Jack "The Golden Bear" Nicklaus (18 Time Professional Major Champion)

[DaddyBigBucks]

I would bet serious vCASH that a clip of Jack dotting the "i" leads the highlights of this game on "College GameDay Final" and SportsCenter.

Seeing him decked out in OSU gear, waving to the crowd will be a great moment. He did us proud in his interview during the Texas game. They're sure to interview him again. It would be nice if someone who is properly equipped could capture the interview and post it on rapidshare.

 

[Buckskin86]

Posted on Tue, Oct. 24, 2006email thisprint this
Nicklaus will join celebrity `i' dotters at Ohio State
By Marla Ridenour

Akron Beacon Journal

(MCT)

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jack Nicklaus can't make Friday's final dress rehearsal as he prepares to become only the fifth "celebrity" to dot the "i" with the Ohio State marching band.

But one of his Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brothers at OSU made sure Nicklaus will be able to channel the spirit of the Best Damn Band in the Land during halftime of Saturday's homecoming game against Minnesota.

"Ned Kirby sent me an ancient baton - it must have been at least 40 years old - and he wanted me to practice so I wouldn't embarrass any of my old friends and fraternity brothers," Nicklaus said last week via e-mail.

The chances seem slim of Nicklaus' wife, Barbara, standing in the living room of their home in North Palm Beach, Fla., wielding the old baton while one of golf's all-time greatest players goes through the big kick, turn and bow of a sousaphone player capping off Script Ohio. At age 66, Nicklaus' back probably couldn't stand up to that challenge.

Nicklaus, the winner of 18 professional majors, isn't taking the task lightly. He will attend Saturday's skull session in St. John Arena, which begins at 1:30 p.m., with 34 friends and family members at Tuesday's count.

"Hopefully if I walk through it enough in my mind, and then I get a crash course prior to the game, I can do my job," Nicklaus said.

Nicklaus will join a small group of "i" dotters that includes Cleveland-born comedian Bob Hope (Oct. 21, 1978), former coach Woody Hayes (Oct. 29, 1983) and longtime ticket director Bob Reis (Sept. 14, 1985). The first celebrity to do the honors was university President Novice Fawcett in 1971.

Former OSU President Gordon Gee and boxer Buster Douglas are among those who have dotted the "i" with the alumni band.

Dr. Jon Woods, director of the band since the 1983 season, said Director of Athletics Gene Smith suggested Nicklaus for the honor a year ago. Woods consulted the sousaphone section, which this year numbers 28, and a formal letter was sent to Nicklaus.

"I give 100 percent of the credit to the sousaphone section. This is very special to them," Woods said. "They're very excited about this. We try to make sure every senior eligible will get the opportunity to dot the `i.' Nobody is going to lose that spot."

Woods said that is why Hayes declined when he first was asked; he feared a sousaphone player would be passed over.

The first person to dot the "i" in 1936 was a trumpet player. A sousaphone player took over in 1937 and thereafter it belonged to those playing big horns.

Woods said the tradition "is one of the best recruiting devices ever" and that musicians from around the country come to OSU so they can dot the "i."

"To have a great band, you have to have a great bass sound, like a stereo," Woods said. "A high school band may have two or three. One of my colleagues says, `Send us the sousaphone players you turn away.'"

A Columbus native who won U.S. Amateurs in 1959 and `61 while playing for OSU, Nicklaus said when he received the invitation his immediate reaction was, "Oh, no."

"I always knew that it was a significant deal and an honor, but until I was actually chosen and in the time since, I have begun to realize just how big an honor it is," Nicklaus said. "This resonates more with people who went to Ohio State, who love and are passionate about the university, and who grew up with it as a part of their lives. Most people outside of Ohio wouldn't understand it. But I do.

"Script Ohio is a big thing. Not just Script Ohio, but done by the Best Damn Band in the Land."

