My childhood was deeply touched by memories of the Rose Bowl and all that surrounded its pageantry. My grandfather was an Honorary Past President of the Tournament of Roses--even rode the NRA float at age 11 in hunting gear costume! That year's Rose Bowl featured Wisconsin and USC and when I walked through the tunnel into that game, the excitement and grandeur hit me like a thunderbolt. It's never left me. Of course, that game was epic, USC won the NC, and the memory was seared forever. Since then I've attended probably 25 Rose Bowls in my blessed life so John, couldn't agree more: I hope the tradition lives on. Some things just shouldn't change.
Fantastic story John. I read it tonight while sitting in an outdoor restaurant in Modena, Italy. I’m not even Italian but it hit home. I’m the son of immigrants who fell in love in California and never lost their love for the state even after they settled in North Carolina, another state they adored.
Great story, John. My granparents picked fruit and cotton to cross the country from the Midwest to Oregon in 1929. Grandad caught some mustard gas in France in 1917 and couldn't breathe in Iowa any more. But the air was fine in Ashland, and here I am. Tradition is a powerful force for everyone except the greedy.
Great story, thanks. Of all the crap that's going on in CFB, this is the one that bothers me the most. besides any number of teams getting hosed. What's going to happen to the Granddaddy? Can't believe it it won't be included in whatever they come up with.
Another solid piece John! I’ve worked in a foundry and attended one Rose Bowl, but hitch hiking/working my way across country is “next level” commitment! We all could take a lesson in tenacity from your Grandad.
The first crack in "tradition" for me was the '95 Rose Bowl when Big Ten newcomers Penn State fans were dismissive of representing the Big Ten. They wore no Big Ten patch that day. And, they also wore no Rose Bowl patch that day. (They felt they should have been in Orange Bowl vs No. 1 Nebraska). Like many commenting here, I grew up in the Midwest and Big Ten in the Rose Bowl vs Pac8 was the subject of many prayers. To think that "tradition" is being thrown in the dumpster is both sad and infuriating at the same time. Then, seeing the opportunity for West Coast athletes to play in the venue as a UCLA opponent fading from view, is equally bothersome.
Once again John, nicely done! Your grandpa's story takes the edge off the reality that money trumps everything nowadays., including an essential disregard for the those who watch the games and the reasons why we watch. let's hope George K can convince those in power to recognize that broadcsst consumers are an inportant part of a winning formula.
I remember as a kid in the 70's that the Rose Bowl always seemed to be USC vs Ohio St. every year. Always loved as a kid on New Years Day to see the Rose Parade, eat a great meal, and always a great Pac 10 vs Big 10 football game! So sad that will all be gone...
The Rose Bowl is usually much more interesting than the college football championship. I am not a big fan of dome stadiums. Having the Cotton Bowl in Jerry's World or the Fiesta Bowl in the Cards stadium just doesn't cut for me.
Thank you for pulling for Cal. My grandfather, class of 1912, was at Cal's last Rose Bowl game in 1959, along with his two sons (my uncles). Iowa thumped Cal that day. Grandfather brought back both a program and a pennant as souvenirs for me. I have lost track of the program, but I still have the pennant. In fact, I met Joe Kapp considerably later, and he signed that pennant for me. Steam still comes out of my ears every time I think of how Mack Brown snookered the national pollsters to put Texas in the Rose Bowl against Michigan instead of Cal in the 2005 game. That was the Cal team that had Aaron Rodgers and Marshawn Lynch. Yes, Cal needs to be in the Rose Bowl again.
The 73, 75, 77, 79, and 1980 Rose Bowls were defining moments of my childhood. The ToR needs to get on the offensive, and find a spot in the inevitable expanded playoff, with Jan 1 being the only requirement. Everything else will work out from there.
You do great investigation and research--What’s the similarity between NIL, UCLA and USC leaving the PAC 12, Transfer Portal, Devon Allen et al DQ’s...?
What’s the cause of the issues…?
I have my own point of view and am curious about yours.
I love your stories and perspective. Keep 'em coming.
My childhood was deeply touched by memories of the Rose Bowl and all that surrounded its pageantry. My grandfather was an Honorary Past President of the Tournament of Roses--even rode the NRA float at age 11 in hunting gear costume! That year's Rose Bowl featured Wisconsin and USC and when I walked through the tunnel into that game, the excitement and grandeur hit me like a thunderbolt. It's never left me. Of course, that game was epic, USC won the NC, and the memory was seared forever. Since then I've attended probably 25 Rose Bowls in my blessed life so John, couldn't agree more: I hope the tradition lives on. Some things just shouldn't change.
love this.
