Script Ohio and the Art of “Dotting the I”: A History of Ohio State’s Grand Tradition
photo credit https://www.si.com/college/2015/11/20/history-behind-ohio-states-legendary-script-ohio-routine In the landscape of American college football, few traditions are as iconic or deeply woven into the tapestry of a university’s identity as Ohio State’s “Script Ohio” and the subsequent “dotting of the i.” A spectacle that invokes chills and emotional surges for the fans, it’s not just a halftime show — it’s a revered ritual that symbolizes Buckeye pride. The Inception of Script Ohio The history of Script Ohio can be traced back to October 24, 1936, when the Ohio State Marching Band first performed the intricate maneuver. The concept was created by Eugene Weigel, who was the band’s director from 1933 to 1939. Weigel was inspired by the looping and swirls of a signature or script, hence the name “Script Ohio.” The idea was to spell out “Ohio” on the field in cursive script, creating a spectacle that would be visually enthralling from the stands. Contrary to popular bel...