Smith declined to take credit for the idea, saying Saturday, "It's all Jon Woods; he's the man."

But it was at Smith's urging that a sign to honor Hayes was installed in Ohio Stadium last season.

"It think it's awesome," Smith said of Saturday's dotting.

"Jack's an icon, one of the greatest athletes Ohio State has ever had. He's actually done a lot for the university, but most people don't know it. He donated a lot of his time for the renovation of our golf course; he absorbed some of the fees associated with that. He's just a great person."

OSU football coach Jim Tressel said he hasn't seen Nicklaus since May, when the redesigned Scarlet Course opened. He can guess how Nicklaus feels about Saturday's honor.

"I know he loves Ohio State football and I know he gets to a couple or three games a year and doesn't make it real public," Tressel said. "I am sure having grown up right here in Columbus and been to that Horseshoe as many times as he has been, when he gets that chance to dot that `i,' . . . he's had a chance to do a lot of neat things, but this one will be pretty special."

Nicklaus said as much last week.

"I guess it is symbolic of the respect or the feelings people at Ohio State might have for one of their alumni," said Nicklaus, who turned pro in 1962 and never graduated. "It is an extremely nice gesture and compliment, and one I am very much looking forward to."

---

? 2006, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).

Visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/15839714.htm

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Nicklaus

OHIO GREAT EYES GREAT HONOR AT OHIO STATE

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter

Columbus
- The greatest golfer in history is also as big of an Ohio State football fan as you'll find. Usually, Jack Nicklaus blends in at the several Buckeyes games he attends at Ohio Stadium each year, his most recent visit for the Penn State game this season.
Saturday, he'll be out there for everyone to see as the fifth person outside of the Ohio State band ever to dot the "i" in Script Ohio. The four previous honorary dotters were Ohio State president Novice Fawcett, OSU ticket director Bob Ries, Woody Hayes and Bob Hope.
Growing up just outside Columbus, in Upper Arlington, through his NCAA championship at Ohio State in 1961, into his time as well-known Buckeyes backer on the PGA Tour, Nicklaus has worn his scarlet-and-gray heart on his sleeve. At halftime of the homecoming contest with Minnesota, that will be as obvious as ever.
Nicklaus responded through his publicist to several questions about his life as a fan and his preparation for the "i".
Q: Were you a football fan growing up, and did you follow the team or attend games while you were at Ohio State?
A: From the time I was 6 years old, I missed only one Ohio State home football game, until I was 20. Then it was because I played in the World Amateur Team Championship and for the Eisenhower Trophy at Merion Golf Club. Even then, I got the Ohio State-Southern Cal game on the radio. I walked around the golf course, carrying the radio and listening to the Ohio State-Southern Cal game on the radio while I was playing in the tournament. I shot 66-67-68-68 and won the individual title. So I shot 68 that day. If I hadn't been carrying around the radio, maybe I would have shot another 66.
The only game I missed prior to that was, I believe, 1947, when I was 7 years old. Pandel Savic threw a pass to Jimmy Clark for a touchdown and made the extra point to beat Northwestern, 7-6. They only won two games that year. I think they beat Missouri, 13-7, for the other victory.
Q: How much have you kept up with the current team?
A: I am a very big fan, and I follow the Buckeyes closely. I usually know most, if not all the players. Well, I might not know the line as well this year - probably not as much as last year. And maybe not this year's linebackers as much as last year's.
Q: Were there times when you took public pride in Ohio State's football success with your fellow golfers or when you got ribbed when they lost?
A: I think every college kid who eventually makes it on Tour goes through that. I was very proud of my alma mater, as are a lot of golfers. You still see that school pride on Tour.
Q: What was your relationship with Woody Hayes?
A: I had a wonderful relationship. I saw Woody a lot. He was a close family friend.
Q: Is there any particular player or coach, other than Woody Hayes, that you got to know especially well over the years?
A: Bob Keppler, my golf coach, was terrific. We were very close. There was also Jim Brown. I got to know Bo Schembechler - more after he went to Michigan than when he was at Ohio State as an assistant to Woody. Another Woody assistant was Lou Holtz, who I got to know a little bit. I knew Fred Taylor, the basketball coach, as well as Randy Ayers, when he was the coach there. I knew a lot of football players over the years, but I was probably closest to Pandel Savic. As you might know, Pandel went on to become Memorial Tournament chairman.
Q: What was your first reaction when you were asked by the band to dot the "i"?
A: Oh no.
Q: How much does it mean to be so honored?
A: I always knew that it was a significant deal and an honor, but until I was actually chosen and in the time since, I have begun to realize just how big an honor it is. I think this is an honor that resonates more with people who went to Ohio State, who love and are passionate about the university, and who grew up with it as a part of their lives. Most people outside of Ohio wouldn't understand it. But I do. Script Ohio is a big thing. Not just Script Ohio, but done by The Best Damn Band in the Land.
I guess it is symbolic of the respect or the feelings people at Ohio State might have for one of their alumni. It is an extremely nice guest gesture and compliment. And one I am very much looking forward to.
Q: Will you have to practice?
A: Apparently, there is a walk-through the night before, but I am unable to get to Columbus in time for that. Instead, I believe we are looking at a possible skull session with the band a couple hours before kickoff. I have been invited to attend one, along with my family. Hopefully, if I walk through it enough in my mind and then I get a crash course prior to the game, I can do my job.
It's funny, but one of my fraternity brothers, Ned Kirby, sent me an ancient baton - it must have been at least 40 years old - and he wanted me to practice so I wouldn't embarrass any of my old friends and fraternity brothers at Ohio State.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4479