Good one.
Thank you.
Well written John. I love your stories man. Please keep writing them
Thank you.
Fantastic story John. I read it tonight while sitting in an outdoor restaurant in Modena, Italy. I’m not even Italian but it hit home. I’m the son of immigrants who fell in love in California and never lost their love for the state even after they settled in North Carolina, another state they adored.
Love that you enjoyed this in Italy.
Great story, John. My granparents picked fruit and cotton to cross the country from the Midwest to Oregon in 1929. Grandad caught some mustard gas in France in 1917 and couldn't breathe in Iowa any more. But the air was fine in Ashland, and here I am. Tradition is a powerful force for everyone except the greedy.
You get it.
Beautifully - and thoughtfully - written! It's amazing the little twists and turns that life can take.
Funny how that works.
Great story, thanks. Of all the crap that's going on in CFB, this is the one that bothers me the most. besides any number of teams getting hosed. What's going to happen to the Granddaddy? Can't believe it it won't be included in whatever they come up with.
Hope you're right.
Another solid piece John! I’ve worked in a foundry and attended one Rose Bowl, but hitch hiking/working my way across country is “next level” commitment! We all could take a lesson in tenacity from your Grandad.
He was a wanderer...
These are the stories I love hearing from you, John. Great stuff, thank you!
Thanks Forrest.
The first crack in "tradition" for me was the '95 Rose Bowl when Big Ten newcomers Penn State fans were dismissive of representing the Big Ten. They wore no Big Ten patch that day. And, they also wore no Rose Bowl patch that day. (They felt they should have been in Orange Bowl vs No. 1 Nebraska). Like many commenting here, I grew up in the Midwest and Big Ten in the Rose Bowl vs Pac8 was the subject of many prayers. To think that "tradition" is being thrown in the dumpster is both sad and infuriating at the same time. Then, seeing the opportunity for West Coast athletes to play in the venue as a UCLA opponent fading from view, is equally bothersome.
UCLA representing the Big Ten someday in the Rose Bowl? Yikes.
Once again John, nicely done! Your grandpa's story takes the edge off the reality that money trumps everything nowadays., including an essential disregard for the those who watch the games and the reasons why we watch. let's hope George K can convince those in power to recognize that broadcsst consumers are an inportant part of a winning formula.
So much lost with all this.
Great piece John...
I remember as a kid in the 70's that the Rose Bowl always seemed to be USC vs Ohio St. every year. Always loved as a kid on New Years Day to see the Rose Parade, eat a great meal, and always a great Pac 10 vs Big 10 football game! So sad that will all be gone...
Great story. I'm hoping Cal plays in the Rose Bowl while it still matters. Much more important to me than the playoffs or a national championship.
Better get there fast. Although, my hope is that the game will position itself as part of college football.
The Rose Bowl is usually much more interesting than the college football championship. I am not a big fan of dome stadiums. Having the Cotton Bowl in Jerry's World or the Fiesta Bowl in the Cards stadium just doesn't cut for me.
Thank you for pulling for Cal. My grandfather, class of 1912, was at Cal's last Rose Bowl game in 1959, along with his two sons (my uncles). Iowa thumped Cal that day. Grandfather brought back both a program and a pennant as souvenirs for me. I have lost track of the program, but I still have the pennant. In fact, I met Joe Kapp considerably later, and he signed that pennant for me. Steam still comes out of my ears every time I think of how Mack Brown snookered the national pollsters to put Texas in the Rose Bowl against Michigan instead of Cal in the 2005 game. That was the Cal team that had Aaron Rodgers and Marshawn Lynch. Yes, Cal needs to be in the Rose Bowl again.
The 73, 75, 77, 79, and 1980 Rose Bowls were defining moments of my childhood. The ToR needs to get on the offensive, and find a spot in the inevitable expanded playoff, with Jan 1 being the only requirement. Everything else will work out from there.
Such fond memories...
Hello John,
You do great investigation and research--What’s the similarity between NIL, UCLA and USC leaving the PAC 12, Transfer Portal, Devon Allen et al DQ’s...?
What’s the cause of the issues…?
I have my own point of view and am curious about yours.
I love your stories and perspective. Keep 'em coming.
thank you...
The Rose Bowl is my fave, and I always hoped to get there. Thanks for this sweet column.
Thank you.