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DeAngelo Williams from Memphis got his 34th 100-yarder in his bowl game. But Archie and Dorsett''s record didn't include bowl games, so it's not really fair.
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Who in the hell is running this show?
From 11:00-11:45 they plan on having the TOSU Cheerleaders, and highlights of the 2002 season AND Archies career?
The cheerleaders should be worth about 5 minutes. The highlights of the 2002 National Chamionship season should last for the next 2 hours, and highlighting Archies career should take them until about midnight.
From 11:00-11:45 they plan on having the TOSU Cheerleaders, and highlights of the 2002 season AND Archies career?
The cheerleaders should be worth about 5 minutes. The highlights of the 2002 National Chamionship season should last for the next 2 hours, and highlighting Archies career should take them until about midnight.
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Times Recorder
4/12
Greeting a Buckeye great
Inspirational Griffin shares 'three D's' at Rotary event
By JOHN KERR
Staff Writer
ZANESVILLE - Former Ohio State football All-America Archie Griffin has used desire, dedication and determination to record incredible achievements throughout his life.
Those achievements include being college football's lone two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy and the only player to start in four Rose Bowls.
Griffin, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, took time to share the three D's and the importance of education to inspire others at Tuesday's luncheon fundraiser at North Terrace Church of Christ on Bowers Lane.
The program, which attracted an impressive 540 people, was organized by Rotary Club of Zanesville and The Ohio State Alumni Club of Muskingum County. Proceeds benefited Noon Rotary Club's Kick Cancer program as well as The James Cancer Center in Columbus and the OSU student scholarship program provided by the local OSU Alumni Club.The event marked the first Rotary/OSU Alumni combination as well as the initial interactive Internet hookup with seven high schools ranging from West Muskingum to Steubenville.
"I used those three D's in the classroom," said Griffin, who learned the importance of the three D's from his junior high guidance counselor. "I knew my mother and father wanted to send all eight kids to college. I could either work my way through college, which was fine, or I go could through a grant-in-aid scholarship.
"I felt I had to get good grades in high school. I didn't want high school to limit me in what college I could go to ... I got good enough grades to attend the college of my choice.
He also used the three D's to succeed in football, track and wrestling at Columbus Eastmoor High School. While at Eastmoor wrestling practice, Griffin received a phone call from legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes. Hayes wanted to meet Griffin for dinner.
"I got home and told my dad the dinner went fine. But I didn't know if he wanted me for football. He never once mentioned football. All he talked to me about was about my education."
That fact sold Archie's dad on Ohio State.
"Woody would say an athlete without interest in an education could be headed for a bad situation," Griffin said.
Griffin pointed out that Hayes and current OSU head football coach Jim Tressel have one similarity that stands out.
"The biggest thing is the way they care about their players on their team and the way they care about the people in the community."
Importance of sports
Griffin spoke of why sports are important and how they can teach valuable life lessons, including overcoming adversity."It teaches you how to get up when you get knocked down. We all have setbacks in our lives. We've got to be able to get up when you get knocked down."
Griffin pointed to playing for the Cincinnati Bengals as an example. The Bengals posted 4-12 records in 1978 and 1979, then a 6-10 mark the following season.
Everywhere Griffin turned, there was negative talk regarding the Bengals.
"We got up and went 12-4 the next season and won the AFC Championship and went to the Super Bowl and played the San Francisco 49ers. We got up after being knocked down."
Looking back at OSU
After a stellar career at Columbus Eastmoor High School, Griffin didn't expect to make an immediate splash with the Buckeyes."My goal was to make the varsity team. It (1972) was the first year freshmen were eligible to play on the varsity," recalled Griffin, a small but exceptionally fast player with the ability to break tackles. "It looked bleak at first. I was on the scout team and would really take a beating in practice."
After a fumble against Iowa in the season opener, Griffin didn't know if he'd have the opportunity to carry the football again.
Then, the next game, Griffin established himself as a potential star with an Ohio State rushing record of 239 yards against North Carolina. Griffin went on to set an NCAA record with 5,177 career rushing yards and win two Heisman Trophies.
"It's a wonderful feeling to just have won one Heisman," Griffin said. "To win two, I guess puts you in a group of your own."
Griffin expects another player to win two Heismans at some point.
"As a matter of fact, I think there is a person out there who could do it three times. (Oklahoma's) Adrian Peterson (in 2004) I think finished second in the Heisman his freshman year and could have won it."