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

MorningJournal

Nicklaus will strike up the band Saturday
JASON LLOYD, Morning Journal Writer
10/25/2006

COLUMBUS -- Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus will join a short list Saturday when he dots the I at halftime of Ohio State's homecoming game against Minnesota.


Nicklaus attended Ohio State, but never graduated. His Jack Nicklaus Museum recently opened on campus, displaying his numerous championships in photographs and memorabilia. Coach Jim Tressel's weekly press conference this year is held at Nicklaus' museum.

''From the time I was 6 years old, I missed only one Ohio State home football game until I was 20,'' Nicklaus said on his Web site.

He was playing in a golf tournament that day, but still carried around a radio to listen to the Buckeyes' game against USC. After rounds of 66-67-68, Nicklaus shot another 68 while listening to the game.

''If I hadn't been carrying around the radio, maybe I would have shot another 66,'' he said.

Tressel said Nicklaus quietly attends a couple of Ohio State games every year and he has invited Nicklaus to speak to the team Friday night during dinner at the Scarlet course Nicklaus redesigned in the spring.

''He's had a chance to do a lot of neat things,'' Tressel said, ''but this one will be pretty special, I'm sure.''

Nicklaus joins a short list that includes Bob Hope and Woody Hayes as the only non-band members to dot the I on the official Ohio State Marching Band.

Injury report

After missing two games following knee surgery, defensive tackle David Patterson is expected to return this week.

Ted Ginn suffered a broken toe last week, but it did not affect him in the game against Indiana. He is not expected to miss any time.

''I'm not the doctor. I'm the coach. He's playing,'' Tressel said. ''I can be trumped by the doctor, but all indications are he'll be fine.''

Coming along

Freshman quarterback Antonio Henton has spent this fall running the scout team. He comes from the same mold as Troy Smith as both a runner and thrower, but obviously he has a long way before he reaches Smith's status.

The idea of the mobile quarterback has caught on around the Big Ten, with Indiana committing to freshman Kellen Lewis and Illinois committing to freshman Juice Williams. But Henton is at least third on Ohio State's depth chart heading into next year, behind Todd Boeckman and Rob Schoenhoft.

