FORMER BUCKEYES REFLECT ON GAME DAY
Rex Kern, Brian Baschnagel, and other former players talk about their game-day memories.
BRIAN BASCHNAGEL
wide receiver
1972-75
Let me first comment on how proud I am to be a Buckeye and that it gives me great pleasure to reflect back on the days that I played.
My favorite part of game day, outside of the game itself of course, was the pre-game motivational speeches by the late Coach Hayes. His pre-game speeches were always unpredictable in content but always predictably filled with intensity, energy, and emotion. I still get psyched thinking about them.
BEN HARTSOCK
tight end
2000-03
My fondest game-day memory is from my freshman year in 2000 against Fresno State. It was the first time I ran onto the field to actually play for the Buckeyes. I had already spent the previous year as a red-shirt, learning the ropes and gaining experience. I’d run onto the field several times already from the tunnel through the band, but I have a distinct memory of trotting onto the field to actually contribute and play for Ohio State. It probably only lasted 10 seconds going from the sideline to the huddle, but I remember it was a gorgeous day and I thought to myself what a different perspective it was to actually be on the field, in the huddle, wearing the Scarlet and Gray.
Before, I had cheered as a fan in the stands, stood on the sidelines as a teammate; but when you are standing on that grass field and over 100,000 people are there to watch you play and cheer you on, it is a truly humbling experience. Ohio Stadium has stood since 1922 and some of the greatest football players and teams in history have played on that grass, and on that moment of Sept. 2, 2000, I realized that I was a part of something very, very special. I have a deep love and respect for The Ohio State University and I will proudly tell my stories of triumph and struggle to family, friends, and anyone who will listen for the rest of my days!
JIM HOUSTON
defensive end/tight end
1957-59
My best memory was from my sophomore year. It was the 1957 Rose Bowl victory over Oregon. It was 85 degrees that day and I lost about 18 pounds. I only weighed 218 and it was my first 60-minute game. Every time I looked over at WW Hayes, he would look the other way or look up to the heavens for help! Crucial to the game was my being able to put pressure or tackling their QB at the right times and the team effort. We won 10-7. Importantly, I caught two passes from Frank Kremblas and that had to be a surprise to Oregon since our offense was three yards and a cloud of dust!
My favorite tradition was the pre-game warm-up and the excitement that was generated by the fans, the anticipation of the war that was about to start.
REX KERN
quarterback
1968-70
I was so fortunate to share 27 of 29 great game-day experiences with my teammates. Three game-day experiences stand out in my mind.
In 1968 Purdue came into our stadium rated number one and left the “Horseshoe” defeated (13-0). Our team defense was spectacular that day. Ted Provost stepped in front of Leroy Keyes to make an interception and took it all the way in for the score!
Two other games stand out and they were with “that team up north.” In ‘68 they entered the stadium ranked fourth in the nation. Both the defense and offense played flawless. Jack Tatum made the greatest play I ever witnessed in football. Tate was knocked down at the line of scrimmage where Ron Johnson (a track sprinter) ran through the hole that that other team made for him. Tate jumped up off the turf and caught Ron Johnson from behind, saving a touchdown. What an incredible athletic feat! Final score that November day was Ohio State 50, the other team 14. We were off to Pasadena to capture the 1968 National Championship against O.J. Simpson and the USC Trojans in the 1969 Rose Bowl.
In 1970 we had a rematch with that team again. Tensions and emotions were at an all-time fever pitch. Our senior class left the stadium for the last time as players having never lost a game in the “Horseshoe.” We defeated them 20-9 with Bruce Jankowski (touchdown), Leo Hayden (touchdown), and Fred Schram (two extra points and two field goals) scoring for us. Our defense played a perfect game that afternoon. Jim Stillwagon was outstanding. He was so great, that often we took his greatness and effort for granted.
My favorite game-day tradition started the night before every game. After our final practice on Friday afternoon, we boarded our team buses for our evening meal at The Ohio State University golf course. After dinner we were off to see a movie that was selected by one of the assistant coaches (Woody had an assistant coach in charge of selecting the movie we would see before each home and away game. If we played poorly the next day Woody fired the assistant coach from that duty. Many assistant coaches were fired and they all tried to avoid “that duty” like the plague).
