Ohio State Fever

Ohio State made it to Phoenix once again. This time to play against Texas. I'm not even going to talk about the game, HOWEVER, I will discuss the fun we had prior to the game and up to the final 30 seconds.

Our nephew, Michael Jender, plays the baritone in the OSU Marching Band (TBDBITL, The Best Damn Band In The Land). He graduates this May, so this is his last year in the band. My how they grow. He's been in the band since a freshman and this year he made it as the squad leader. We're all very proud of him, especially his dad, my brother, who also played in the Ohio State band.

When OSU plays in Phoenix we've hosted my nephews baritone section, 14 students ("M-Row"), in activities around our house. This year we took the M-Row on our boat at Saguaro Lake and did a little off-roading in the Red Mountain area, followed by pizza at our house. We also had a few of the kids over one night for a little relaxation by the fire pit and howling at the coyotes.

While attending one of the Ohio State activities, The Buckeye Bash, both Jack and Alisa had the opportunity to get a picture with the two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin, along with his autograph. Uncle Robby (my brother) bought Alisa and Jack Ohio State golf caps and Mr. Griffin signed those and also signed Jack's OSU jersey.

We also took The M-Row to In-n-Out Burger; they don't have those in Ohio. While we were there, the entire cheerleading team showed up. It was amazing, the restaurant was filled with about 30 students from OSU all dressed in red. Alisa got her picture with a few of the cheerleaders.

While my brother, Robby, Pat (one of the other dads of the band member) stayed at our house, we attended the activities where the band played. It is no wonder they carry the name The Best Damn Band In The Land; wow......are they impressive.

Jack was SO-O-O excited; he attended his first Ohio State game. He got his face painted for the occasion, and an amazing paint job it was. He was able to find his cousin Michael at the game and took a picture with him.

My brother's youngest son, Matthew, has been accepted at Ohio State. We're all hoping that Matthew makes the band next year so we can continue this tradition.