Getting to know Michigan football Fan A.J. Garza
Michigan football isn’t just a sport to watch; it’s a way of life for megafan A.J. Garza. Here’s what UM means to him.
The word fanatic was created to explain people like A.J. Garza. Michigan football just means more to him, which is why I caught up with him for a quick interview about his beloved Wolverines.
Q: Tell me a little about yourself
A: “I’m 37 years old married for 14 years in a couple of weeks, and I have four kids. I’m also a HUGE golfer, which is why it hurts my heart to see all those cars on the golf course next to the stadium, hahaha. I have been a Michigan fan my entire life, or at least as far back as I can remember. Oh, and I’m also from and still live in Ohio.”
Q: What does the University of Michigan mean to you?
A: “Ah man Michigan means everything to me. All three of my boys came home from the hospital after being born in the same Michigan beanie. My dad is a Michigan fan, as most of my uncles are. He had never actually been to a game, so growing up, I always dreamed about being able to take him. When I was 18-19 years old, I was able to get ahold of some tickets. I’ll never forget our drive up there and seeing the big block M on the back of the scoreboard as we pulled up. Us walking through the tunnel together and seeing the field for the first time was absolutely amazing.”
Q: What was your first memory as a Michigan fan?
A: “Haha, as a kid, my Dad and I would watch Michigan games together. Whenever we would score, or something big would happen he would cup his hands together and do his best to sound like a trumpet and sing The Victors lol. I would always look at him and wait for him to do it. It sounds so funny trying to describe him doing it. Also, watching Tyrone Wheatley and Tshimanga Biakabutuka run all over and trying to pronounce his name correctly.”
Q: What’s your favorite Michigan sports experience?
A: “Easily my most favorite experience was the first night game in Michigan Stadium in 2011. The atmosphere was amazing right away. They played All the Lights by Kanye West a few times before kickoff. It wasn’t going our way for quite some time, but then we started our comeback! Right around the end of the game, they started playing Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. This was before everyone was doing it at every game lol. Good thing there isn’t a roof on Michigan Stadium because that thing would’ve gotten blown off by how electric and loud the place was. Every time I hear that song, all I can think about is how amazing a sight that was to see the crowd going as crazy as we were. I told my friend if we end up on the field ill met you at the car, haha. Unfortunately, we did not. I was sitting on the 20yd line about 13 rows up. Every touchdown of the game, I believe, was scored right in front of us, and that includes the final TD. I started getting phone calls immediately after it was over. I had almost no voice by the time we reached the car. Hands down the most amazing game I’ve ever been to. Sidenote: F@#k ND lol.”