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Ohio State Buckeye Game Day Traditions
OHIO STATE: 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.
Ohio State's Nickname: What's a Buckeye?
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 Buckeye Mascot: 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 a
1998 interview.
“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.”
| A proud Ohio State Tuba player salutes the Buckeye faithful after dotting the "i" |
| Not only does Ohio State's Brutus Buckeye generate school spirit, but he serves as the most recognizable figure for Ohio State |
Traditions, Mascot, Nickname & More |
| Ohio State Buckeyes Team Color Tailgate Tent One color canopy with Ohio State Buckeyes logos on all four sides. Officially licensed by the NCAA. |
| Ohio State Buckeyes Double-Sided 28"x40" Banner This banner is designed to hang vertically from and outdoor pole or inside as wall décor. The flag reads correctly from both sides. It has a liner sewn between the two sides so that no light shows through from the other side which eliminates the back side distortion. This banner has a generous 1 ½" pole sleeve and is made of 150 denier polyester. Made by BSI. |