Albion faithful are fervent for the Purple and Gold

Football Saturdays date to 1884, and the biggest on the schedule each year is homecoming weekend.

By Terry Foster / The Detroit News

ALBION, Mich. - Saturday was a typical fall day for the Vieira family.

The Vieiras, University of Michigan football season-ticket holders, dressed in blue T-shirts with maize lettering to support U-M in its showdown game with Michigan State.

Then they piled into the car at their Lake Orion home and headed off to the big game ... at Albion College, from where Colleen Vieira graduated 20 years ago.

Colleen sat near the 40-yard line at Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium with her husband, Randy, and 7-year-old daughter, Stephanie. Son Thomas, 10, paced near midfield listening to the radio broadcast of Michigan-Michigan State from East Lansing, feeding mom every scoring change and big play. - - College Football - -

"The reception is better down there," said Colleen, pointing toward her son.

On the day of this state's biggest college game, a standing-room crowd of 3,572 witnessed the Britons' crushing 30-27 overtime loss to Adrian as part of the school's 170th homecoming celebration. - - College Football - -

The turnout shows that bigger is not always better. The Albion faithful came from as far away as Seattle to honor a school that never left their blood, no matter how long they've been gone or how far they've traveled.

Colleen came to see her old band director, Richard Blatty. Although she loves Michigan, this was the place to be.

"I knew I was coming here all along," Colleen said. "I am glad I came. The only thing I need are headphones." - - College Football - -

College life

Under a cloudless sky, Albion was a perfect setting for a homecoming.

Women took photos of one another in front of "The Rock." Purple and gold ribbons wrapped around oak trees, and the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity roasted a pig for charity.

Hundreds of alumni and their families walked through campus. The British Eighth marching band put a charge into the serene setting as it proceeded down South Hanna Street to the stadium.

Most wore Albion colors and name tags and rooted for their school as passionately as Wolverines and Spartans fans did about 40 miles north. - - College Football - -

"If you go to that stadium, you will find vibrancy and the cheering of their friends and family every bit as strong as you will at Michigan," Albion President Dr. Peter Mitchell said. "It is just 5,000 instead of 105,000, but I will tell you it is a very important part of ourcollege life."

Bill Stouffer understands the passion. He is nicknamed Mr. Albion. He served as the town's mayor from 1982-86, owns Albion Machine and Tool, has been a trustee of thecollege and is now a chief fund-raiser. - - College Football - -

"This is my alma mater, and I would not be anyplace else," Stouffer said. "There is just something about Albion College. Maybe it is the same with all small colleges."

Football pride

Albion is a competitive place. The Brits don't play simply for love of the game.

It began in 1884, when Albion and Michigan played the first collegiate football game between Michigan schools. The Wolverines won, 18-0. - - College Football - -

Since then, Albion has won more than 500 football games, a record 32 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships, and the 1994 Division III national title.

The Brits play for themselves and for their rich history. That is what made the loss to Adrian so tough. - - College Football - -

It was their fourth straight loss to the Bulldogs, and Albion players didn't take kindly to some Adrian players who taunted fans by extending four fingers.

"It is a source of pride to wear this uniform," defensive lineman Mike Sheldon said. "You not only are playing for yourself, but you are playing for all the guys who wore this uniform before and for those who will come after you." - - College Football - -

The loss to Adrian turned a festive day into a silent march out the stadium. Families and friends filed onto the field to hug their sons, fraternity brothers and classmates.

Scenes like this make quarterback Steve Wasil glad he is a Briton.

"I went to high school with people and we became closer when we came to Albion," Wasil said. "It is a smaller community, you are together in class, and maybe you live together. This place helps bond relationships better." - - College Football - -