By Zack Meisel
Unigo Campus Rep at Ohio State University
Nov. 4, 2008
Here are the ten things to know about Ohio State sports:
1. We Have “The Best Damn Band in the Land”
With its traditions of “Script Ohio” and “Dotting the I,” the band has been recognized by many as the nation’s best.
2. No rivalry compares to Ohio State vs. Michigan in football
With 104 meetings, countless memorable games, classic finishes, and intense hatred for one another, Ohio State and Michigan enjoy the greatest rivalry in sports.
3. Ohio State possesses the largest college athletic budget in the nation
The school pours more money into the athletic teams, scholarships and facilities than any other college in the country.
4. Our lesser-known sports achieve plenty of success
Fencing, synchronized swimming and pistol have won multiple National Championships in recent years, while men’s soccer, men’s tennis, men’s gymnastics, women’s rowing, and both golf teams have captured Big Ten Championships.
5. There is no stadium like “The Shoe”
With its unique design and enormous capacity, Ohio Stadium consistently generates crowds over 105,000 for football games.
6. Our major sports hold a rich tradition of excellence among former athletes
From internationally heralded athletes such as Jesse Owens, Archie Griffin, Jack Nicklaus and John Havlicek, to renowned coaches such as Woody Hayes and Paul Brown, Ohio State maintains an endless list of recognized athletic alumni.
7. Ohio State is always well-represented in the Olympics
Jesse Owens dominated the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, and still today, past and present Buckeyes participate in the games every two years.
8. No mascot can beat Brutus Buckeye
A buckeye may be just a nut to some, but to an Ohio State student, it represents the tradition of the school. The school mascot, Brutus Buckeye makes appearances at every home football game, among other sporting events, and has even appeared in commercials for ESPN.
9. Our football program serves as a pipeline for the NFL
Forty-three former Buckeyes currently play in the NFL, and a record 14 Buckeyes were chosen in the 2004 NFL Draft. Overall, five Ohio State football players have advanced to become NFL Hall of Famers.
10. Our fans are extremely passionate about the scarlet and gray
No matter the sport at OSU, Buckeye fanatics will support every team. A sea of scarlet can often be found at The Horseshoe, The Schottenstein Center, St. John’s Arena, or any other venue on campus.