Labor Day Weekend 2021

The official last weekend of summer...

The last official weekend of summer...

Officially, the last weekend of summer....

Labor Day weekend.

We managed to secure a camp site at Harrisville State Park on Lake Huron.  It was nice, wooded, and mosquito free!  Sunrise over Lake Huron was lovely, especially with the bagpipe player kicking in as the sun broke the horizon.  That was an unexpected bonus.

After two nights there, we went to Andrew's game at SVSU and the first football game he has played in about 3 years (red shirt, injuries, transfer, COVID).  He had one catch for about 15 yards.  It was also sweet that SVSU beat Texas A & M Kingsville 13-9.

Here are some photos.

Something from ... President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Football

I have begun reading a biography on President Dwight D. Eisenhower.  He attended West Point (Class of 1915) and played on their football team until a knee injury ended his football career.  Below is something from Eisenhower about football and leadership which I found quite interesting.  

I have considered football about as close as we get to military training, and the glory received by those who play it as a pale comparison to those who have survived military combat particularly in regard to the camaraderie.  Perhaps President Eisenhower thought so, too.

"Looking back on his time as supreme commander, he wrote, 'I noted with real satisfaction, how well ex-footballers seemed to have leadership qualifications.  I think this was more than a coincidence.  I believe that football, almost more than any other sport, tends to instill in men the feeling that victory comes through hard work--almost slavish--work, team play, self-confidence, and an enthusiasm that amounts to dedication.'" (p 25, Eisenhower in War and Peace, by Jean Edward Smith.  Random House: New York, NY.  (c) 2012.)

MLS Cardinals Football vs. Nouvel Catholic Central

I have not done much to mention the football season for Michigan Lutheran Seminary this season.  Part of the reason is that Philip's senior year lasted only about 15 minutes due to a hip flexor injury.

The good news is that MLS' playoff odds continue to improve with convincing wins.  The last win was against Nouvel Catholic Central (Saginaw) who had been ranked No. 5 in the state for Division 8.  You can read about the detail in this M-Live article.

If MLS manages to make a deep playoff run, Philip may be able to join his team on the field.  We are hoping so.

MLS Football -- The 2019 season begins!

MLS Football season is beginning.  Football camp began last night, and the first game is only 2 1/2 weeks away.  This will be Philip's senior year, and the last Schroeder on the MLS football team for a few years.

Here is an article from M-Live about the MLS football team and their hype song.  It actually is as much about MLS's music emphasis as it is about their athletic program.

https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2019/08/weird-michigan-lutheran-seminary-seniors-pitch-perfect-to-start-2019-football-season.html?fbclid=IwAR15FwNDOJVAqvOyuyZlz6JKkzG6r77-gbai5V6n-KAPGMVAlrAJi9M8qc0

Go Cardinals!

Mules Football -- hype video

Maybe this video does not get everyone hyped, but I am looking forward to seeing Andrew play this fall at the University of Central Missouri.  Sadly, we will have to watch almost all his games live-streamed, but at least we will get to see him that way.

He has worked awfully hard to get where he is, and he certainly did not take the straightest route to where he is.  But he is poised to have a great season.  So, Andrew, get healthy, get ready, and get going.  We are hyped here.

The video:

Things that make me go HMMMMMMM -- Super Bowl 52

On Sunday, February 4, the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles will face each other for Super Bowl LII (52, that is).  These two teams had played each other before in Super Bowl XXXIX (39, that is), with New England proving to be victorious, 24-21.


The previous Patriots-Eagles Super Bowl was played in Jacksonville, Florida.  This upcoming Patriots-Eagles Super Bowl will be played in Minneapolis, Minnesota.


Which two teams did the Patriots and Eagles just beat to get to Super Bowl LII?


Things that make me go HMMMMMMM.....

MLS Football vs. New Lothrop

This past weekend wrapped up a number of lasts for the Schroeder family.  It was the last games of the season for both JV and varsity.  It was Philip's last football game on the JV level.  It was Caleb's last home game, and it was his last game of high school football ever.  In the photos below, you will see his last catch which ended up completing a 2-point conversion.

Unfortunately, both games were heart-breakers.  On Thursday, October 19, the Michigan Lutheran Seminary JV Cardinals traveled to New Lothrop.  Laura and I could not make this last game because we were sitting in the Secretary of State for three hours.  Grandpa Schmidt got to represent the family.  His updates let us know that MLS was down 14-0, then came back to grab a 21-14 lead, only to lose in the final seconds 26-21.

The MLS Cardinals welcomed the Hornets of New Lothrop for the varsity contest on Friday, October 20.  It was Parents' Night, but Laura could not make this one either.  Peter had a living history presentation he had to make for St. Paul's. 

New Lothrop was a big team who ran their offense well.  MLS went into the locker room at halftime down, 14-7, but grabbed a lead in the 3rd quarter, 16-14.  Unfortunately, MLS could not put together any long drives, and New Lothrop continued to make theirs.  The final score was 35-24.

There are no photos from the JV game since I wasn't there, but here are some from the varsity game.

The last pre-game speech, delivered by Coach Karl Schmugge.

The last run under the banner.

Caleb on punt coverage.  If memory serves, he ended up making the tackle.

Halftime. One last chance to make adjustments.

The last catch, for a 2 point conversion.

Caleb walks off the field for the last time.

The last team huddle.

It has become a tradition for the seniors to walk the field after their final home game.  It is one of the most bitter-sweet moments of high school football.  So much work, so much dedication, so much camaraderie, so much sweat, and finally so many tears.  And now, it is delegated to memories.  It was so much fun to watch, and I will miss it as much as Caleb.

