Alumni Update: Otis Winston – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
Sept. 25, 2014
A former two-sport star in track and field and basketball for the Buckeyes, Otis Winston has been a busy man since his time as a student-athlete at The Ohio State University. OhioStateBuckeyes.com caught up with the actor, director, producer and coach to talk about his time at OSU and his current projects and interests.
OTIS WINSTON
High Jump, 1993-1996
– Four-time Big Ten champion
– Two-time First Team All-American
– 1997 Basketball Captain
Where are you now in your life after your time at Ohio State?
My life is amazing. I am a father of two beautiful kids, Promise and Reign, and they are my world. I’m also the head girls track coach at New Albany High School, which I love doing. I also have my own production company, F’o’CUSED PRODUCTIONz. I have several projects under my company, but I am focused on one right now I am currently pitching to networks in Los Angeles, School of Hard Knocks. It is a show centered on two rival schools with different racial backgrounds that are forced to come together, and the challenges the teachers, students and community face.
What made you want to become involved in coaching?
I became involved in coaching because I wanted to give back to kids. I remember making it to the state meet when I competed and I really coached myself in my events. I didn’t want other kids not reaching their full potential like I experienced in high school, so I started volunteering and eventually became the head coach. I wanted to make a difference. Watching a few of my girls become state champions and stand on top of the podium is always nice and very rewarding. I also love seeing girls no one thought would amount to anything end up competing in meets when they were once told they weren’t good enough in other sports. That always puts a smile on my face.
Why did you choose to be a Buckeye?
I grew up watching the Buckeyes and it was amazing to me. We have so many legendary athletes who have competed at our University, from Jesse Owens, to John Havlicek, to Archie Griffin. I wanted to walk the campus of these legends and leave my imprint on it the same way they did, or at least try. Those footsteps are very large to fill. I was also allowed to participate in both track and basketball, and other schools wanted me for one or the other. I was determined to do both.
What was it like balancing school and athletics, especially being a two-sport athlete?
It was hard to adjust at first because I basically competed year round. I had a great academic advisor, Roxanne Price, and she always made sure I was on task. The academic advisors were the best and they made sure I got what I needed when I needed it, and I will forever be grateful to them.
What is your best memory from your time at Ohio State?
It was basketball season my junior year and we had a game Saturday night against Minnesota, who was ranked in the Top 10. I started that night and guarded Veshon Lenard, who was a great ball player. We beat Minnesota, and after the game I rushed to the airport to fly to Chicago because the next morning was the Big Ten indoor track championship. I stayed overnight with my brother, Kevin, who lived in Chicago.
The next morning we were supposed to head to the University of Illinois for the meet. We woke up late and jumped in the car and headed to the meet. I was thinking the whole time Coach [Russ] Rogers is going to kill me. By time I arrived at the meet the high jump had already started and there were only four jumpers left. I walked in right out of the car, no time to stretch, and won the Big Ten championship. We beat a Top-10 team in basketball and the next day I was the Big Ten champ in the high jump. It was a busy but memorable weekend, and I was back on the floor on Monday for basketball practice!
What lesson did you take away/what did you learn through Ohio State track and field that you apply to your daily life?
Always believe in yourself no matter what. Don’t stop and don’t give up on “you.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years and beyond?
I see myself making TV shows and movies, and hopefully impacting lives the way Bill Cosby did with The Cosby Show. I’ll be sitting at my kids’ games supporting them and just loving and living life to the fullest. I want to help people get better and achieve their dreams, nothing more, nothing less.
What advice do you have for current and future Buckeyes?
To always give your best no matter what. I have a quote I use: “Never allow your talent to take you where your character can’t keep you.” I live by this creed and it has taken me far in my life.
