Coach Tressel,
Congratulations on a fine, fine season and a great victory over the team from up north. The players, the coach and the administration are to be commended. I was a student the last time the Buckeyes headed for a national championship game (1968). I commend your demeanor — calm and collected — on the sidelines. It conveys to the players and fans that no matter how tense the situation, a calm head will win out over emotions. Great lesson for life for everyone: athletes, fans and politicians.
The unfortunate part of the football teams great victory, was the riot in the streets by so-called “fans.” I use that term very loosely. There actions certainly marred the image of a great team and coaching effort and a great university. I wish they would have celebrated the victory with restraint.
Now all of the true fans must bear the shame of uncontrollable idiots. I certainly do not like that association. Yes, I’m an Ohio State nut. I’m passionate about the team and the university. However, I am not an uncontrollable nut. My education at OSU taught me to respect other people’s property. In 1968, the students did not burn cars, break windows or taint the university’s image.
Best wishes for the next game, and thank you for a wonderful season. Most importantly, thank you for instilling the concept of being responsible for personal actions to OSU’s student athletes that you coach. I sure wish you could teach that value to some of the riotous “fans.”
Ernest F. PrzybylaOSU alumnus
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