Life Beyond the Field – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/23/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 23, 2013
- Game Day Magazine Feature (Nov. 23, 2013) – Life Beyond The Field
When one is given an opportunity that many can only dream of, it is crucial they take advantage of the moment. During his years as an offensive lineman for the Buckeyes, Ivon Blackman has made the most of his time at The Ohio State University, collecting an abundance of friendships, memories and teachable moments.
After transferring to Ohio State in the fall of 2010, Blackman was convinced the transition would help him excel academically and athletically.
“It’s the weight the name “Ohio State” carries and it’s tradition,” Blackman said. “There is no comparison.”
A political science major, the Bedford, Ohio, native plans to pursue his masters degree in public administration following his undergraduate studies.
Heavily involved in community outreach initiatives, Blackman’s many commitments include participating in team- sponsored service and volunteering with Ohio State’s LiFE Sports program, which aims to “Enhance the quality of youth development, sport, and recreational programs through service and outreach, teaching and learning, and research, thereby increasing positive developmental outcomes for youth.”
This love for Ohio State and the football program trickled down to his younger brother, Frank, who is a walk-on wide receiver for the Buckeyes. Their time on the field has only help strengthen their bond as brothers.
“I love watching him play,” Blackman said. “It’s great to be able to watch his development first-hand.”
Frank has only just begun his journey in Columbus, but Ivon has only a brief amount of time left with his Buckeye family. While the wins and successes have been abundant, it is the lasting relationships that have formed, as well as critical lessons learned, he will treasure.
“We have been through a lot,” Blackman said.“We were all together on top and we were all together when the bottom fell out. As a team we worked our way back to where we are now and learned what it meant to persevere.”
As the 2013 season begins to come to a close, Blackman has wise words for those who follow – to simply hold on and follow through with your goals.
“The coaches and staff will question you at first and it is difficult, but also incredibly rewarding if you stick with it,” Blackman said.
Despite the challenges, there have been plenty of uplifting moments for Blackman and all have shaped who he has become since arriving to campus. As he takes notice of some of his final moments in the Scarlet and Gray, Blackman has one simple hope of ending his Buckeye career with the ultimate pinnacle of success.
By Lauren Baum, Athletics Communications