After the movie we were off to our local hotel where Woody would come by our rooms to check in on us making darn certain lights were out and we were tucked in for the night. Of course, Woody made sure we were served hot chocolate, cookies, and an apple before bed.
First thing Saturday morning all the quarterbacks, who were traveling with the team, had the pleasure or displeasure of meeting with Woody, in his room, to discuss our game plan. It was also a chance to see up close and personal how “tight” Woody was for the game and if Woody was trying to “over-think” our game plan for the day. We had to know what was going on in Woody’s mind, what his emotions were like before anyone else, and we had to be prepared in order to execute the game plan. Of course there were times when we, the quarterbacks, altered those plans as well! We called audibles at the line of scrimmage, many times to Woody’s displeasure. I even waved a punter off the field on fourth-and-10 during my very first game.
After the quarterbacks meeting everyone wanted to know Woody’s mood. We all knew Woody could be a handful-plus at times and the team wanted our best assessment of that. Around 10 a.m. we assembled as a team to begin our team walk, which was prior to our pre-game meal. It was Woody at his best, out in front, leading his troops around the parking lot of our hotel in order to stretch our legs and prepare mentally for the game. This was one time you did not want to be a captain; for if you were, you had to be in front with the General walking with him side by side and listening to him hum some crazy tune, always adding uhm, uhm, uhm. He also wanted the quarterbacks close by so he could quiz us again and again on the game plan.
One of the coolest parts was boarding the team bus, after our pre-game meal, for the stadium. There were two buses: first bus was for Red 1 and the Bucks; and the second was for AYO (All You Others, inside joke). We had a motorcycle police escort to the stadium with sirens blaring, running red lights, and fans cheering along our route to the Stadium. I sat up front behind Woody and could not believe how the thrill, the excitement, and the pride this ride made me feel as an Ohio State football player. It still gives me chills today to think about that traditional motorcycle ride to the Stadium with my teammates inside our buses. The highlight was yet to come. To be elected captain at The Ohio State University is an incomparable honor that your teammates bestow on you. Along with Doug Adams, Jim Stillwagon, and Jan White, I captained our 1970 team. As captains we lead our team through the tunnel for every game in Ohio Stadium home and away.
There is no other thrill in sports that can compare to the excitement, thrill, energy, and emotion that running through the tunnel with your teammates does for you. For that moment in time we are “Woody’s Boys” and THE PRIDE OF THE BUCKEYES! For we, our team, represent our families, our great university, our loyal alumni, and friends. To me, there is no greater thrill and honor in sports than to be an Ohio State football player! I’m proud to be a Buckeye.
MIKE LANESE
wide receiver
1982-85
My favorite game-day tradition actually took place on Friday nights. The night before every game, we’d assemble at the team hotel or local cinema for a screening of a movie. The selection of the movie was serious stuff. The right choice would set a positive tone for the game; the wrong choice would mean certain disaster. Or so Earle would always proclaim to his assistant coaches and captains. Though I’m sure Earle was, statistically speaking, incorrect, his position on the subject was entirely understandable. As a former assistant to Woody, he carried the scars of the infamous Easy Rider incident. According to legend, sometime in the mid-70s Woody nearly fired the assistant coach who allowed the team to see the Peter Fonda-Dennis Hopper counter-culture film. Woody would later attribute the team’s poor game-day performance to the film's anti-social and drug-filled themes.
So as a consequence, movies during the Earle years tended to be somewhat non-controversial and mainstream. Lots of action and suspense. Not a whole bunch of the Fonda kids or Fellini. That’s not to say we didn’t get the occasional Five Easy Pieces or Blade Runner. But those were exceptions to the rule. Comedies were forbidden because they violated one of Earle’s sacrosanct principles: “You can’t make a tackle with a smile on your face.” Sylvester Stallone was definitely, repeatedly acceptable. Woody Allen was out. Not even Sleeper.
Friday night films were especially memorable for me because I had somehow assumed the role of the team’s de facto Roger Ebert. I can’t remember exactly how it started, but over time it just kind of evolved into an obligation. After the credits rolled, every film had to be dissected and critiqued. Then I had to assign a final grade. Cool Hand Luke–B+. Rambo–C+. Dirty Harry–B-. The Longest Yard–B. Sometimes my teammates agreed with my assessment. But mostly they didn’t.