Teammates.  Seniors.

Grandpa Schmidt with Philip and Caleb

MLS Football vs. Pinconning

The season is coming to an end here pretty quickly.  The second last games of the season also produced some "lasts" for the Schroeder household.  Philip played in his last home game as a JV player.  Caleb played in his last away game ever for high school football.  (There is a very slim chance for playoffs which would be one more away game, but a number of dominoes have to fall just right for that to happen.)

The second last week of the season was pretty enjoyable for Michigan Lutheran Seminary Cardinal fans.  The JV hosted the Spartans of Pinconning on Thursday, October 26.  Just about everything went right for the Cardinals, allowing them to post a 47-7 win.

Some photos of Philip's game.

Philip has been the holder for PAT's all season. 
He did actually manage to get this one down in time for the kick!

The varsity travelled up the road to Pinconning.  The Schroeders sat and sat and sat on US 23, but we still managed to make it in time for kickoff.  Once again, a lot went right for the Cardinals.  They put of a 41-6 victory on a very comfortable, football-friendly October evening.  Also, one note about the stadium at Pinconning.  From the visitors' side, you get to view farmland behind the stadium boundaries.  There was not one windmill with the blinking red lights to corrupt the view.  Nice!

Some photos of Caleb's game.

Caleb was in good position for the interception, but he could not haul it in.

Caleb was able to field the kickoff.  I think he returned it only a few yards though.

I think this was Caleb's only catch on the night.  Nice gain, though!

MLS Homecoming 2017

MLS had their homecoming on Friday, October 6.  This was also in conjuction with a Teachers' Conference Laura went to in Bay City on the Wednesday-Friday of that week.  Peter and I were looking forward to a getaway for a chunk of the Wednesday-Friday, but duties meant that we were not going to get to Bay City until Thursday afternoon.

Here are some photos from the Thursday-Friday of the week, including football games against the Bulldogs of St. Charles.  The Michigan Lutheran Seminary Cardinals traveled to St. Charles on Thursday, October 5 and came up with a 43-34 victory.  The varsity hosted the Bulldogs and put together a 38-0 victory for the homecoming crowd.  Both Caleb's and Philip's best contributions were with good blocking for their teammates.

Some photos.

Philip seesm to get doubled teamed a lot on defense.

Wienermobile in Bay City.

Another hard day for Peter.

The seniors boys from the MLS football team who are also in concert choir sing the national anthem.

Just out of bounds.  SO close to a TD

Good block to seal the edge for the TD run.

This was offensive pass interference.  Either that, or Caleb attacked his shove with his back hairs.

Caleb and Nathanael at homecoming.

MLS Football -- A month's worth of catch-up

I have been slow in getting photos of the season on this blog.  Part of the reason is time.  Part of the reason is that the season is not going as well as we had hoped.  It does not appear that there have been any M-Live articles since the first game.  I don't know if MLS has been featured often Friday Night Lights (WNEM, Saginaw); but then I have not scoured the internet for any coverage, either.

Caleb (#3) has enjoyed some success at wide receiver in his senior year for the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Cardinals, including a few long TD catches.  Philip (#70) had an ankle injury while on JV, which contributed to some limited playing time.  He is working on becoming a better defensive lineman.  He also played some on the offensive line.

Here is a smattering of photos from the season for the past number of weeks, including scores.

Wednesday, August 30 -- JV
Ovid Elsie    25
MLS               7
If memory serves, Philip was injured and did not play.  Therefore, we chose not to make the trip and took no photos.

Thursday, August 31 -- Varsity
MLS               14
Ovid-Elsie      34

Caleb hauls in a catch at Ovid-Elsie.

Thursday, September 7 -- JV
Hemlock     22
MLS             6

Friday, September 8 -- Varsity
MLS           38
Hemlock    16

Caleb makes a nice block (far left) to seal the hole on the TD run.

Caleb (on the far end) lines up with the Cardinal D on the goal line.

Thursday, September 14 -- JV

MLS      15
Ithaca    44

Friday, September 15 -- Varsity
MLS       7
Ithaca   42

MLS recovers an Ithaca fumble.  I don't know if Caleb recovered it, but he is one of the red jerseys by the ball.

Just shy of blocking the PAT.

Thursday, September 21 -- JV

St. Louis   21
MLS         35

Good block there, Philip!

Yes, that is Philip holding on the PAT.  He has been doing this all season.

Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt made the trek to see Philip play.  Peter models the helmet.

Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23 -- Varsity
MLS          22
St. Louis    25

This game at St. Louis ranks as one of the most bizarre games I had been to.  (The Hall of Fame Game which was cancelled on account of bad paint will forever rank at the top.)  There were about 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter.  MLS was down 25-14.  MLS was near mid-field and, finally having some momentum, was driving.  Cade Kestner dropped back to pass, released the ball ... and the stadium lights went out.  Dark.  That's what we saw.  Dark.  The game was suspended and finished Saturday morning.  We opted not to drive the 2 hours to watch the final 7 minutes.  Apparently, it was an exciting finish, but MLS came up short.

Deep throw to set up a 1st and goal at the 4 yard line.  Too bad we did not punch it in.

TD catch by Caleb on a 3rd and goal from the 40...really.  Sorry it is blurry.
 I was paying more attention to live action than to the camera.  (Sometimes I watch the game.)

Sweet catch!

Thursday, September 28 -- JV
MLS
Valley Lutheran

Philip at center, getting final instructions (the snap count?).

Good work getting that snap down!

Friday, September 29 -- Varsity
MLS                    48
Valley Lutheran    7

The catch....

...and crossing the goal line for the long TD!!!

Sealing the edge of the PAT.