Ohio State Football: Why we bleed Scarlet and Gray
An inside look at Ohio State fans and their unique and unmatched love for the Buckeyes through the eyes of tradition and family.
Ohio State fans, subject to both fact and opinion, are the most loyal and passionate in the sports. Some may describe the Buckeye faithful as “crazy” or “over-the-top” among other things. In a sense, the naysayers are correct but their reasoning is flawed because they simply don’t understand.
Buckeye fans are rooted in tradition, driven on dedication, and fueled by passion.
I would like to introduce to you a three-part series on what it means to be a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. The first, a glimpse through the eyes of tradition and family written in a more personal style.
The great history of Ohio State football is filled with tradition, in fact, it is one of three words used in one of its mantras, “Excellence. Tradition. People.” Whether you grew up in Columbus or elsewhere in the state of Ohio, one of the most special opportunities in life is being as a fan of the Buckeyes. The culture and way of life is embedded with tradition.
Waking up on game day and throwing on one’s scarlet and gray in preparation for their beloved Buckeyes to take the field, and preparing to cheer them on, is the norm. For me personally, I would first look forward to football season from the moment the clock read three zeros in the National Championship Game.
Once football season arrived, my game day traditions would take over. As a young kid I would wake up and put on Ohio State everything, I still do, and head out with my family to the fruit farm to pick apples before the game and then hurry back home for kickoff.
The sounds of avid cheers rang throughout our household as well as the heartwarming smell of homemade apple crisp cooking in the oven and simmering chili on the stove. All of those and more scream fall to me and immediately take me back to those Saturdays growing up.
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Another great aspect of being a Buckeye is how one’s love is passed down from generation to generation and spread all throughout families and friends. The opportunity for parents and grandparents alike to introduce their fandom to their kids and grandkids is truly special.
As families share their love for the Buckeyes with each other, it essentially becomes interwoven within the family’s values and beliefs.
The depth and emotion behind the word tradition to people of Ohio carries a meaning far more rich and important than to most. Tradition is what makes Ohio State fans’ love for the Buckeyes so special as it is also taken far beyond the gridiron and expanded into all aspects of life as a core value.
Next. Does the Big Ten’s poor start affect Ohio State?. dark
Loving the Buckeyes is a unique way of life that encapsulates its storied past, pairs it with an unrivaled future, and allows us to reside in the present moment where it all comes together.
What are some traditions or special moments you and your family have had over the years?