So, I’ll just pick one post of many since maybe my O-H and school pride sparked a little Tete-a-tete that I never intended. I think
@helenabear hit the nail on the head with fans that have absolutely no ties to the university being the worst culprits of this. About a decade ago, some ‘Bama fan (non-alum) went to Auburn’s campus and poisoned their sanctified oak trees. That one stuck out in my mind since we were in ATL at the time so it was a huge news story in the south. Most other SEC alums from various schools were mortified. But a few UGA fans, who couldn’t find Athens except for the original Zaxby’s, wre applauding the felon/fool.
When I transferred from Cincinnati to OSU, I was legitimately afraid to park my blue car on campus during fall Fridays thinking I’d get keyed or worse just because it was Michigan-esque. So, I get it.
I’m not a football fan, either. Never attended a game as a student (I was already married and non-traditional). But there is this weird hallowed ground of that stadium that exists, even for a non-fan alum. While living close enough to make the trek, my wife and I would compete in a triathlon that ends on the 50 with the game day announcer celebrating each finisher on the Jumbotron. That and setting up your T2 pre-dawn with minimal lighting on the field is an oddly religious experience. I’ve also done IM Louisville, and running past Churchill Downs is similar even if I don’t give a darn about the ponies.
TLDR: I’m incredibly proud of the university and Wexner Med (my wife was opening day ICU staff at the Ross Heart Hospital). Even though my program has since shuttered, the contributions that Buckeyes have made to my field are incomparable. But I won’t enter the 315 corridor on a home Saturday. It’s a madhouse.
-edited for phone auto-correct grammar