King Brutus – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Andrew Aten, a senior and one of five Brutus Buckeyes, has landed a honored spot on homecoming court
Not only will you find Brutus Buckeye at Ohio State sporting events, charity appearances, signing autographs and taking pictures on game day, or even doing one arm push-ups in front of 105,000 fans in Ohio Stadium, but this Saturday you will see Brutus in a new light as a member of the 2008 Homecoming Court.
Although you may not recognize him without the Brutus head on, Andrew Aten, a senior from Centerville, Ohio, majoring in biology/pre-med at Ohio State, will be recognized for his involvement at the University before the Buckeyes take on Penn State.
The 2008 Homecoming Court consist of 10 king candidates and 10 queen candidates. The 20 court members all went through an extensive evaluation process including applications, interviews and a review of their accomplishments at the University.
“During the interview process, they can definitely tell who really has a passion for the University verses who is just there to apply,” Aten said. “I would have to say my love for the University and my general involvement was what sold me to the committee.”
Aten underwent an interview process from three panelists one a notable alumnus, one a former homecoming queen, and a University faculty member. He also had to submit essays and a rsum that listed all of his accomplishments and activities while at Ohio State.
“The committee ran through our general involvement, our academia, our major and any research that we were doing, and just asked general questions as to why we love Ohio State,” Aten, who has focused on organic chemistry in carbohydrate research, said.
Aten also is involved in Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity, is on the University Recreational Sports Committee and a member of Chimes Junior Class Honorary.
In addition, Aten is a member of SPHINX Senior Class Honorary program. SPHINX, founded in 1907, membership goes to only 24 seniors with “character and potential for accomplishment.” Past members of SPHINX include Olympic track and field legend Jesse Owens, former Buckeye basketball standout John Havlicek and college football coaching icon Woody Hayes.
Andrew’s diverse resume not only shines through his drive as an exemplary student, but it also reaches into new territory each time he straps on the Brutus head at athletics events.
When asked if Saturday was going to be his typical game day experience, Aten replied: “No, it’s not. I think it is definitely going to be a new experience for me. Generally, I’m on the field for Brutus, as you know, so this is definitely going to be cool to be recognized for everything else that I do at the University besides Brutus.”
As much as he would like to jump out of his homecoming attire and back into the Brutus outfit for the much-anticipated night game vs. Penn State Saturday, Aten is going to be content with living out his day on homecoming court.
“I am just taking it all in. I am officially excused that day and I’m just going to soak it all up as much as possible,” Aten said.
~ Emily Seagraves, OhioStateBuckeyes.com