Upcoming season
Griffin is looking forward to the 2006 football season and believes senior quarterback Troy Smith has an opportunity to make a run at the Heisman."I think we have an exciting football team this coming year. I think Troy Smith has been a wonderful asset to the team in the time he's had to be the starter," Griffin said. "When I think of Troy Smith, I think of two of the best performances for a quarterback I've ever seen against Michigan. That's something to be proud of and something he can build on."
Griffin is also high on the wide receiver and running back positions.
"I think there is tremendous talent at the wide receiver position as well as the running back position. I think it's going to be interesting to see what happens for us on offense this year."
The running backs include returning 1,000-yard rusher Anthony Pittman, highly-regarded freshman Chris Wells and Maurice Wells.
"You've got to look at what Antonio Pittman did last year. I think he really stepped it up last year as the season went along. I think he'll come back as good as a year ago. Certainly Chris Wells is trying to get a feel for the offense this year. Let us not forget about little Maurice Wells. I think he's a pretty talented young runner who is going to have a say about what is going to go on..."
Defensively, Griffin noted the Buckeyes will need to replace their talented linebacking corps of A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel.
"What we're missing are some very, very talented linebackers. You don't get a group like that very often. We're pretty fortunate to have guys coming back who have been waiting in the wings for an opportunity and this is their opportunity to step up and do their thing."
[email protected]
740-450-6763
4/12
Greeting a Buckeye great
Inspirational Griffin shares 'three D's' at Rotary event
By JOHN KERR
Staff Writer
ZANESVILLE - Former Ohio State football All-America Archie Griffin has used desire, dedication and determination to record incredible achievements throughout his life.
Those achievements include being college football's lone two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy and the only player to start in four Rose Bowls.
Griffin, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, took time to share the three D's and the importance of education to inspire others at Tuesday's luncheon fundraiser at North Terrace Church of Christ on Bowers Lane.
The program, which attracted an impressive 540 people, was organized by Rotary Club of Zanesville and The Ohio State Alumni Club of Muskingum County. Proceeds benefited Noon Rotary Club's Kick Cancer program as well as The James Cancer Center in Columbus and the OSU student scholarship program provided by the local OSU Alumni Club.The event marked the first Rotary/OSU Alumni combination as well as the initial interactive Internet hookup with seven high schools ranging from West Muskingum to Steubenville.
"I used those three D's in the classroom," said Griffin, who learned the importance of the three D's from his junior high guidance counselor. "I knew my mother and father wanted to send all eight kids to college. I could either work my way through college, which was fine, or I go could through a grant-in-aid scholarship.
"I felt I had to get good grades in high school. I didn't want high school to limit me in what college I could go to ... I got good enough grades to attend the college of my choice.
He also used the three D's to succeed in football, track and wrestling at Columbus Eastmoor High School. While at Eastmoor wrestling practice, Griffin received a phone call from legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes. Hayes wanted to meet Griffin for dinner.
"I got home and told my dad the dinner went fine. But I didn't know if he wanted me for football. He never once mentioned football. All he talked to me about was about my education."
That fact sold Archie's dad on Ohio State.
"Woody would say an athlete without interest in an education could be headed for a bad situation," Griffin said.
Griffin pointed out that Hayes and current OSU head football coach Jim Tressel have one similarity that stands out.
"The biggest thing is the way they care about their players on their team and the way they care about the people in the community."
Importance of sports
Griffin spoke of why sports are important and how they can teach valuable life lessons, including overcoming adversity."It teaches you how to get up when you get knocked down. We all have setbacks in our lives. We've got to be able to get up when you get knocked down."
Griffin pointed to playing for the Cincinnati Bengals as an example. The Bengals posted 4-12 records in 1978 and 1979, then a 6-10 mark the following season.
Everywhere Griffin turned, there was negative talk regarding the Bengals.
"We got up and went 12-4 the next season and won the AFC Championship and went to the Super Bowl and played the San Francisco 49ers. We got up after being knocked down."
Looking back at OSU
After a stellar career at Columbus Eastmoor High School, Griffin didn't expect to make an immediate splash with the Buckeyes."My goal was to make the varsity team. It (1972) was the first year freshmen were eligible to play on the varsity," recalled Griffin, a small but exceptionally fast player with the ability to break tackles. "It looked bleak at first. I was on the scout team and would really take a beating in practice."
After a fumble against Iowa in the season opener, Griffin didn't know if he'd have the opportunity to carry the football again.
Then, the next game, Griffin established himself as a potential star with an Ohio State rushing record of 239 yards against North Carolina. Griffin went on to set an NCAA record with 5,177 career rushing yards and win two Heisman Trophies.
"It's a wonderful feeling to just have won one Heisman," Griffin said. "To win two, I guess puts you in a group of your own."
