GRIFFIN STILL ON THE RUN AT OHIO STATE GAMES
By Jay Hansen
Archie Griffin’s speed and agility still serve him well on Ohio State football game days.
No, the Buckeye football great does not carry the ball any more on fall Saturdays. Instead, he carries a heavier burden, one that reflects his important position in Ohio State’s football hierarchy. Griffin is president/CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, the school’s most recognizable football legend, and perhaps the university’s most visible ambassador.
Those responsibilities give him a game-day itinerary that changes from week to week.
“There’s nothing really typical about my day,” Griffin said. “A lot depends on what we have going on with the Alumni Association. Much of what I do on game days revolves around our events.
“Then, there’s usually other things I’m asked to do, and I try to do those whenever possible. It’s strenuous at times, but it’s a lot of fun. I like the fact we have so many fans and alums who are supportive of our university and our football team.”
Griffin said he starts most game days at the president’s brunch at Drake Union. From there he heads to Longaberger Alumni House, where he spends time in his office and greeting the many fans who gather there.
After that, the real work begins. Griffin goes to Ohio Stadium shortly before the game and begins his rounds, meeting and greeting fans inside and outside the stadium. He also visits with Ohio State supporters, signs autographs, and hosts guests.
Truth be told, about the only thing Griffin doesn’t do at an Ohio State football game is watch the game itself.
“Usually, I’ll try to watch it when I get home that night, but during the actual game I just don’t have a lot of time to be able to pay close attention,” he said.
This is in marked contrast to years past.
Griffin recalls following Ohio State games closely as a young man. He said he grew up listening to Burt Charles and Vic Janowicz call the games on WVKO radio, and even surreptitiously made his way into Ohio Stadium a few times to watch games in person.
In college, Griffin’s game days were marked by one consistent emotion–anxiety.
“I always got nervous before games,” he said. “It’s safe for me to say that [I played] some of my best games when I threw up beforehand. That was part of it, and it got to a point where if I wasn’t nervous, I’d get concerned because I wasn’t sure if I was physically or mentally ready to play.”
Since his playing days ended, Griffin’s become a fixture at Ohio State home games. Through those years, his excitement for football Saturdays has never waned.
“I’ve always said Ohio State football games are not just about the games,” he said. “It’s a happening. It’s an event, and people want to be a part of it. I know it’s something I’m proud to be part of.”
