40^th Anniversary

In just a few days the 2008 Ohio State football season will commence and the anticipation in Columbus is mounting.  The university is rich in tradition and each year ushers in many different annual celebrations.  This season is no different as an incredible anniversary will be witnessed at the very first game of the season.  During the Youngstown State game the Ohio State University Alumni band will be celebrating their 40^th reunion as they take the field “Just one more time.”

By Pete Quint

First Alumni Reunion

          The first alumni reunion took place on September 17, 1966 due to the efforts of OSUMB Director Dr. Charles Spohn.  500 former band members returned to play, march and reminisce about their years in the band and at the university.  228 of the 500 marched that day as the first ever double Script Ohio snaked is way across the field of Ohio Stadium.  The reunion was originally scheduled to happen every two to three years but the response was so overwhelming that they decided to try it again in 1967.  This time participation was great enough that the alumni did the double Script Ohio while the student band formed a line down the center of the field.  The reunion missed a few years in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s but since 1974 the alumni band has returned every year to celebrate their time in the band.

Today

          Today over 600 alumni annually dust off their instruments and slap a heating pad old joints to relive one of the greatest joys of their lives.  The afternoon isn’t easy on most of the bands members old bodies but they keep coming back for the love, excitement and thrill of hearing 100,000 fans scream as they march down for the famous Ramp Entrance.  This tradition is unique to Ohio State as no other marching band invites their alumni back to march on the field during gameday.  TBDBITL owes a great deal of gratitude to the OSU Athletic Department since none of it could happen without their continued support. 

Traditions

          Whether you care about the band or not, this 40^th anniversary is special as it’s one of those unique traditions in college football that makes coming to a game in Ohio Stadium great.  Cheer for the alumni band as they take the field and taste a bit of their youth once again.  Make sure to get to the stadium early on Saturday and bear witness to one of the most cherished and recognized traditions in college football.

As They Were