By Patrick Weider
On Monday night, Ohio State beat Notre Dame 34-23 to secure their first National Title since 2014. As a 2003 graduate of The Ohio State University, I knew that the win meant a lot after they blew the Michigan game on November 30th.
I do not remember when I became a Buckeye fan, but it has always been a part of my life. Growing up in small towns in Northern Ohio, both my parents were die-hard Buckeye fans. It wasn’t like I had a choice or decision; it just happened. I was born a Buckeye, just like my son and daughter were born Buckeyes. Below is why the 2024 Ohio State National Championship team means everything to me as a lifelong Ohio State fan and alumnus of the University.
My Parents
When I was young, my parents divorced. Splitting my time between both houses was tough, so sports became my outlet. The favorite team in both our households was the Buckeyes. I remember watching Ohio State vs. Michigan games in smoke-filled VFW rooms, where the fans of both teams were living through each play. I was young, but I remember how intense those games were. The games meant everything to both fan bases.
Then the moment that changed it all for me was when my dad took me to an Ohio State game. I was 10 years old, and Ohio State played Arizona. My dad and I rode down to Columbus in an RV with a friend of his. All the adults fired up to attend another Ohio State game, while my 10-year-old self was darn right giddy to go to my 1st game. I remember walking up to the Ohio Stadium and I had chills walking into that palace of a stadium. It meant everything to me to attend that game and to spend that moment with my dad made it so much more special.
My College Decision
When I had to decide to attend a college it was no choice at all, it had to be Ohio State. I remember walking around the campus for my visit and I got those same chills about Ohio State. Going to school and being a Buckeye was a dream come true. It made it more special that I would be able to go to every home Ohio State game. The joy of being in that stadium every week meant everything to me.
During my Ohio State career, the legendary Jim Tressel just started as Head Coach in Ohio State. In 2002, it was a special year. I meant my future wife, a Buckeye as well and Ohio State won the National Title that year. The Maurice Clarett and Craig Krenzel Buckeyes were a special team that upset the vaunted Miami Hurricanes. I will never forget storming the field against Michigan with my best friends from college as we celebrated a perfect regular season. It was a special year to be a Buckeye.
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Just caught this scene in the tunnel pic.twitter.com/IadpY7S3Jd
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) January 21, 2025
This year’s National Championship Title was special but bittersweet
Watching the Ohio State championship on Monday night, winning a National Title was bittersweet because in the last year and a half, both my parents passed away. It is hard in those moments when Ohio State loses or wins all I want to do is call my dad or mom. Next to me watching the game was my wife Michelle, a Buckeye herself, but you still miss your parents as you would love them to experience that joy with you.
This National Title still means a lot because those Buckeye players played their hearts out. Players like Jack Sawyer, Donovan Jackson, Emeka Egbuka, and J.T. Tuimoloau were players who I have seen grow so much as people and players. Seeing them hoisting the trophy was special last night. I am so proud to be a Buckeye today and forever. I will always miss my parents, but just like my parents engrained in me my Buckeye love I have engrained it into my two children Aidan (10 years old) and Elizabeth (8 years old). This National Title will always be special because my parents gave me the love of the Buckeyes and I get to share it with my family. Now and forever.