Griffin expects another player to win two Heismans at some point.
"As a matter of fact, I think there is a person out there who could do it three times. (Oklahoma's) Adrian Peterson (in 2004) I think finished second in the Heisman his freshman year and could have won it."
Upcoming season
Griffin is looking forward to the 2006 football season and believes senior quarterback Troy Smith has an opportunity to make a run at the Heisman."I think we have an exciting football team this coming year. I think Troy Smith has been a wonderful asset to the team in the time he's had to be the starter," Griffin said. "When I think of Troy Smith, I think of two of the best performances for a quarterback I've ever seen against Michigan. That's something to be proud of and something he can build on."
Griffin is also high on the wide receiver and running back positions.
"I think there is tremendous talent at the wide receiver position as well as the running back position. I think it's going to be interesting to see what happens for us on offense this year."
The running backs include returning 1,000-yard rusher Anthony Pittman, highly-regarded freshman Chris Wells and Maurice Wells.
"You've got to look at what Antonio Pittman did last year. I think he really stepped it up last year as the season went along. I think he'll come back as good as a year ago. Certainly Chris Wells is trying to get a feel for the offense this year. Let us not forget about little Maurice Wells. I think he's a pretty talented young runner who is going to have a say about what is going to go on..."
Defensively, Griffin noted the Buckeyes will need to replace their talented linebacking corps of A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel.
"What we're missing are some very, very talented linebackers. You don't get a group like that very often. We're pretty fortunate to have guys coming back who have been waiting in the wings for an opportunity and this is their opportunity to step up and do their thing."
[email protected]
740-450-6763
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Times Leader
4/14
Buckeye great Griffin entertains crowd at Barnesville Chamber
By RICH GIBSON Times Leader Sports Writer
The only man to win two Heisman trophies and one of the greatest football legends in Buckeye sports history was in Barnesville, Thursday evening. Archie Griffin served as keynote speaker and delighted a packed house at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Banquet in the village's Elk's Ballroom.
Following eight seasons with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, Griffin returned to Ohio State and has served his alma mater in various capacities.
Currently President and CEO of The Ohio State Alumni Association, Griffin frequently travels throughout Ohio offering inspiring, motivational messages....one of which he presented Thursday evening.
One of eight children, Griffin told the audience his parents emphasized three important priorities. "They asked us to trust in God, obtain a college education, and participate in athletics," Griffin revealed.
The former Buckeye great went on to point out that each of his siblings did, indeed, earn degrees.
"Becoming involved in athletics can serve as a valuable experience," Griffin continued. "Playing sports enables you to learn many of life's lessons, like dealing with occasional adversity. When you get knocked down, you must learn to get back up."
Griffin stressed the importance of striving for excellence in everyday life. "It's not how much ability you have, rather it's what you make of that ability," he observed.
A Columbus Eastmoor High product, Griffin went on to amass 5,589 rushing yards, earn All-American honors three times, and play in four Rose Bowls at Ohio State where he credited the incomparable Woody Hayes for serving as a dynamic role model.
"Coach Hayes once invited me to dinner," Griffin explained. "When I got home, I told my dad I didn't think he'd be recruiting me for football because (that subject never came up.) Coach wanted to know about my educational values. It was an honor playing for him at Ohio State. No one made more of an impact in my life during that time."
Before Thursday's banquet, Griffin said he remains amazed no other college gridder has been awarded more than one Heisman Trophy.
"I really believe it's going to happen again someday," he stated. "Athletes continue to become bigger, faster and stronger."
Despite the loss of some outstanding seniors, Griffin likes OSU's chances as national title contenders this coming fall. "At Ohio State, we just reload," he smiled.
Before adjourning, the Chamber presented several awards to outstanding community citizens and businesses.
Barnesville's popular vocal quartet, "One-A-Chord" provided musical entertainment.
Gibson can be reached at [email protected]
4/14
Buckeye great Griffin entertains crowd at Barnesville Chamber
By RICH GIBSON Times Leader Sports Writer
The only man to win two Heisman trophies and one of the greatest football legends in Buckeye sports history was in Barnesville, Thursday evening. Archie Griffin served as keynote speaker and delighted a packed house at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Banquet in the village's Elk's Ballroom.
Following eight seasons with the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, Griffin returned to Ohio State and has served his alma mater in various capacities.
Currently President and CEO of The Ohio State Alumni Association, Griffin frequently travels throughout Ohio offering inspiring, motivational messages....one of which he presented Thursday evening.
One of eight children, Griffin told the audience his parents emphasized three important priorities. "They asked us to trust in God, obtain a college education, and participate in athletics," Griffin revealed.
