A Ceremonious Start to Ohio State’s 120th Football Season – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Festivities surround Armed Forces Appreciation Day in Ohio Stadium; Navy returns to Ohio Stadium for first time since 1931
COLUMBUS, Ohio – As with any Ohio State football campaign, much fanfare and hype surround the opening home date. The 120th season for the Buckeyes is no different.
In conjunction with playing Navy at noon Saturday in Ohio Stadium, Ohio State will celebrate Armed Forces Appreciation Day. Recognitions and tributes surround the tilt between the Midshipmen and Buckeyes, who are meeting in the regular season for the first time in nearly eight decades.
Upon entrance, the first 75,000 fans will receive mini U.S. flags to wave during the festivities. Fans are encouraged to plan for an early stadium arrival to assure they do not miss a special fly-over by a fleet of F18 fighter jets from Bengal Squadron VMFA-224 based in South Carolina. The last fly-over Ohio Stadium took place in 2007 (view footage from the cockpit).
In honor of the American Football Coaches Association National Respect Day, Ohio State and Navy have planned to shake hands as units at the south goal line before taking the field and heading to their respective sideline.
Following a moment of silence to pay tribute to all men and women who have fallen in battle, Ohio State honorary captains and former Buckeyes Mike Lanese (1982-85), Greg Lashutka (1963-65) and Phil Strickland (1968-70) – all past servicemen in the U.S. Navy – will join Ohio State and Navy captains at the 50-yard line for the coin toss.
Tributes will continue during breaks in game action and will include:
- Recognition of the 42 units of the Ohio National Guard
- Video greetings and well-wishes from U.S. Troops stationed overseas as well as O-H-I-O photos sent from soldiers across the globe
- Video from Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel’s tour to visit U.S. Troops in Europe, the Middle East and Africa this summer
- Recognition of Ohio State’s ROTC program
At halftime, John Glenn – former U.S. Senator and NASA astronaut – will dot the “i” during the OSU Alumni Band’s quadruple “Script Ohio” performance. Glenn not only is being honored for his accomplishments and service to the United States, but also for his work in forming the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at OSU.
Also at halftime, former Buckeye All-American linebacker and NFL All-Pro Chris Spielman will be recognized for the recent announcement of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Spielman, Ohio State’s all-time leader in tackles, was an All-American for the Buckeyes in 1986 and ’87. He will become the 28th Buckeye inducted into the HOF in July 2010.
After the conclusion of the game, Ohio State will further honor the men and women who have lost their lives in battle by scrolling the names of Ohio State University students and alumni killed in action in U.S. foreign wars on the south endzone video board. Family members of Ohio State football players who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces also will be posted on the scoreboards.
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