Over the years I’ve often wondered how much better we could have been if Gladiator and The Matrix had been out back then. I’d also like to think that Pulp Fiction, one of my all-time favorites, could’ve provided some interesting inspiration as well. But I doubt that an assistant coach would’ve risked his job over any Quentin Tarantino film.
RYAN MILLER
linebacker
1993-96
My fondest memory of game day at Ohio State revolves around the fans. We had a pre-game ritual every home game that always got the guys pumped up. After leaving the Hyatt on Capitol Square, we used to board a bus and head over to Ohio Stadium. The bus route to “The Shoe” took us down 15th Avenue on campus or “Fraternity and Sorority Row.” All of the students would decorate the outside of their residences and gather outside to wish us well. This served as a shot of adrenaline for the players as we turned onto High Street.
As we made the way down High Street and turned onto Woody Hayes Drive, the enthusiasm began to build with every revolution of the bus tires. The next turn was at Tuttle Park Place where a sea of Buckeye fans were awaiting our arrival. We parked at the southeast side of Ohio Stadium and stepped off the bus into a pool of Ohio State fans who craved victory and walked to the locker room.
After getting suited up for the big game, it was time. You could feel the noise in the locker room as the intensity began to pick up. Then, finally . . . we took the field! Running out in front of over 100,000 fans is an unexplainable rush! The OSU fans, both before and during the game, are my favorite memories. I could only wish that everyone could experience the view of the Scarlet and Gray ocean of fans in Ohio Stadium. Quite a thrill! GO BUCKS!
KURT SCHUMACHER
offensive guard
1972-74
Picking a single favorite game-day memory is no small task. During my four years at The Ohio State University I was fortunate to be a part of teams that shared three consecutive Big Ten championships and represented the Big Ten in three Rose Bowls. While two wins over “that school up North” to claim a share of the Big Ten titles were certainly highlights, I’d have to say that our 42-21 victory over USC in the 1974 Rose Bowl stands out as my favorite memory.
This game gave us a chance to avenge a 42-17 loss the prior year and we certainly made the most of it. Having a number of family members and friends at the game added to the special memories that this day created. It is still great fun to recall the locker room celebration and the enthusiastic reception we received at the hotel. While this all took place 30 years ago, it can feel like it was just yesterday.
As I reflect on the many fond memories that were created, it is without question that sharing them with family, teammates, and friends is what made them truly special.
TOM SKLADANY
kicker
1973-76
My favorite game-day memory was the bus ride to the game, especially if it was a home game. It was so quiet on the bus. Guys were thinking about their assignments and getting ready to play in front of 90,000 rabid fans. It was a very peaceful moment each Saturday.
My favorite game-day tradition would have to be the walk around the hotel to get loose before the game and the ringing of the bell after the game when we would send our opponents home crying like babies.
DAN STULTZ
kicker
1997-2000
My favorite game-day memory is when I ran through the tunnel of pride for the first time. To see so many great Buckeyes from years and years of fantastic tradition, rooting us on and getting us fired up for the biggest game of the year. WOW!
My favorite game-day tradition is watching the band march onto the field. I actually didn’t have the chance to experience the band marching out onto the field until after my career was over. Now, after being a fan and a former player for six years, I can honestly say it give me chills every time.
JAN WHITE
defensive back
1968-70
The date was Sept. 28,1968. It was the first game of the season (Southern Methodist) and my first start as a rookie sophomore varsity player. Game day was a beautiful sunny day with all the electricity, anticipation and excitement that always accompanies the opening game at the Shoe. As we prepared for pre-game, I remember the locker room was a beehive of activity. Some of us showed the jittery nervousness of someone about to ask a girl on a date, some paced like a big cat in a cage, some were wild eyed with a very visible testosterone aura, and some just tried to find a quiet mental place to contain the energy that would be needed this day on the field of battle. (I found that this locker room scenario repeated itself game after game.)
Following a position meeting with our individual coach, we had pre-game warm-ups on the field, then returned to the locker room for equipment adjustments, and a full team meeting. After that, it was game time and my best memory. Truly, there can be no better game-day memory then coming down the tunnel for the very first time and running out on the field to the cacophony of cheers from the fans and the rhythm of The Best Damn Band in the Land.
By the way, we won the game 35-14 and went on to have a National Championship year!