The former Buckeye great went on to point out that each of his siblings did, indeed, earn degrees.
"Becoming involved in athletics can serve as a valuable experience," Griffin continued. "Playing sports enables you to learn many of life's lessons, like dealing with occasional adversity. When you get knocked down, you must learn to get back up."
Griffin stressed the importance of striving for excellence in everyday life. "It's not how much ability you have, rather it's what you make of that ability," he observed.
A Columbus Eastmoor High product, Griffin went on to amass 5,589 rushing yards, earn All-American honors three times, and play in four Rose Bowls at Ohio State where he credited the incomparable Woody Hayes for serving as a dynamic role model.
"Coach Hayes once invited me to dinner," Griffin explained. "When I got home, I told my dad I didn't think he'd be recruiting me for football because (that subject never came up.) Coach wanted to know about my educational values. It was an honor playing for him at Ohio State. No one made more of an impact in my life during that time."
Before Thursday's banquet, Griffin said he remains amazed no other college gridder has been awarded more than one Heisman Trophy.
"I really believe it's going to happen again someday," he stated. "Athletes continue to become bigger, faster and stronger."
Despite the loss of some outstanding seniors, Griffin likes OSU's chances as national title contenders this coming fall. "At Ohio State, we just reload," he smiled.
Before adjourning, the Chamber presented several awards to outstanding community citizens and businesses.
Barnesville's popular vocal quartet, "One-A-Chord" provided musical entertainment.
Gibson can be reached at [email protected]
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Link
5/25
LARRY HARDY/T&D Chris Benner, center, and his wife Denise, right, gets two-time Heisman Trophy recipient Archie Griffin to autograph a picture for their son Adam who will graduate from Ohio State University in June. Griffin was the keynote speaker at the Greater Santee Literacy Council dinner, held Wednesday night at the Cinema.
Griffin's words inspire Orangeburg crowd
By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer
Thursday, May 25, 2006
To Ohio State fans and even first-time acquaintances who flocked toward him Wednesday at The Cinema for autographs and picture, former two-time Heisman Trophy running back Archie Griffin remains a source of inspiration.
"Tonight, Orangeburg County's American Idol is Archie Griffin," said Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller, who was joined in attendance by Santee Mayor Silas Seabrooks.
As the guest speaker for the Greater Santee Literacy Council's Golden Dinner, Griffin praised those people who inspired him in his climb to college football immortality.
Introduced by council president and fellow former Buckeye offensive lineman Billy Joe Armstrong, Griffin started out by talking about his parents who encouraged he and his seven siblings to always trust in God, strive for a college education and participate in athletics. He said athletics taught his family the importance of perseverance, rebounding from adversity and gaining the will to win.
Griffin gave an example from his playing days with the Cincinnati Bengals of how the team emerged from an AFC doormat from 1977-80 to the AFC conference champion and Super Bowl runner-up in 1981.
He then told the story about his junior high school guidance counselor Oscar Hill who told him about the three Ds -- desire, dedication and determination -- and how living up to those traits would lead to success.
Up next were Griffin's high school and college football coaches. In Columbus Eastmoor High School head coach Bob Stewart, Griffin found someone who made him believed that they could compete against opponents who often outsized them, and turned them into two-time state champions.
As for Ohio State head football coach Woody Hayes, who called Griffin "a better young man than he is a football player" and the "best football player I've ever seen," he praised the sideline legend for his emphasis on getting an education.
"He always said that an athlete without an education could be headed for a bad situation," Griffin said. "When you think about it, that's so true in today's times."
More than just developing him into a three-time All-American and the only multiple Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin said Hayes' dedication to his players, coaches and Ohio State University left the biggest impact on him. In fact, Griffin now heads the Ohio State University Alumni Association.
"What I liked most about Coach Hayes ... was that he cared so much about people," Griffin said. "That's what I liked the most about Coach Hayes."
Finally, Griffin talked about gaining inspiration from God which he believed enabled him to achieve his greatness at Ohio State University. He especially remembers the 1972 game against the University of North Carolina when a then-freshman Griffin rushed for a single-game school record 239 yards -- a moment he called the biggest highlight of his career.
"When I prayed that night, I asked the Lord above to give me the opportunity to help me play to the best of my ability and he did that and I'm so very thankful," Griffin said.
Griffin closed by telling the audience they also had the capacity to inspire others just as someone did to them at one point. Whether it was a son, daughter or a neighbor's child, he encouraged them to "live your lives in a way that those close to you who you inspire can someday stand up and say that you made a difference in their lives."
