The eve before the Michigan v. Ohio State game, I found myself watching a documentary with my brother and father, chronicling the legendary rivalry between the two institutions, one that can only be credited the coaches, Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes. While watching the film pumped me up for the game today, there was one point where all I could think about was Detroit.

At the beginning of the 10-year rivalry between Michigan’s Schembechler and OSU’s Hayes, Schembechler began his Michigan career by changing the culture of his team, emphasizing toughness, especially during practice and conditioning. This 1969 season, Michigan’s pre-season saw players drop like flies, unable or unwilling to meet the demands Schembechler expected. In response, Schembechler hung a sign in the locker room, reading, “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions.” The sign was a visual representation of what he had promised his players, a trip to the championship game, at least once, if they stayed their full four years playing for Michigan. Schembechler never failed to deliver this promise, as no Michigan player endured a losing season under his coaching and all players who stayed four years left with at least one Big Ten championship ring.

The original “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions” sign, hung in the 1969 Michigan football team locker room

Schembechler’s mantra is a hallmark for the University of Michigan, penetrating through football to all Michigan sports, academics and beyond. The phrase is a way of life, and can be applied to almost any context. For example, one will never be able to pick up an instrument and learn how to play it in one sitting, nor can life-long friendships be bonded over the course of a weekend, and a society cannot expect a city to repair itself overnight.

Many people are skeptical that Detroit will ever propel itself to the level of glory it had during the automotive boom. I know that it will, because I understand that the determining factor for Detroit’s success is the work that is put into the city by the people in it. Today, there are countless people working for the betterment of Detroit, people who are living by Schembechler’s mantra (regardless of their institutional affiliations). We will see a full revitalization because these people in Detroit are committed and passionate about the outcome they want to see in years to come. Revitalizing Detroit isn’t just about reducing crime, fixing streetlights, bringing businesses downtown, or improving transportation. Revitalizing Detroit is about the team. The importance of a committed and focused team can never be underestimated. And there is a team in Detroit working towards greatness. It is Schembechler’s rallying cry that makes me certain that my time in Detroit will not be wasted, because there exists a Detroit team that is passionate about the city and willing to put in the time to achieve outcomes they know they will only see in years to come. We may not see 100% triumph right now, but if we stay the course and put in the effort, we will find success.