Update: Yooper Lions fan still walking to training camp, has "sisu"

Written by Al Beaton | 20 August 2010

Ten days ago I wrote about the better Lions fan than I, 63 year old Yooper Joe Paquette. If you remember, Joe was going to walk from Munising to Allen Park, a trip of well over 400 miles, to show his support of the Lions. As most Detroit fans, including yours truly, wouldn't walk to the nearest street corner in support of the team, Joe's faith in the Lions was refreshing to see.

Turns out Joe has walked MUCH further than his nearest street corner.

Joe has a Facebook page now, "Detroit Lions Fan "Sisu" Journey" and he's still walking! According the last few posts, he's just passed Bay City.

Joe's still walking

Michiganders always have a map available...we just look at our right palm.

As for just what "sisu" means, let's head over to the all-knowing Wikipedia:

"Sisu is a Finnish term loosely translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. However, the word is widely considered to lack a proper translation into any language. Sisu has been described as being integral to understanding Finnish culture. The literal meaning is equivalent in English to "having guts", and the word derives from sisus, which means something inner or interior. However sisu is defined by a long-term element in it; it is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain an action against the odds. Deciding on a course of action and the sticking to that decision against repeated failures is sisu."

"Strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity,""having guts," and "the ability to sustain an action against the odds."

Admirable qualities all. Qualities we should strive for in our everyday lives. Sisu would help in the makings of a good football team too. Joe may be on to something with this sisu stuff.

According to WULC in Marquette, Joe really does believe in the Lions, if you go by his prediction for the season (and by the fact he answers his phone "Go Lions!").