A similar message was delivered by Literacy Council volunteers Beatrice Evans and Evelyn France. After each were presented with special awards of appreciation from the council's board of directors for their years of dedication and selfless work, the two women suggested to those in attendance to continue the council's work in helping Orangeburg County residents become literate.
"Have you helped somebody in Orangeburg County read today?" France asked.
5/25
Griffin's words inspire Orangeburg crowd
By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer
Thursday, May 25, 2006
To Ohio State fans and even first-time acquaintances who flocked toward him Wednesday at The Cinema for autographs and picture, former two-time Heisman Trophy running back Archie Griffin remains a source of inspiration.
"Tonight, Orangeburg County's American Idol is Archie Griffin," said Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller, who was joined in attendance by Santee Mayor Silas Seabrooks.
As the guest speaker for the Greater Santee Literacy Council's Golden Dinner, Griffin praised those people who inspired him in his climb to college football immortality.
Introduced by council president and fellow former Buckeye offensive lineman Billy Joe Armstrong, Griffin started out by talking about his parents who encouraged he and his seven siblings to always trust in God, strive for a college education and participate in athletics. He said athletics taught his family the importance of perseverance, rebounding from adversity and gaining the will to win.
Griffin gave an example from his playing days with the Cincinnati Bengals of how the team emerged from an AFC doormat from 1977-80 to the AFC conference champion and Super Bowl runner-up in 1981.
He then told the story about his junior high school guidance counselor Oscar Hill who told him about the three Ds -- desire, dedication and determination -- and how living up to those traits would lead to success.
Up next were Griffin's high school and college football coaches. In Columbus Eastmoor High School head coach Bob Stewart, Griffin found someone who made him believed that they could compete against opponents who often outsized them, and turned them into two-time state champions.
As for Ohio State head football coach Woody Hayes, who called Griffin "a better young man than he is a football player" and the "best football player I've ever seen," he praised the sideline legend for his emphasis on getting an education.
"He always said that an athlete without an education could be headed for a bad situation," Griffin said. "When you think about it, that's so true in today's times."
More than just developing him into a three-time All-American and the only multiple Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin said Hayes' dedication to his players, coaches and Ohio State University left the biggest impact on him. In fact, Griffin now heads the Ohio State University Alumni Association.
"What I liked most about Coach Hayes ... was that he cared so much about people," Griffin said. "That's what I liked the most about Coach Hayes."
Finally, Griffin talked about gaining inspiration from God which he believed enabled him to achieve his greatness at Ohio State University. He especially remembers the 1972 game against the University of North Carolina when a then-freshman Griffin rushed for a single-game school record 239 yards -- a moment he called the biggest highlight of his career.
"When I prayed that night, I asked the Lord above to give me the opportunity to help me play to the best of my ability and he did that and I'm so very thankful," Griffin said.
Griffin closed by telling the audience they also had the capacity to inspire others just as someone did to them at one point. Whether it was a son, daughter or a neighbor's child, he encouraged them to "live your lives in a way that those close to you who you inspire can someday stand up and say that you made a difference in their lives."
A similar message was delivered by Literacy Council volunteers Beatrice Evans and Evelyn France. After each were presented with special awards of appreciation from the council's board of directors for their years of dedication and selfless work, the two women suggested to those in attendance to continue the council's work in helping Orangeburg County residents become literate.
"Have you helped somebody in Orangeburg County read today?" France asked.
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Canton Rep
6/6
Comment on this story.
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Showing that Heisman touch[/FONT]
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Two-time Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin reacts after just missing a putt on the seventh hole during the annual Logan Family Champions of Charity golf outing Monday at Congress Lake Club. Griffin was among a host of celebrities to play in the event, including Dante Lavelli, Campy Russell, Lee Owens, Jim Houston, John Hicks, Eric Snow, Bingo Smith and Steve Luke. Proceeds of the event will go to Griffin’s charitable foundation.
6/6
Comment on this story.
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Showing that Heisman touch[/FONT]
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Two-time Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin reacts after just missing a putt on the seventh hole during the annual Logan Family Champions of Charity golf outing Monday at Congress Lake Club. Griffin was among a host of celebrities to play in the event, including Dante Lavelli, Campy Russell, Lee Owens, Jim Houston, John Hicks, Eric Snow, Bingo Smith and Steve Luke. Proceeds of the event will go to Griffin’s charitable foundation.
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Canton Rep
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Archie Griffin: Grades trump the skills[/FONT]
Thursday, June 8, 2006 [FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]By Todd Porter REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER [/FONT]
Repository SCOTT HECKEL SIGN HERE Archie Griffin signs a ball during an appearance at Ohio Prestwick Country Club on Wednesday for the Northeast Ohio Celebrity Luncheon Club. At right is Mitchell Kay, 11, of Green.
