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Post by JT on Oct 23, 2019 15:51:05 GMT -5
The regional was Washington, Nebraska, Cal and Minnesota. I think every Washington fan was hoping Minnesota could knock off Cal in the first match. Not because anyone was aware of Mike or his illness, but because Cal was having an out of this world year. They had beaten UW twice, 3-1 and 3-0. But, unfortunately, Cal defeated UM in the regional semi-final. I think that was Mike's last game. Yes, it was. The MN-Cal match was the first match of the evening, and as we were sitting there disappointed, we found out that Mike had just told the team that he was retiring (K.Harms’ mom got the message from Katherine.) So then we were shell shocked as well as disappointed.
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Post by Wolfgang on Oct 23, 2019 15:58:05 GMT -5
Three things: 1. "When you get to be this age, we all have a card we have to play that's going to be a difficult thing and if this is mine, so be it. I'll do it without griping about it." My grandma used to say the same thing, albeit with different words. I hope I can have the same attitude when it's my turn. I hope I don't end up being a complainer. 2. Minnesota had really ugly ass unis back when this video was made. 3. The video makes me want to go to school at the University of Minnesota.
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Post by ugopher on Oct 23, 2019 16:35:49 GMT -5
So nice to hear his voice. Last thing from me (today anyhow). It's easy to cheer for a jersey. I've done that (for different jerseys) most of my life. It's another thing to actually care about the people wearing those jerseys, to believe you are cheering for something worthwhile. This is what happened for me and Gopher volleyball -- and Mike was the main reason why. The decency and integrity he always displayed, as well as his interest in me, is something I will never forget. Wholeheartedly agree. What got me hooked, and stay hooked, was the personal interactions Mike and the players had with us. We were able to meet the players and talk with them. Get to know them as people. Wins and losses were better and harder because I could see first hand how it affected the players. When you get to know them, it becomes a bit more personal. I stay in touch with some of those players today and they still are willing to talk to me. Mike made the Gopher volleyball experience a personal one for the fans.
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Post by ugopher on Oct 23, 2019 16:38:52 GMT -5
Thanks for linking this blogpost. This was an interesting part about an in-game interaction: Often wondered if the passion, enthusiasm and noise of a boisterous crowd has any impact on coaches. Nice to know that they can appreciate it too. I had a similar experience with Mike. I was fortunate to sit on the bench behind him during a match with Illinois. It was a 5 setter and MN was down something like 6-8 when MN called time-out. The Pav was loud, the play intense, my heart was beating fast. When the TO was over, Mike sat down, turned around, and said to my wife and me "Isn't this fun!" Pure Mike.
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Post by gopherguy on Oct 23, 2019 22:40:48 GMT -5
So tell me Gopher fans, what do you remember most about Mike Hebert? I did not know him personally, but had the opportunity to listen to a number of pregame chalk talks that he would sometimes do back in the day. The thing that always amazed me — and that I always think about when I remember him — is how candid he was. This included things I’d never expect to hear from a coach — about who was playing well in practice, who wasn’t, what the team’s state of mind was, pretty much anything interesting, in addition to giving scouting reports and game strategy to whoever was there to listen. It was obvious that he put a lot of thought into game planning and management. And it was always interesting to see if they followed the plan — keying on a certain player, or serving a particular zone or player or whatever. He was clearly a very thoughtful guy. I’m glad I had those occasional chances to interact with him. And, of course, it was great to support a successful program, which he was so instrumental in developing.
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Post by v0lleym0m on Oct 24, 2019 12:09:24 GMT -5
Nothing to add about Coach Hebert, sounds like he was a fair and inspiring coach. However being witness to my dad suffering from Parkinson’s and having had watched him suffer, lose his independence and struggle with that knowledge while essentially being improsoned in his body, well my heart and thoughts really go out to Coach Hebert’s family, loved ones and friends. Sounds like a well respected man as well as an inspiring coach. My deepest condolences to everyone who had their lives touched by him.
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Post by tomclen on Oct 24, 2019 15:22:03 GMT -5
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Post by Del Bocavista on Oct 24, 2019 17:22:12 GMT -5
I would love to see the Most Outstanding Player Award at the Finals be named the Mike Hebert Award.
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Post by Wolfgang on Oct 24, 2019 17:58:28 GMT -5
There used to be a quarterback named Bobby Hebert who played in the old 1980s USFL and also in the NFL. He pronounced his last name ay-BARE, while Mike Hebert pronounces it HEE-burt. See also, Stephen Colbert.
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Post by gopherguy on Oct 24, 2019 18:33:09 GMT -5
Does anyone remember the origin of “Hebert’s Hecklers”? Mrs. Gopherguy thinks it was at a chalk talk after an opposing player was taking forever to serve, and the crowd started counting off the time. Someone asked Mike about it, and he said something to the effect of “I can’t do anything, but you all can be my hecklers” or something like that. Ring any bells? I don’t remember the specifics, but I’m hoping I can dig up one of the old shirts for next Wednesday’s match.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2019 18:51:34 GMT -5
I thought Sherry might have had something to do with it. I know she was behind "Point U."
We have a t-shirt somewhere, too.
Another Mike story, tangentially. A bunch of us boosters once decided to support Paula Gentil by having Brazil soccer shirts made, with "Paulinha" (I think) on the back. When we submitted the order, the art we provided specified "Brasil" under the Brazilian flag. When we picked it up, the guy said "And I corrected your typo." So they all said Brazil.
Mike loved that story and told it a couple of times at Booster functions.
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quickhit
Sophomore
Minnesota Monarchs Man
Posts: 100
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Post by quickhit on Oct 24, 2019 23:36:32 GMT -5
(R)uffda,if you haven't already, I hope you or someone else close to Mike's family will make a copy of this thread and give it to them as a keepsake. They might also enjoy having a collection of monkeyboy posts.
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Post by tomclen on Oct 25, 2019 9:57:33 GMT -5
Apologies if this has already been posted...
But here's a nice video from 2016 about Mike from Illini PBP announcer Dave Loane...
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