28 February 2008

Woman Warrior

I know this isn't a post about tDogs, or even about the game this weekend, but it needs to be done.


This weekend, at a lot of arenas in college hockey, seniors will be honored for their four years of dedication to hockey, their teammates, and their education. Many of these guys will be playing their last game on their home ice. (Clearly, some of those players are uncertain if it will be their last game, since the final league standings aren't set.)

The Michigan Tech Huskies' seniors will be among those, and I'm sure there will be some sort of on-ice ceremony honoring their achievements and thanking them for their efforts.

Obviously, those guys have given a lot, and deserve the recognition. But they'll be omitting someone.

This weekend is Bethlyn McCallum's (aka MeanEgirl) last weekend in the JMSIA, and I don't think there's a single person who has given more to Husky hockey than she has in her tenure at Michigan Tech, and that includes the players. Clearly, the players are the ones who are actually putting in the work on the ice, but they are getting a free education and a chance to play the game they love for another four years. However, MEg is rallying the student section, pushing raffle tickets on poor unsuspecting fans and families of players to raise money for the Blue Line Club, driving thousands of miles and staying with somewhat sketchy individuals in order to cheer the guys on when they're on the road, drinking gallons of Kamikazi pitchers to foster intra-school relationships, screaming herself hoarse no matter what the score, freezing her assets off in togas/sports bras/whatever in the name of school spirit, making nice with even the most ornery of USCHO posters, and protecting the student section from the full wrath of the athletic director.

MEg discovered her love for Tech hockey during an improbable comeback for the Huskies over their UP rivals, the Northern Michigan Wildcats, and there isn't a fan in college hockey whose passion for their team matches hers. I can't imagine who will step into her stripey overalls next year and fire up the fans. Next year, Drew Akins will have no one to offer him a pacifier in the penalty box, there won't be any excellent T.J. Oshie-mocking signs on the Ralph's jumbotron, and Casey Borer will be left without a fiancee.

I think the Huskies would be remiss if they didn't do something very, VERY special for MEg this weekend, as I know she'll be crying into her cowbell while she cheers her heart out for the seniors, and she deserves just as much in return, if not more.

MEg, you are my best friend in the hockey community, and you deserve the very best from your team.
















Love,
RWD

15 comments:

Dirty said...

I agree. I can't really add anything other than Bethlyn is an awesomely passionate fan. If every fan was more like her, college hockey would be 100x better. She's the best there is.

Donald Dunlop said...

Bethlyn is 6'2" in my book! I seen and heard about some of the abuse and crap she's gotten from others because of her passion. She should know that those who've disrespected her will likely pay the piper down the road in terms of karma. I have much love for her as well.

I know she's talked about moving to Anchorage one day and I can't think of another person I'd rather attend some future UAA hockey games with than MEg! Ok ... well maybe Gretchen Mol or Virginia Madsen but other than them, it'd be Bethlyn!

And once again I get an interesting word verification:

hsmll

Donald Dunlop said...

And oh yeah. WTFG Donna for this post. I want to say how "classy" it was of you to do it but I know you hate that word. It was clearly heartfelt. Good on ya .. well done!

Anonymous said...

I'm too lazy to log in, but I'll sign my name on the bottom...

Excellent job. If Tech doesn't do something for MEg, they're missing the boat. She deserves at least some recognition for what she's tried to do out there.

Plus, anyone who's as nice to my son as she's been the last couple weeks deserves something!

Congrats, MEg.

~ciskie

Patrick C. Miller said...

I've never actually met the famous/infamous MeanEgirl, but I've seen her cheering on the Huskies at the Ralph and playing in the MTU band the X. I've enjoyed reading her postings on USCHO for years.

I join with others here in saying that she is truly a credit to the college hockey world. I hope she remains a part of it no matter what the future holds for her. Good luck and thanks for the memories, MEg!

Anonymous said...

You wouldn't by any chance be saying dirty is one of those shady characters shes had to stay with are you :)

Anonymous said...

THAT PICTURE WAS TAKEN AT THE SPORTS GARDEN...which I'll be at tomorrow!!! :D

Good write-up, RWD. Fans like MeG are the last of a good breed. FHG

MeanEgirl said...

Dirty: If every fan was more like me, college hockey would have the shortest fans of all sports.

Donald: I like your book and really want to read it.

Ciskie: I'm always nice to your son! I might not be nice to you, but Hunter is actually cool. :) I just need to get him cheering for Michigan Tech....

PCM: If Tech should happen to visit UND for the first round, WE WILL MEET! I know I've been there four times already... But yeah, I think it's time we met. :)

--------

RWD: This post was awesome. I know you know about it, but for those who don't... Coach Russell emailed me this morning and asked me if I'd like to speak at the Luncheon along with the other Husky seniors. That was kind of cool...

I'm going to leave for my second to last game in about a half hour or less... and today I will be resigning as MM president...

This is definitely a rough weekend...

I just hope when I come back as an alum to watch a game, that the atmosphere is still there... along with old traditions and some new ones too.

Donald Dunlop said...

Ah MEg ... you don't have to read it hon. You're living it. You're having experiences that when you're my age you'll cherish in ways that you can't imagine now. Believe me because I can't imagine the awesomeness of what you've gone through the last four years since I was never graced with "the college experience". I envy you for all of that and hope that you drink in every bit of the winding down of it.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Fabulous post! I've met MEg both on her trips to Grand Forks and at the Final Five. She is a fabulous fan (as we already knew)... her dedication is unmatched! I think of all the away games I've been to, but I can't even hold a candle to her. I too am graduating this year and am not looking forward to my final games at the Ralph. I hope that in the future I will be able to visit the remaining WCHA arenas that I haven't been too, Tech included! Hopefully MEg will be there too, but it just wouldn't be Tech without her there.

WiSioux

sioux yeah yeah said...

Oh Bethlyn... Every word of this is true!!!

As much as I try and will keep trying in the future for UND students, players, coaches, and fans... I will never reach your status! Much love!

Leah

The Darkness said...

I'm almost mad that I had to miss The short girls last series, atleast she got to go out with a win. Hopeless Tech can keep winning and reward her and the rest of their loyal supporters with something more.

All I know is that next year won't be the same without her. The misfits won't be the same, the team will feel lonely on the road, and most importantly where am I going to stay when I come up for hockey games.

dennis53 said...

We would like to comment on all the nice comments you have all made towards our daughter aka MeanEgirl. She has been a very dedicated Husky fan and friends to most of the people she has met on her journey thru MTU.We are very proud and couldnt ask for more.

Anonymous said...

I've done something PCM hasn't done! I've met Bethlyn!!! YAY!

OMG! Bethlyn a gradiate! I'm so proud of her!

Sorry I'm late on the comments, though. I've been busy.

MEg- You rock.

RWtD- You rock too! I WILL meet you eventually!

MeanEgirl said...

I haven't graduated yet, RW77... Don't jinx me. :)