Ohio State Returns to the Pinnacle – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 3, 2007
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Ohio State returned to the practice field Wednesday afternoon in Scottsdale, Ariz., at Pinnacle High School. Since 2001, Pinnacle has served as a host practice site for a Tostitos Fiesta Bowl participant, including the Buckeyes for all four of their trips to the Valley of the Sun.
Ohio State practiced at nearby Desert Mountain High School last Saturday, twice Sunday and once Monday before moving into the Fairmont Princess Resort and Spa in Scottsdale Tuesday. The team spent Tuesday getting settled into the Princess and had meetings Tuesday night.
Wednesday, the Buckeyes made the 10-minute drive to Pinnacle for a two-hour practice back at their home away from home.
“This is one of the nicest high schools I have ever seen,” Jay Richardson, Ohio State senior defensive end, said. “From the fields and facilities, everything is first class. This feels like home, too, especially for us guys who have been here four times now.”
At the high school campus, Ohio State utilizes two football fields, including the Pioneers’ game stadium, a locker room, weight room, a gymnasium and an equipment room including laundry services.
“We take a lot of pride in being a host practice site and are pleased to work with the Fiesta Bowl,” Jason Reynolds, principal at Pinnacle, said while the Buckeyes were practicing Wednesday. “We consider ourselves fortunate to work with Ohio State. After four years with them, this is almost like their home field. We have forged a good relationship with Ohio State and I’m sure they’re happy to be here.” On the practice field, the Buckeyes worked out under clear skies and 70 degree temperatures.
“Our focus has been good and I think the guys are anxious to get back after it,” Jim Tressel said after practice. “The weather has been perfect and the people here know how to put on a bowl game. They have everything in order so that when it comes down to getting back to work we don’t have any problems.”
After practice, former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit spoke to the team and Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, watched the end of practice and met with several media members.
