Describe your program and how it enhanced student life at OSU.
The Buckeye Kick-Off with Block “O” and Athletics was a collaborative event between our Executive Board and the OSU Athletic Department to encourage student attendance at OSU Olympic sporting events throughout the 2008-2009 school year. The event was hosted in Ohio Stadium in the south stands, where students were greeted by student athletes and had a change to grab some pizza and drinks (sponsored by Donatos and Coke) before heading into the stands where they learned cheers led by Dr. Woods and TBDBITL. The program hosted speakers such as Gene Smith, Coach Matta, Coach Walker, many student athletes and President Gee; who all encouraged good sportsmanship and getting involved with activities on campus. The meeting also provided excellent information on how to get involved with Block “O” and Ohio State Athletics and focused teaching many of the Ohio State traditions, songs and cheers that makes us all proud Buckeyes. TBDBITL, the OSU cheerleaders and Brutus were also in attendance to help teach the cheers and school songs and everybody in attendance helped out as the “Block” preformed our first card stunt of the season. This event brought together over 2,000 students and demonstrated the numerous ways to get involved with student organizations and our athletic programs on campus. We also hosted the Sportsmanship Council as well as the Men’s Glee Club and Buckeye Dance Team.
Why is this program the most outstanding at OSU? How does it actively involve students, embrace the university initiatives of diversity and/or collaborate with other organizations or university departments?
This program pulled together over 2,000 students to get them pumped for a fantastic year of athletic events and encouraged pride for all the hard-working student athletes who play for Ohio State teams. The speakers were enthusiastic about all students finding their niches and getting involved on campus and introduced the variety of options such a large university offers. Through our work with Sportsmanship Council, and their Best Fans program, the program intensified the need for Ohio State students to represent our university with pride and respect on all occasions, especially facing worthy opponents at sporting events. And further, this Kick-off taught many of the Buckeye traditions that exemplify our campus and university including cheers, songs and a passion for the Buckeyes. The students worked together to complete the first card stunt of the year and saw what an impact a group that works together can make in their success of a picture that read: “Go Bucks!” And finally, this social, abet large scale event, created an atmosphere conducive to meeting new friends in a quite diverse environment with a common love for Ohio State.
Ohio Union 1961 Tuttle Park Place (Ohio Stadium) Columbus, OH 43210 (614) 292-7924 Contact Form
