The following is an excerpt from a commencement speech delivered by Woody Hayes on March 14th, 1986 to OSU graduates:
“I would like to start with something I have used in almost every speech, and this is, ‘paying forward.’ That is the thing that you folks can do with your great education for the rest of your life. Try to take that attitude toward life – that you’re going to pay forward. So seldom can we pay back because those who helped most–your parents and other people–will be gone, but you’ll find that you do want to pay. Emerson had something to say about that: “You can pay back only seldom.” But he said, “You can always pay forward, and you must pay line for line, deed for deed, and cent for cent.” He said, “Beware of too much good accumulating in your palm or it will fast corrupt.”
Each student that has had the honor of representing Brutus Buckeye has adopted coach Hayes attitude to “pay it forward” to the Buckeye community that has given each of us so much. It takes tremendous effort, dedication, sacrifice, discipline, and devotion for you to continue the great tradition that is Brutus Buckeye. Being a part of this program is truly a once in a lifetime experience. This opportunity will transform your relationship with your alma mater for the rest of your life.
Are you ready to be a part of the Brutus Buckeye family?
All candidates in the Spirit Program must embody the definition of a “student-athlete”. Becoming the character is secondary only to your family, and your academic pursuits at The Ohio State University. To be considered for Brutus, candidates must meet the tryout pre-requisite requirements listed below:
This commitment will require you to assist in various athletic and non-athletic appearances. These include but are not limited to:
There will be opportunities to travel for pre-season camp, post season athletic opportunities, and national commercial and promotional opportunities. This is a very dynamic program that requires a year – round time commitment, along with a certain level of availability and flexibility in your schedule.
Bruti are required to be available for events at least 1 month each (May – August) to do events throughout the summer. You will also be expected to have availability for the following commitments:
*Dates are tentative & subject to change
Once these events have been scheduled (typically a month ahead of the date) you will then be able to make arrangements for vacations, etc.
School Year Practice Schedule: YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, WEIGHT TRAINING, AND GAMES
Fall Semester – Subject to Change
Practice – TBD (Two Days a Week) – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Weights – TBD (Three Days a Week) – Early Mornings
Spring Semester
Practice – TBD (Two Days a Week) – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Weights – TBD (Three Days a Week) – Early Mornings
Special Events/Appearances
Required (click to open, print, and fill out):
Informational:
Interested candidates will receive a high-level overview of being apart of the Brutus Buckeye program. The information shared will include:
Candidates will also interface with the mascot coaching staff along with individuals who have recently been a member of the Brutus Buckeye program.
| Information Session | Date | Time | Location |
| 1 | 2/12 | 11:00–12:00 p.m. | Zoom – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
| 2 | 2/18 | 11:00–12:00 p.m. | Zoom – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
| 3 | 2/19 | 11:00–12:00 p.m. | Zoom – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
| 4 | 2/26 | 11:00–12:00 p.m. | Zoom – Email Sharp.255@osu.edu for the link |
This is an opportunity to get some time & experience in the costume while getting instruction on how to correctly portray the character of Brutus Buckeye. These are your best opportunities to get comfortable in the costume prior to the tryout process. Remember you must have all the pre tryout documentation turned in before participating in the costume times. You are also going to need to pre-register for the costume session by sending an email requesting attendance to coach Ray Sharp at sharp.255@osu.edu
| Costume Time Session | Date | Time | Location |
| 1- Character Development | 3/8 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 2 – Character Development | 3/9 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 3 – Props & Improv. 1 | 3/15 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 4 – Props & Improv. 2 | 3/16 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 5 – Situations & Improv. 1 | 3/22 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 6 – Situations & Improv. 2 | 3/23 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 7 – Situations & Improv. 3 | 3/29 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
| 8 – Digital / Tryouts Final Prep Session | 3/30 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | WHAC – Main Atrium Entrance |
In order to register for tryouts you need to ensure you have:
Final opportunity to get in costume and ask final questions about tryout preparation and phases.
Your interview time will be provided to you via Coach Ray prior to Tryouts. Each candidate will meet with a committee comprised of a variety of Brutus Buckeye alumni, athletic department officials, and/or coaches. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early dressed in business professional attire.
This is the evaluation of how well you portray Brutus’ character and your ability to work as a team in various situations he may experience daily. You will also be tested on your ability to make creative digital content that fits the voice of Brutus Buckeye as well as your ability to work as a team to create. Lastly, we will test your ability to bring a skit to life utilizing props and costumes that are available to you.
Upon conclusion of tryouts, and after a deliberation period, the team will be announced.
If you have any further questions, concerns or points of clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to coach Ray Sharp through email. Good luck to you all, and GO BUCKS!
To print a copy of this page, CLICK HERE.