''I think now he's trying to learn the concepts of what people are doing to try to attack defenses,'' Tressel said of Henton. ''I think he's always had the ability, they've said from day one in practice when we began scout teams, that he could really make things happen and keep things alive.

''Now not only does he pose that threat, but he has got a handle on what each team is trying to do conceptually against us. So again, I just think he's paying good attention.''

[email protected]

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Homecoming, Nicklaus
At one point Tuesday, Tressel was asked his thoughts about homecoming weekend. Turns out the questioner was the pep rally chair, and even homecoming is bigger at Ohio State.
"He sent me a script for the homecoming pep rally and I thought, 'I'll print this off and give it to the guys who were going,' it was 44 pages long," Tressel joked. "The copy machine broke and the whole deal."
OSU alumnus Jack Nicklaus will dot the "I" during Script Ohio at halftime on Saturday. He joins a select group of non-band members to do so, including Ohio State president Novice G. Fawcett, Bob Hope, Woody Hayes, ticket director Bob Ries and boxer Buster Douglas.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

Nicklaus will join celebrity `i' dotters at Ohio State

By Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal
(MCT)
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jack Nicklaus can't make Friday's final dress rehearsal as he prepares to become only the fifth "celebrity" to dot the "i" with the Ohio State marching band.
But one of his Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brothers at OSU made sure Nicklaus will be able to channel the spirit of the Best Damn Band in the Land during halftime of Saturday's homecoming game against Minnesota.
"Ned Kirby sent me an ancient baton - it must have been at least 40 years old - and he wanted me to practice so I wouldn't embarrass any of my old friends and fraternity brothers," Nicklaus said last week via e-mail.
The chances seem slim of Nicklaus' wife, Barbara, standing in the living room of their home in North Palm Beach, Fla., wielding the old baton while one of golf's all-time greatest players goes through the big kick, turn and bow of a sousaphone player capping off Script Ohio. At age 66, Nicklaus' back probably couldn't stand up to that challenge.
Nicklaus, the winner of 18 professional majors, isn't taking the task lightly. He will attend Saturday's skull session in St. John Arena, which begins at 1:30 p.m., with 34 friends and family members at Tuesday's count.
"Hopefully if I walk through it enough in my mind, and then I get a crash course prior to the game, I can do my job," Nicklaus said.
Nicklaus will join a small group of "i" dotters that includes Cleveland-born comedian Bob Hope (Oct. 21, 1978), former coach Woody Hayes (Oct. 29, 1983) and longtime ticket director Bob Reis (Sept. 14, 1985). The first celebrity to do the honors was university President Novice Fawcett in 1971.
Former OSU President Gordon Gee and boxer Buster Douglas are among those who have dotted the "i" with the alumni band.
Dr. Jon Woods, director of the band since the 1983 season, said Director of Athletics Gene Smith suggested Nicklaus for the honor a year ago. Woods consulted the sousaphone section, which this year numbers 28, and a formal letter was sent to Nicklaus.
"I give 100 percent of the credit to the sousaphone section. This is very special to them," Woods said. "They're very excited about this. We try to make sure every senior eligible will get the opportunity to dot the `i.' Nobody is going to lose that spot."
Woods said that is why Hayes declined when he first was asked; he feared a sousaphone player would be passed over.
The first person to dot the "i" in 1936 was a trumpet player. A sousaphone player took over in 1937 and thereafter it belonged to those playing big horns.
Woods said the tradition "is one of the best recruiting devices ever" and that musicians from around the country come to OSU so they can dot the "i."
"To have a great band, you have to have a great bass sound, like a stereo," Woods said. "A high school band may have two or three. One of my colleagues says, `Send us the sousaphone players you turn away.'"
A Columbus native who won U.S. Amateurs in 1959 and `61 while playing for OSU, Nicklaus said when he received the invitation his immediate reaction was, "Oh, no."
"I always knew that it was a significant deal and an honor, but until I was actually chosen and in the time since, I have begun to realize just how big an honor it is," Nicklaus said. "This resonates more with people who went to Ohio State, who love and are passionate about the university, and who grew up with it as a part of their lives. Most people outside of Ohio wouldn't understand it. But I do.
"Script Ohio is a big thing. Not just Script Ohio, but done by the Best Damn Band in the Land."
Smith declined to take credit for the idea, saying Saturday, "It's all Jon Woods; he's the man."
But it was at Smith's urging that a sign to honor Hayes was installed in Ohio Stadium last season.
"It think it's awesome," Smith said of Saturday's dotting.
"Jack's an icon, one of the greatest athletes Ohio State has ever had. He's actually done a lot for the university, but most people don't know it. He donated a lot of his time for the renovation of our golf course; he absorbed some of the fees associated with that. He's just a great person."
OSU football coach Jim Tressel said he hasn't seen Nicklaus since May, when the redesigned Scarlet Course opened. He can guess how Nicklaus feels about Saturday's honor.
"I know he loves Ohio State football and I know he gets to a couple or three games a year and doesn't make it real public," Tressel said. "I am sure having grown up right here in Columbus and been to that Horseshoe as many times as he has been, when he gets that chance to dot that `i,' . . . he's had a chance to do a lot of neat things, but this one will be pretty special."
Nicklaus said as much last week.
"I guess it is symbolic of the respect or the feelings people at Ohio State might have for one of their alumni," said Nicklaus, who turned pro in 1962 and never graduated. "It is an extremely nice gesture and compliment, and one I am very much looking forward to."

