North Columbus News

Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin will participate in one of college athletics' most memorable traditions by dotting the “i” in Script Ohio on Aug. 31 during halftime of the Ohio State vs. Akron game. Griffin is being honored for his service to the university and his longstanding support of its marching band.

“The opportunity, in Ohio Stadium, to dot the ‘i’ is a very special honor,” says Griffin. “I know that Woody was proud to have had that opportunity, and I am following in his footsteps and am extremely proud of this opportunity.”

The recognition, considered the greatest honor the band can extend to a nonmember, is presented by the senior sousaphone members of the Ohio State Marching Band. The students visited Griffin at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center early in July to surprise him with the invitation.

“As a sousaphone player, dotting the ‘i’ is the highest honor one can achieve. It’s a dream many of us have for years, one that we work hard for each day as a member of this band. It takes unrelenting dedication to finally be able to live that dream,” says Nick Pisanelli, senior sousaphone player who will dot the “i” during the Ohio State vs. Nebraska game this year. “Archie Griffin embodies that same spirit, and on the 50th anniversary of his first Heisman Trophy, we felt it was an easy decision to ask him to share this honor with us. He’s living proof that hard work, determination and passion can take you anywhere, and we are so excited for him to join us as we all live out our dream.”

As a player at Ohio State, Griffin rushed for a school-record 5,589 yards on 924 carries and scored 26 rushing touchdowns. His 31 consecutive 100-yard games remain an NCAA record. In addition to two Heisman Trophies, Griffin also has two Silver Footballs presented annually by the Chicago Tribune to the Big Ten’s MVP.

“When you see someone outside of the band dotting the ‘i,’ you know that it is extraordinary. That is how I look at it,” says Griffin. “It is a big-time tradition for our band, university, fans and everyone who knows Ohio State. To give someone who is not part of the band the opportunity, it must be something special.”

“We are super excited and honored to have him be a part of this tradition,” says Christopher Hoch, director of Marching and Athletic Bands. “While I didn’t have the opportunity to watch Archie play at Ohio State, I remember my dad talking about him as a legend and how great of a person he was. We are looking forward to Aug. 31 and being able to watch Archie have his well-deserved moment with the band.”

After a seven-year NFL career, Griffin returned to Ohio State and served as president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, assistant athletic director, and senior adviser for advancement before retiring.

“To see the band perform gives you goosebumps. You wonder what their next big show will be because they always do something special that no others are doing,” says Griffin. “It makes you very proud as an Ohio State alumnus. Our band is The Best Damn Band in the Land.”

The invitation to be an honorary i-dotter has only been extended to select individuals over Script Ohio's history. Previous honorary i-dotters include comedian Bob Hope (1978), Hayes (1983), golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006), Sen. John Glenn and Annie Glenn (2009), Marching Band director emeritus Jon R. Woods (2011), and former football coach Earle Bruce (2016).

The Ohio State vs Akron game begins at 3:30 p.m on Saturday Aug 31 The Marching Band will perform Script Ohio during pregame with band member Brody Hyre dotting 'i' Griffin will dot 'i' halftime Script following band's halftime show recognized Skull Session band's free pregame pep rally St John Arena which begin at 1:10 p.m