Proud Ohio State Tuba
player salutes the Buckeye
faithful after dotting the "i"
OHIO STATE: The “i”’s HAVE IT
The origins of one of Ohio State’s greatest gameday 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.”
The origins of one of Ohio State’s greatest gameday 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.”
Not only does Ohio State's Brutus Buckeye generate school spirit, but he serves as the most recognizable figure for Ohio State.
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.”
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