 

[osugrad21]

Cincy

Nicklaus to dot 'i' at OSU
THE MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNAL
Golf legend and former Ohio State student Jack Nicklaus will dot the "i" during Script Ohio at halftime of Saturday's homecoming game with Minnesota.

Nicklaus is just the fifth non-band member given the honor, joining former OSU coach Woody Hayes, former OSU president Novice G. Fawcett, comedian Bob Hope and former OSU ticket director Bob Ries.
Coach Jim Tressel hopes Nicklaus arrives in town in time to join the team for dinner Friday night.
The players are excited for Nicklaus. "I think that's cool," cornerback Antonio Smith said. "I've never met him, but I've seen him on TV. I know he loves Ohio State, and it's a good feeling to see that happen."

 

[BB73]

Nicklaus is just the fifth non-band member given the honor, joining former OSU coach Woody Hayes, former OSU president Novice G. Fawcett, comedian Bob Hope and former OSU ticket director Bob Ries.

Former OSU President Gordon Gee and boxer Buster Douglas are among those who have dotted the "i" with the alumni band.

Now I'm no longer confused about the list of 'i' dotters.

 

[RLC65]

I feel it is great that Jack be recognized this Saturday. He is an alum who clearly brings credit to the University. A year apart in age he and I played on our respective high school golf teams, and even then he was projected to be a force in the golfing world.
I worked for a few years before going to OSU, but I had a good friend who was also a business major, and who swore that he observed a conference in a Hagerty Hall hallway between a professor and Jack. He reported Jack had a decidedly unhappy look on his face as the prof told him "Jack, you are going to have to make up your mind. You can focus on golf, or on getting your business degree, but you are not doing well regarding both at the same time" True or not, obviously Jack soon after focused on golf and apparently did not ever come back to finish his degree. Too busy setting records and winning tournaments.
I AM sorry to read that he can't join the team at their Friday evening dinner. I think a talk by him to the team there would be a classic in motivation. But Saturday is his day and I hope he and everyone else enjoys it!

:old Go Bucks!

 

[Wingate1217]

I would bet serious vCASH that a clip of Jack dotting the "i" leads the highlights of this game on "College GameDay Final" and SportsCenter.

