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The “i”’s HAVE IT
The origins of one of Ohio State’s greatest traditions, the band’s
dotting of the “I” strangely enough came from the schools biggest rival.
It was the University of Michigan’s band that first employed the
“scripted Ohio” in formation during a 1932 game against the Buckeyes in
Columbus. However, it’s now an all-Ohio moment at Buckeye home games as
an OSU band member is honored with the glory of adding the famous dot.
Jason Evans, a fourth year Ohio State band member had the privilege to
dot the “i” in 1998. He says that the nearly breath taking moment goes
to fourth and fifth-year tuba players.
“It’s the biggest honor than anybody in the band can have,” said Evans.
“There was extreme nervousness. It’s very nerve racking knowing that in
Ohio Stadium there’s 95,000 people watching just you. The crowd roars
and it’s a very intense and overwhelming feeling.”
ESPN college football analyst, Beano Cook is so enamored with this
tradition that he has been quoted as saying that he’d “rather dot the
“i” before I die than be president, because it’s a greater honor.
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS?
Because of a tradition that began in 1953, visiting school’s fans and
players may leave Columbus with a ringing in their ears. Each Buckeye
victory at Ohio stadium is marked with the ringing of the victory bell
located in the southeast tower. This gift from the class of 1943 has
rung on cue every time but once. A 1965 thrashing of Iowa was marked
with silence when it was discovered that the bell’s clapper had been
stolen.
BOWING TO AHLA
Watch the OSU cheerleaders after a Buckeye touchdown and you’d think
that they had joined the Muslim faith. Both guys and girls get down on
their hands and knees and perform the “Ahla” tradition. Grouped in the
end zone area, the cheerleaders go up and down and chant “Oh-hi-oh”
repeatedly.
BRUTUS BUCKEYE
The big costumed character that roams the OSU sidelines is Brutus
Buckeye. His outfit features a oversized buckeye nut styled head and a
striped shirt that includes his name “Brutus.” The mascot has a long
tradition with the school and has plenty of reasons to have the big
head, according to OSU cheerleader and mascot coordinator Judy Bunting.
“In reality he’s more than just a mascot for our athletic programs,”
said Bunting. “He’s really the symbol for OSU and really for the state
of Ohio. Everybody recognizes him around this area.”
BUCKEYES
One of college football’s most puzzling nicknames is the term “Buckeye.”
Unless you hail from Ohio, you might have driven yourself “nutty” by
wondering where this nickname “sprouted” from. Have no fear, you’ll
“leave” this page with a new understanding.
A buckeye is a tree that is common in Ohio. The tree’s “standing” in the
state is so tall, that Ohio citizens have been referred to as buckeyes
and Ohio is know as the “ Buckeye State.” The buckeye tree produces an
olive sized mahogany colored seed and leaves that are replicated on OSU
football helmets for player achievements.
Ohio State fans love to get out the
Ohio State
Buckeyes Merchandise to support the Buckeyes on Saturday afternoons.
The big red machine can really be overwhelming to the fans who are not
use to it.