Advertisement UNIONTOWN - More than 30 years have passed since Archie Griffin sat in a Columbus restaurant across from Woody Hayes.
The late Ohio State coach phoned Griffin’s high school wrestling coach during his junior season at Columbus Eastmoor High School. Woody wanted to have dinner with Archie.
They talked for more than an hour at the old Jai-Lai Restaurant, which is now the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe.
“He told me how important an education was,” Griffin said Wednesday during a stop at the Northeast Ohio Celebrity Luncheon Club at Ohio Prestwick. “I remember leaving and going home and telling my father, ‘I don’t think he wants me to play football for him.’ My dad wondered what made me think that.
“We had dinner and he never once brought up football. My dad said, ‘Don’t you think maybe he cares more about you as a person than just a player?’ ”
Turned out, Griffin said, that’s exactly what happened that day. The Buckeyes’ two-time Heisman Trophy winner wants high school student-athletes to do the same for themselves.
The landscape of college football is changing. Grades and test scores are more important than 40-yard times and bench press standards. Major football programs aren’t taking as many chances on below-average students because they can run, catch or throw a football.
Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel is no different. Several times in the last three years, Tressel passed on potential recruits because of their non-qualifying status. If a player can’t meet the minimum Ohio State admission requirements, he won’t receive special consideration.
Tressel inherited a football team that had one player flunking AIDS Awareness and another with a 0.0 grade-point average.
Tressel had 51 players during the winter quarter with a 3.0 or better GPA, and 44 have cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0. The team GPA is 2.84.
If a high school football player wants a scholarship offer from Ohio State, he’d better have the grades, Griffin said.
“It really starts in the ninth grade,” Griffin said. “That’s when you have to start hitting it. If you don’t, you’re in a hole that’s hard to dig out. Your ninth-grade year is when it starts counting toward college. The fact of the matter is, to be accepted to college is a lot harder now because of selective admissions. It’s a lot harder to be a part of Ohio State’s freshmen class that it was before.”
In two years, core GPA classes change. The NCAA will require more core classes, subjects like English, algebra, history.
“Colleges and the NCAA are making sure kids are coming to college to get an education,” Griffin said. “Everybody is aware of the fact the opportunities at the professional level in sports are not that many. There were 50,000 college football players last year. How many got drafted? About 250. Those aren’t good odds. Colleges are supposed to prepare young people to get good jobs.”
Griffin was one of the lucky ones. He was drafted by Cincinnati after winning his second Heisman. A first-round selection, he played seven seasons before rejoining Ohio State in 1984 in the athletic department.
Griffin is now president of Ohio State’s alumni association.
“There were some tough times,” Griffin said. “I remember turning on the local sports talk on my way home from practice one day and a caller said we didn’t deserve to be called the Cincinnati Bengals. He said we should be the Cincinnati Possums because we played dead at home and got killed on the road.”
Maybe so, but when football was over, Archie Griffin wasn’t.
“One of the things I like most about football is the values it teaches,” he said. “You learn how to get up when you’re knocked down. ... I was knocked down plenty of times in my professional playing days.”
[FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Archie Griffin: Grades trump the skills[/FONT]
Thursday, June 8, 2006 [FONT=Verdana,Times New Roman,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]By Todd Porter REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER [/FONT]
Repository SCOTT HECKEL SIGN HERE Archie Griffin signs a ball during an appearance at Ohio Prestwick Country Club on Wednesday for the Northeast Ohio Celebrity Luncheon Club. At right is Mitchell Kay, 11, of Green.
Advertisement UNIONTOWN - More than 30 years have passed since Archie Griffin sat in a Columbus restaurant across from Woody Hayes.
The late Ohio State coach phoned Griffin’s high school wrestling coach during his junior season at Columbus Eastmoor High School. Woody wanted to have dinner with Archie.
They talked for more than an hour at the old Jai-Lai Restaurant, which is now the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe.
“He told me how important an education was,” Griffin said Wednesday during a stop at the Northeast Ohio Celebrity Luncheon Club at Ohio Prestwick. “I remember leaving and going home and telling my father, ‘I don’t think he wants me to play football for him.’ My dad wondered what made me think that.
“We had dinner and he never once brought up football. My dad said, ‘Don’t you think maybe he cares more about you as a person than just a player?’ ”
Turned out, Griffin said, that’s exactly what happened that day. The Buckeyes’ two-time Heisman Trophy winner wants high school student-athletes to do the same for themselves.