Seeing him decked out in OSU gear, waving to the crowd will be a great moment. He did us proud in his interview during the Texas game. They're sure to interview him again. It would be nice if someone who is properly equipped could capture the interview and post it on rapidshare.

Hopefully they will show it "live" during the game. Perhaps Mili can capture the moment and make it available for download?????

 

[Moose]

Found out yesterday at work about Jack Nicklaus dotting the "i". They said they heard it on ESPN, and ESPN stated that there were only 3 non members to dot the "i". I said ESPN is wrong, cause I saw Buster Douglas do it. Needless to say, I will again prove ESPiN wrong. Thanks for confirming that I wasn't crazy. Nice articles bout "The Golden Bear". Way to go Jack!

Moose

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

OSU fan Nicklaus honored to dot the 'i'


By Doug Harris
Staff Writer

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Jack Nicklaus will become the fifth nonband member to dot the "i" in Script Ohio on Saturday during halftime of the Ohio State-Minnesota game at Ohio Stadium. Other honorees include Woody Hayes and Bob Hope.
The OSU alumnus and golf legend recently shared some thoughts, via e-mail, about his love of OSU football:


Q How do you feel about the honor?
A I always knew that it was a significant deal and an honor, but until I was actually chosen, and in the time since, I have begun to realize just how big an honor it is. ... I think this is an honor that resonates more with people who went to Ohio State, who love and are passionate about the university, and who grew up with it as a part of their lives.
Most people outside of Ohio wouldn't understand it, but I do. Script Ohio is a big thing. Not just Script Ohio, but done by the best damn band in the land.
I guess it is symbolic of the respect or the feelings people at Ohio State might have for one of their alumni. It is an extremely nice gesture and compliment ? and one I am very much looking forward to.
Q Can you talk about your love for Ohio State?
A From the time I was 6 years old, I missed only one Ohio State home football game, until I was 20. It was because I played in the World Amateur Team Championship and for the Eisenhower Trophy at Merion Golf Club. Even then, I got the Ohio State-Southern Cal game on the radio. I walked around the golf course, carrying the radio and listening to the Ohio State-Southern Cal game while I was playing. I shot 66-67-68-68 and won the individual title.
So I shot 68 that day. If I hadn't been carrying around the radio, maybe I would have shot another 66.
The only game I missed prior to that was, I believe, 1947, when I was 7 years old. Pandel Savic threw a pass to Jimmy Clark for a touchdown and made the extra point to beat Northwestern, 7-6. They only won two games that year. I think they beat Missouri, 13-7, for the other victory.
Q Have you been following the Buckeyes this year?
A The last home game I went to was this year's Penn State game. I am a very big fan, and I follow the Buckeyes closely. I usually know most, if not all the players. Well, I might not know the line as well this year ? probably not as much as last year. And maybe not this year's linebackers as much as last year's. Bottom line, I am a big fan and I follow Ohio State football.

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Buster's no Jack:
For Ohio State fans remembering former heavyweight champion Buster Douglas dotting the "i" in Script Ohio, your memory is correct. But Douglas does not fall into the same category as Jack Nicklaus, who will dot the "i' at halftime on Saturday.
According to Dr. Jon R. Woods, director of The Ohio State University Marching Band, Douglas is one of several non-band members who have dotted the "i" with the alumni band. But Nicklaus will become just the fifth non-band member in 70 years to receive the ultimate honor, taking the place of a sousaphone player to dot the "i" with the official OSU Marching Band. That is not taken lightly.
Woods said it requires a vote of the sousaphone section to approve an outside dotter, "because it really is their sort of sacred routine," Woods said.
He said the suggestion of Nicklaus was approved by a 28-0 vote and the golf legend was formally invited with a letter over the summer. Woods said the band will present Nicklaus with an official band blazer.

