Another end to the Buckeye football season is upon us as devoted fans honor their scarlet and gray. The final game against chief rival Michigan confirms one of Ohio State's highest values: Tradition.
In 1897, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines met for the first time, creating a new era in college football rivalries. Long before a 1999 ESPN poll awarded the OSU-Michigan rivalry its No. 1 ranking, tradition began to form at OSU. Today, those traditions continue with the efforts of the university, organizations and loyal fans.
Despite the losses that have etched their ugly presence across the faces of many students and fans this season, tradition reveals the undeniable truth that Buckeyes are proud to be Buckeyes and unmistakably enjoy being nuts. Thanks to Beat Michigan Week, they can do that for seven glorious days.
This year marks the 101st anniversary for Beat Michigan Week, formerly known simply as Michigan Week, and this year's theme is "Rivalry 101: Michigan Gets Schooled."
Vicky Tkacz, undergraduate chair for Beat Michigan Week and a junior in pharmaceutical science, said the week focuses on two goals: Beating Michigan and carrying on tradition.
"We began the week off with banner signing on Monday, where students were able to come and support the football team in writing," Tkacz said. "The banner will hang in (the team's) locker room as a reminder of their fans and support until game day."
Tuesday carried on the tradition with "Wing the Wolverines," during which three local restaurants participated in a wing-tasting contest. Tkacz said the tradition has been going strong for about 10 years. This year's winner was Quaker Steak & Lube, thanks to the students' taste buds and the 1,500 wings provided by the contest vendors.
Of course, a more traditional Beat Michigan Week activity is the annual pep rally where cheerleaders, the alumni band, Buckeye Dance Force and fans pump up the Buckeyes for the big game. This year, a new tradition begins at the pep rally with its first annual barbecue, which Buckeye fans can enjoy beginning at 5:30 p.m. today on the South Oval.
2008 Woodie Awards
