English teacher John Zainea’s love for Michigan and its sports has been a part of his life since he was a young child.

“I was born when Michigan was one of the best football teams in the world,” Zainea said. “I always watched the games with my brother and my dad, so it became a form of family bonding.”

Zainea’s devotion goes beyond attending the games, including the Rose Bowl and the Championship Game, but is a part of his everyday life.

“I spend a ridiculous amount of time reading, listening, and thinking about Michigan Football,” Zainea said. “Everybody has their hobbies or the things that are just fun, and for me, that’s being involved in Michigan Football.”

Laura Lutz, a social studies teacher at CHS, also attended the Rose Bowl game with Zainea. Although she hasn’t always been a huge fan of Michigan football, she still feels affected by its success. 

“People I love very much get affected by their wins and losses,” Lutz said. “I enjoy watching the team, but I think it’s more the happiness or sadness of the people that I care about that impacts me the most.”

Even though Zainea was able to see Michigan win the championship game in Houston, his favorite game experience was at the Rose Bowl. 

“The stadium is just amazing,” Zainea said. “I have watched Michigan play at the Rose Bowl since I was a little kid. I like the traditional aspect of the Rose Bowl, and it was a closer game and a more dramatic ending. All those things made the experience really special.”