What's
a Buckeye? Ohio State Traditions Buckeyes
The Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is a tree, native to Ohio and
particularly prevalent in the Ohio River Valley, whose small, shiny,
dark brown nuts with a lighter tan patch resembles the eye of a
deer. Folk wisdom has it that carrying one in a pocket brings good
luck. "Buckeyes" has been the official Ohio State school nickname
since 1950, but it had been in common use for many years before as
the Buckeye is the state tree.
Scarlet and Gray
Ohio State’s official school colors since 1878, Scarlet and Gray
were chosen by a group of three students in a lecture room in
University Hall because “it was a pleasing combination...and had not
been adopted by any other college,” noted selection committee member
Alice Townshend Wing.
Buckeye Leaves
This tradition of placing Buckeye Leaves on the Ohio State helmets
started in 1968 when Woody Hayes and longtime trainer Ernie Biggs
changed the look of the Ohio State uniforms. The new look included
names on the back of the jerseys and a wide "Buckeye stripe" on the
sleeves of the jersey believed to be the first of its kind in the
sport of football.
Buckeye Grove
Since 1934, a Buckeye tree has been planted in honor of each of Ohio
State’s All-American. Trees are usually planted in a pregame
ceremony at the spring game. With the renovation of Ohio Stadium in
2001, the Buckeye Grove is now located at the southwest corner of the
stadium.
Gold
Pants
A gold charm replica of a pair of football pants is given to players
and coaches following wins over Michigan. The tradition started in
1934 when first-year coach Francis Schmidt told those wondering how
OSU would fare with its nemesis from Ann Arbor: “They put their
pants on one leg at a time just like everybody else.” Schmidt’s
Buckeyes then went and defeated Michigan four-consecutive times, all
by shutout.
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