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Dispatch

Iron-willed
OSU fullback Tyler Whaley used his Ironton toughness to fulfill a dream
Tuesday, December 25, 2007 3:14 AM
By Ken Gordon


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
DorAl Chenoweth III | Dispatch
During a Christmas-break visit to his hometown, Tyler Whaley, second from right, shares a life with, clockwise from lower right, stepfather Dave Vogelsong, mother Tammy Vogelsong, aunt Kim Tipton, aunt Missy Leonard and fiancee Brittany Benjamin.

DorAl Chenoweth III | Dispatch
An ornament of Tyler Whaley and his fiancee, Brittany Benjamin, hangs on a Christmas tree in the Ironton home of his mother and stepfather, Tammy and Dave Vogelsong.

DorAl Chenoweth III | Dispatch
On his holiday visit to Ironton, Tyler Whaley, left, ran into Jeff Linn, a coach who encouraged Whaley to walk on at OSU.



IRONTON, Ohio -- Surrounded by food and family in his grandparents' kitchen, Tyler Whaley is telling stories, and the laughter comes easily.
The jovial Ohio State fullback re-creates the song he sang at the 1980s-themed party where he met his fianc?e, Brittany Benjamin. He mimics the hysterical outburst of his mother, Tammy Vogelsong, after he hit a home run as a youngster.
He is the life of the party, literally in this case, as they celebrate Brittany's 22nd birthday with steaks and a cake. The mood is relaxed and warm.

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