winged helmet, from which the sticker gets its shape, was part of the team's helmet in the 1930s. However, you won't find such helmets among thebest modular motorcycle helmet - helmetgurus.comreviews. The Wolverine team replaced the winged helmet with other designs after some time.
However, the winged helmet became synonymous with the Wolverine before its replacement. Thus, receiving the winged helmet sticker shows one to be a Wolverine to his core. The team expects such a player to uphold its traditions.
The Position-Specific StickersThe position-specific sticker is another you may find on a Wolverine player's helmet. As the name suggests, the Michigan football team awards the stickers for outstanding plays in specific positions. The position determines the criteria for earning a sticker.
For example, offensive linemen receive stickers for exceptional blocks. A quarterback may receive a position-specific sticker for a touchdown pass. A defensive player may receive a sicker for making a crucial interception.
The position-specific sticker ensures that no player misses sticker opportunities. Whichever position a player holds, they can excel in it and receive recognition. Such recognition would be hard if all players were under the same standards.
Do you know other traditions of your Wolverine team? Perhaps it's time to dig deep into your team's history and know more about them as anyone can. You can even take your research further and learn about your rival teams too (like the Ohio State Buckeyes).
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