 

[BigTenFan]

Jack dotting the "I" is pretty damn cool

 

[BB73]

Has a complete list of 'i' dotters, including those with the alumni band, at the end of the article.

official.site

Nicklaus to dot the "I" on Saturday

Oct. 26, 2006

Jack Nicklaus will be just the fifth non-band member to dot the "I".


Ohio State's alumnus and professional golfing great Jack Nicklaus will dot the "I" during Script Ohio at Saturday's game. Nicklaus is just the fifth non-band member to be accorded that honor. The others are: Ohio State President Novice G. Fawcett, actor/comedian Bob Hope, Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes and OSU ticket director Bob Ries. Script Ohio will take place at halftime.

The "i"-Dot Tradition

If it were not for the mind of Eugene Weigel, the sousaphone might still be viewed as nothing more than the instrument at the back of the band. Instead, because of Script Ohio, sousaphone players from all over the country choose to attend Ohio State and try out for the band, just for a chance to dot the "i". Very few get the opportunity to dot, but those who do remember it forever...

History of the "i"-dot

At its first performance, the Script Ohio's "i" was dotted by a trumpet player, with no special attention or honor being given to the movement. When the trumpet player, John Brungart (1933-36), dotted the first Script Ohio "i" October 10, 1936, the march from the top of the "o" to the top of the "i" was just another movement to complete a formation. Brungart simply took his place in a complex single file line drill. Over 60 years later, the honor of dotting the "i" is known throughout the world.

Because director Eugene Weigel provided several new floating formations throughout the 1936 season, the first Script Ohio was seen by bandsmen as just another formation. No charts were used--Weigel simply placed members in their spots. "We knew that we did something different, not started a tradition," Brungart said, "I wasn't picked to dot the 'i', I was just in the right place at the right time." Script Ohio was performed two more times during the 1936 season, both with Brungart dotting the "i".

During a field rehearsal in the fall of 1937, Weigel had a spur-of-the-moment idea, and shouted to Glen R. Johnson, a sousaphone player, "Hey, you! Switch places with the trumpet player in the dot." After several run-throughs with the exchanged positions, the script was ready to be performed. At the game on October 23, 1937, the marching band, led by drum major Wesley Leas, performed with Script Ohio with Johnson dotting the "i". Johnson was in the band from 1937-40, and during all of those years he dotted the "i". From that time forward, the i-dot became the province of the big horns.

The familiar kick, turn, and bow by the sousaphone player at the top of the "i" was an innovation introduced by Johnson at a game in 1938. "(The turn) was an impulse reaction when drum major Myron McKelvey arrived three or four measures too soon at the top of the "i"," Johnson explained, "so I did a big kick, a turn, and a deep bow to use up the music before Buckeye Battle Cry. The crowd roared when this happened, and it became part of the show thereafter."

Having become the object of attention, occasionally the lucky musician dotting the "i" was identified for public notice. In the 1950's, several i-dotters at the Rose Bowl were named in nationwide news releases. Many have been interviewed by local TV stations and national networks during the week before their "dots". The media attention given to the i-dotter has only intensified the thrill this privilege gives.

Honorary "i"-dots

Several prominent individuals and couples have been honored by being allowed to dot the "i". This is considered the greatest honor the band can give to any non-band person, and is an extremely special (and rare) event.

Honorary "i"-dotters with the OSU Marching Band include: Bob Hope, Woody Hayes, OSU President Novice Fawcett and his wife, Retired ticket director Robert Ries, and now Jack Nicklaus. OSU president Gordon Gee, his wife, retired directors Dr. Paul Droste, Jack Evans, their wives, and Heavyweight Champion Buster Douglas have also dotted the "i" with the OSU Alumni Band. Additionally, all thirteen seniors of the 2002-2003 National Championship Football team dotted the "i" at the National Championship celebration.

Band members and band staff have maintained that the privilege of dotting the "i" is 'Not For Sale' -- the tradition is reserved for sousaphone players and, on very special occasions, persons near and dear to the marching band, The Ohio State University and the State of Ohio.