The newest member of the Central Ohio Transit Authority fleet emerged from Ohio Stadium yesterday, clad in commemorative scarlet and gray.

COTA CEO Ron Barnes unveiled the “Building Champions Bus” in honor of the Buckeye football team for its 14-0 season and national championship title.

The bus, depicting an Ohio State football helmet covered with buckeye leaves, crashed through a banner to meet a crowd of COTA and OSU officials. The crowd included OSU President Karen A. Holbrook, OSU football coach Jim Tressel and Athletics Director Andy Geiger.

Barnes introduced the bus’ theme of “Building Champions” as a symbol of OSU and COTA’s partnership.

“This will be a traveling trophy for winning the national championship and for what OSU brings to the community,” Barnes said.

Yesterday afternoon’s reception consisted of members of the OSU Marching Band, cheerleaders, Brutus, COTA employees and a small group of loyal Buckeye fans.

After receiving a thumbs-up greeting from Brutus, Holbrook expressed her excitement in unveiling the new bus.

“It’s unlike all others,” she said. “I want another one of those.”

While one side of the bus honors the football team with the words “2002 National Champions,” the other side pictures the silhouettes of graduates dressed in cap and gown. Holbrook briefly spoke of the significance of the Building Champions Bus, saying it symbolizes the phenomenal partnership between OSU athletics and academics.

“Both are national champions,” Holbrook said. “As it goes around town, everyone will surely stop, look and cheer.”

Holbrook also said she hopes the driver of the Building Champions Bus will be properly suited in a scarlet or gray vest.

Geiger labeled the bus as a commemoration of Tressel and the football team’s accomplishments.

“I hope folks will not only remember what was accomplished by coach Tressel and the team, but how it was accomplished,” he said. “The emphasis on team work is what sustained the group all the way through.”

COTA spokesman Jim Daley encouraged drivers and other COTA employees to join in and pose for a photo with the cheerleaders and Brutus.

“You’re part of the COTA family, too,” Daley said.

Daley and other COTA officials expressed their pride in OSU along with the strong relationship that exists between the company and university. Barnes showed his gratitude by presenting Geiger with a box filled with chocolate buckeyes. He then commended Tressel for his victorious leadership and thanked the marching band, cheerleaders and Brutus for their spirit.