Even in Rome, there are Michigan grads

ROME — As members of Michigan’s roughly 150-person traveling party began arriving in this city of 2.8 million people Saturday, they were not alone.

Among them were three Rome residents who also are University of Michigan graduates. There’s even a Michigan Ross Alumni Club of Italy. Its leader is Riccardo Cesarei, born and raised in Rome, and a 1998 alumnus of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

On Saturday, Cesarei was eagerly awaiting Michigan’s scrimmage next week, much like someone anticipates the season opener. But this time, there’s no nine-hour flight across the Atlantic. Michigan, the winged helmets, and The Victors have all come to Cesarei’s backyard.

“I’m surprised and happy that the Wolverines are coming to Rome,” he said. “I am planning to attend the scrimmage with my family.”

He won’t be alone. According to Cesarei, Alberto Rovero, one of the three Rome alums, and a Swiss alumna will also attend.

Michigan’s scrimmage will take place at Stadio dei Marmi, which played host to field hockey events at the 1960 Summer Olympics. The event — and the entire weeklong trip — is starting to garner attention in the Italian media, but people still are largely unaware of what Michigan football is.

“Italians don’t know very much about American football and U of M,” Cesarei said.

Most college football fans still are trying to wrap their mind around Michigan’s trip. It’s an unprecedented adventure that’s sure to draw national headlines during the week. The unconventional nature of Jim Harbaugh and his mad scientist creativity are responsible.

Last year, he took the Wolverines to Bradenton, Fla., for a week. Italy sure beats Florida humidity and thunderstorms. But both trips are steeped in expanding UM’s already robust brand.

“What we hope to accomplish is making it the best experience in these youngsters’ lives up until this point,” Harbaugh told reporters this week.

One glance at the itinerary all but brings Harbaugh’s goal to fruition. If the world is their classroom, as Harbaugh is wont to say, then Rome is the auditorium. And that’s only what takes place on the ground in Italy and Vatican City.

The flight also features memorable scenes, with sights of the Swiss Alps and the picturesque blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

“It’s definitely another example of coach doing something outside the box,” sophomore cornerback Keith Washington said.

“But it’s also him just trying to give us the opportunity to do something that a lot of us probably wouldn’t be able to do without being a part of Michigan football.”

A similar adage rings true for three UM graduates who double as residents of Rome.

Contact Kyle Rowland at:

krowland@theblade.com,

419-724-6110, or on

Twitter @KyleRowland.