The landscape of college football is changing. Grades and test scores are more important than 40-yard times and bench press standards. Major football programs aren’t taking as many chances on below-average students because they can run, catch or throw a football.
Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel is no different. Several times in the last three years, Tressel passed on potential recruits because of their non-qualifying status. If a player can’t meet the minimum Ohio State admission requirements, he won’t receive special consideration.
Tressel inherited a football team that had one player flunking AIDS Awareness and another with a 0.0 grade-point average.
Tressel had 51 players during the winter quarter with a 3.0 or better GPA, and 44 have cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0. The team GPA is 2.84.
If a high school football player wants a scholarship offer from Ohio State, he’d better have the grades, Griffin said.
“It really starts in the ninth grade,” Griffin said. “That’s when you have to start hitting it. If you don’t, you’re in a hole that’s hard to dig out. Your ninth-grade year is when it starts counting toward college. The fact of the matter is, to be accepted to college is a lot harder now because of selective admissions. It’s a lot harder to be a part of Ohio State’s freshmen class that it was before.”
In two years, core GPA classes change. The NCAA will require more core classes, subjects like English, algebra, history.
“Colleges and the NCAA are making sure kids are coming to college to get an education,” Griffin said. “Everybody is aware of the fact the opportunities at the professional level in sports are not that many. There were 50,000 college football players last year. How many got drafted? About 250. Those aren’t good odds. Colleges are supposed to prepare young people to get good jobs.”
Griffin was one of the lucky ones. He was drafted by Cincinnati after winning his second Heisman. A first-round selection, he played seven seasons before rejoining Ohio State in 1984 in the athletic department.
Griffin is now president of Ohio State’s alumni association.
“There were some tough times,” Griffin said. “I remember turning on the local sports talk on my way home from practice one day and a caller said we didn’t deserve to be called the Cincinnati Bengals. He said we should be the Cincinnati Possums because we played dead at home and got killed on the road.”
Maybe so, but when football was over, Archie Griffin wasn’t.
“One of the things I like most about football is the values it teaches,” he said. “You learn how to get up when you’re knocked down. ... I was knocked down plenty of times in my professional playing days.”
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South Bend Tribune
October 23. 2006
Featured Hall of Famer: Archie Griffin
Archie Griffin was All-America three times, Ohio State captain two years. He is the only player to start in four Rose Bowls, the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974- 1975). He is one of two players to win The Big 10 Most Valuable Player Award twice (1973-1974). Archie rushed for 1428 yards in the regular season as a sophomore, 1620 as a junior, 1357 as a senior.
United Press International named him Player of the Year twice (1974-1975), the Walter Camp Foundation named him top player twice (1974-1975), he won the Maxwell (1975), and Sporting News named him Man of the Year (1975). Against North Carolina as a freshman, he gained 239 yards, setting a one-game school rushing record. He topped this with 246 yards against Iowa in 1973. He set an NCAA rushing record of 31 consecutive 100-yard games rushing.
His career rushing total, 5177 yards, was an NCAA record at the time. Griffin stood 5-9 and weighed 182. His coach Woody Hayes, said, "He is the greatest back I've ever seen. We value Archie's attitude more than his football ability. He is a great blocker, a great open-field runner, one of those rare backs who can run over you or run around you."
Griffin played with the Cincinnati Bengals 1976-1983, returned to Ohio State as associate athletic director.
October 23. 2006
Featured Hall of Famer: Archie Griffin
Archie Griffin was All-America three times, Ohio State captain two years. He is the only player to start in four Rose Bowls, the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974- 1975). He is one of two players to win The Big 10 Most Valuable Player Award twice (1973-1974). Archie rushed for 1428 yards in the regular season as a sophomore, 1620 as a junior, 1357 as a senior.
United Press International named him Player of the Year twice (1974-1975), the Walter Camp Foundation named him top player twice (1974-1975), he won the Maxwell (1975), and Sporting News named him Man of the Year (1975). Against North Carolina as a freshman, he gained 239 yards, setting a one-game school rushing record. He topped this with 246 yards against Iowa in 1973. He set an NCAA rushing record of 31 consecutive 100-yard games rushing.
His career rushing total, 5177 yards, was an NCAA record at the time. Griffin stood 5-9 and weighed 182. His coach Woody Hayes, said, "He is the greatest back I've ever seen. We value Archie's attitude more than his football ability. He is a great blocker, a great open-field runner, one of those rare backs who can run over you or run around you."
Griffin played with the Cincinnati Bengals 1976-1983, returned to Ohio State as associate athletic director.
