It was a special day in Columbus today as the Celebration of Champions took place in Ohio Stadium in front of what some thought was 50,000 fans. Several special moments took place, including the seniors dotting the I during Script Ohio, Lane Avenue being renamed in honor of the team, and more.
The ceremony started as the team entered the stadium, and then Andy Geiger
introduced the band, who then made the ramp entrance. University President
Karen Holbrook spoke, and then Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman took the mic and
boisterously announced that Lane Avenue was being renamed "Champions
Lane," firing up the team and the crowd. January 18th was also named as a
day in honor of OSU's championship team.
After Governor Bob Taft spoke and discussed how Florida governor Jeb Bush lost a
bet that would require him to wear a Buckeye jersey in front of all of the
nation's governors in Washington next month, Andy Geiger introduced Archie
Griffin to the crowd, who got a standing ovation from everyone in
attendance. Griffin then introduced Coach Tressel (who, in case you were
wondering, has yet to change his hairdo).
"Thank you so much for
everything you have done to make this happen," Coach Tressel said to the
crowd. "This group of young people (the team) is the best... We
couldn't have done it without each and every one of you."
Coach Tressel
then introduced the seniors, who he referred to as the best leaders in the
country. "Everything they asked of their teammates," Tressel
said, "they were willing to do themselves and then some."
After
introducing the seniors one-by-one, Tressel introduced captains Donnie Nickey
and Mike Doss last. Nickey said a few words, concluding with "They
can never take this away from us... we did it!" Doss then took over
for a few words, and spoke one of the days more memorable quotes when he
addressed Coach Tressel and said "A year ago, we sat in a room, and we had
a mission. Coach, mission accomplished! Go Bucks!!!"
After a
video highlight film, there was another special moment as the band performed a
rendition of Script Ohio, during which the I was dotted by the OSU
seniors. The seniors high-stepped their way out to the I and huddled
around to make maybe the largest I dot ever.
Following Script Ohio, Cie
Grant brought the house down as he performed a solo a capella version of
"Carmen Ohio." Then, to conclude the ceremony, the band
performed "Carmen Ohio" one last time. Players and fans sung
along, and at its conclusion, players kissed and posed with the national
championship trophy as fans departed the stadium.
And so the final chapter has
been written in the story of the 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes. Everyone is
already talking about next season, but today's event was just one more way this
team will be cemented in OSU history. Congratulations Buckeyes!