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Seems that Archie was at the Lesco booth at a golf show in Ohio last week. A good friend of mine, and a Lesco salesman, was also in town working the booth. The result of this was upon his return to SC, I received a signed picture of Archie that is inscribed "To Tim, Go Coastal! Go Bucks! Archie Griffin #45.! Needless to say I was thrilled. It's hanging on my wall right now. 
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
Archie comments on the passing of Bo.....always a class act.
CPD
CPD
Archie Griffin: "Bo and I were on the same team . . ."
2:39 p.m.
Ohio State released a statement today from former running back Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner (1974, 1975), about the passing of Bo Schembechler:
"I am deeply saddened to learn that Bo Schembechler has passed away today.
"Bo was a special, special man; and he's someone whose friendship and camaraderie I treasured. Although we were often opponents on the football field, I had the pleasure to develop a relationship with Bo through the years.
"When I was in high school, Bo was actually one of the first Big Ten coaches who recruited me. He wanted me to come to the University of Michigan, and there is no doubt that I seriously considered his offer.
"Truth be told, Bo recruited me before Woody Hayes did. In later years we often joked about this, and I can still hear Bo laughing and saying, "Arch, Woody wouldn't even have recruited you if I didn't first."
"Bo always did have a wonderful sense of humor. It was one of the many characteristics that allowed him to be a success at whatever he did. He was a great football coach, but he was much more than that. He was an advocate for student-athletes, a teacher, and someone on whom everyone could depend.
"And Bo had great connections to Ohio State. He played for Woody Hayes at Miami and later coached with Woody here. Many people have the misconception that Woody and Bo disliked each other. That couldn't be further from the truth. They were best friends and very similar to each other. In fact, when I read Bo's autobiography a few years ago, it sounded like it was Woody speaking from those pages.
"I am proud to have known Bo. The fact that we were on opposite sides of a great rivalry really means little in the grand scheme of things. When it came to the important things in life, Bo and I were on the same team and we always will be.
"My condolences go out to the Schembechler family. The hearts of Buckeye Nation are with you all."
- [email protected]
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How sad.
Fox sports decided to "build " a perfect heisman winner of Troy Smith by using body parts from previous winners.
Archie Griffin the only two time winner and arguable the best running back ever wasn't good enough to be a part of Smith.
:( :( :(
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6242748
Fox sports decided to "build " a perfect heisman winner of Troy Smith by using body parts from previous winners.
Archie Griffin the only two time winner and arguable the best running back ever wasn't good enough to be a part of Smith.
:( :( :(
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6242748
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OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
DDN
Griffin: Heismans are marked men
OSU's two-time winner knows what Troy Smith will go through in BCS title game vs. Florida
COLUMBUS ? Two-time Heisman Trophy-winner Archie Griffin always sought out Ohio State's Troy Smith during warm-ups before Michigan games and invariably walked away with a heaping dose of reassurance.
Continued....
Griffin: Heismans are marked men
OSU's two-time winner knows what Troy Smith will go through in BCS title game vs. Florida
COLUMBUS ? Two-time Heisman Trophy-winner Archie Griffin always sought out Ohio State's Troy Smith during warm-ups before Michigan games and invariably walked away with a heaping dose of reassurance.
Continued....
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Buckskin86
Moderator
Griffin still face of Ohio State football
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/c...iffin_010211.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=46
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/c...iffin_010211.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=46
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Link
Griffin softening stance on NCAA football playoffs
by J.T. Simms
Daily Mail sportswriter
Do not count former Ohio State great and Cincinnati Bengal running back Archie Griffin among the college football fans screaming for a playoff system. His opinion has softened some recently, however.
"If you had asked me a year ago I'd have said no," Griffin said. "Now, I would like to see some semblance of a playoff, maybe the top eight teams."
His hesitancy to support a full-blown playoff system comes out of loyalty of a sort.
"The bowl games have been good to college football for a long time," Griffin said.
Prior to Sunday's Wendy's High School Heisman banquet at the Charleston Embassy Suites Griffin spoke on a number of different matters.
Cont'd...
Griffin softening stance on NCAA football playoffs
by J.T. Simms
Daily Mail sportswriter
Do not count former Ohio State great and Cincinnati Bengal running back Archie Griffin among the college football fans screaming for a playoff system. His opinion has softened some recently, however.
"If you had asked me a year ago I'd have said no," Griffin said. "Now, I would like to see some semblance of a playoff, maybe the top eight teams."
His hesitancy to support a full-blown playoff system comes out of loyalty of a sort.
"The bowl games have been good to college football for a long time," Griffin said.
Prior to Sunday's Wendy's High School Heisman banquet at the Charleston Embassy Suites Griffin spoke on a number of different matters.
Cont'd...
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