2 | The Lantern | Thursday, October 19, 2023
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BEST GAME DAY TRADITION: SCRIPT OHIO/DOTTING THE ‘I’ By Logan Nowlin Lantern Reporter When The Ohio State University Marching Band performs its legendary “Script Ohio” at halftime during the football game against Michigan State Nov. 11, sousaphone player Jake Blevins, a sixth-year in music education, will strut out to dot the ‘I.’ Blevins said he has been dreaming of the day since the seventh grade, when he first discovered the illustrious tradition through his middle school band. Now, over a decade later, Blevins is mere weeks away from accomplishing his long-term goal. “It means so much to me,” Blevins said. “Ever since I learned about it, I knew that is what I wanted to do, so finally being able to do that is really huge for me.” Blevins isn’t the first to have a dream fulfilled by engaging in the beloved Ohio State custom. The first occurrence of the marching band dotting the ‘I’ was recorded Oct. 24, 1936, according to the university libraries’ database. Since that day over 85 years ago, Buckeye sousaphone players have been battling it out for their chance to shine on one of college football’s biggest stages.
“Just because you make the band does not mean you have a spot on the field, so every single Monday you are fighting for your spot to march,” Cosenza said. For many ‘I’ dotters, the journey begins well before these challenges, and even prior to acceptance into Ohio State’s band — or, as it is affectionately known, “The Best Damn Band in the Land.” “I set the goal for myself to dot the ‘I’ when I was 11, and I chose the tuba as the instrument I would play in the band,” Wendy Bauer Reeves, a threetime ‘I’ dotter and 1993 Ohio State graduate in music education, said. Reeves first dotted the ‘I’ Oct. 10, 1992, in a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini. “There’s lots of anticipation,” Reeves said. “I had 72 people that specifically came to the game to watch me. Of course, you’re nervous. You don’t want to mess up. It’s this iconic tradition.” The following year, Reeves and her husband became the first married couple to dot a double script — wherein the band performs two mirrored “Script Ohio” marches at once — as college students when the band marched at Cleveland Stadium on Nov. 7, 1993.
COURTESY OF WENDY REEVES
Wendy Reeves dotting her first ‘I’ at the Ohio State football game against Illinois Oct. 10, 1992.
the crossfire of Cosenza’s instrument.
cial moment for any sousaphone player.
“As soon as I got out there and got planted, I saw him right below, and I knew when I do my bow, my bell is going to crush him,” Cosenza said.
“It really comes down to having an accomplishment that you’ve worked for and dreamed of for years,” Cosenza said. “It was a fantastic feeling and memory, something I look fondly back on to.”
Cosenza said he had a split second to scoot back as much as he could without disrupting the rhythm and yell out a warning, but it was too late for the cameraman.
In fact, the ‘I’-dotting tradition has become so cherished among band members and fans alike that it was deemed the best game-day tradition by The Lantern’s readers in this year’s “Best of OSU” polling.
Reeves, who received her master’s in music education from Ohio State in 1998, returned to dot the ‘I’ earlier this year for the Sept. 9 game against Youngstown State.
“One of the mantras for the band is ‘drive through it,’ so I drove through it as hard as I could, knowing full well that I was going to hit him,” Cosenza said.
To determine who gets to dot the ‘I’ at specific games, a system of rank is used. Rank — accrued based on how often an individual marches — is assessed every week during rehearsals, Frank Cosenza, a fivetime ‘I’ dotter between 2009 and 2010, said.
“I had more fear this time because in 1992, there was not the internet like we know it,” Reeves said. “Anything you did would not be preserved forever online. I was mostly worried about falling down or somehow not doing a great job and ending up on the internet for everyone to see.”
Video footage of the incident continues to sporadically gain online traction, with different users weighing in on the situation throughout the years.
Each week, Cosenza said band members are challenged to determine if they will march at that week’s game. Namely, those who play the sousaphone are tested to determine if they are qualified and prepared to dot the ‘I’ on game day.
Unlike Reeves, Cosenza’s first ‘I’ dot in 2009 is preserved on the internet for everyone to see. A clip of his moment garnered internet buzz after an encroaching cameraman was caught in
“He is no longer just one of the guys who dotted the I, he is the one who did it and broke s*** while doing it, making him even more legendary,” one user wrote. Cosenza said he enjoyed the few minutes of fame the incident provided him, but regardless, the ‘I’ dot is still a spe-
For any young individuals who aspire to be an ‘I’ dotter someday, Reeves said to set the goal early, practice regularly and attend available high school band summer sessions. “Dotting the ‘I’ is actually a culmination of ten or 11 years of work for many people,” Reeves said. Cosenza said those who have earned the privilege to dot the ‘I’ should take it in and enjoy it, but also recognize the significance of the time-honored tradition they’ve been selected to partake in. “The reason the tradition is so big and popular, and it is always televised, is because of the past and the people before you,” Cosenza said. “Time, change and tradition. That’s the value of Ohio State, and that’s even more true within the band.”
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 | The Lantern | 3
BEST NORTH AND SOUTH CAMPUS BARS: OUT-R-INN AND ETHYL & TANK By Emma Wozniak Asst. Arts & Life Editor Once the laptops have been shut and the libraries have been abandoned, numerous Ohio State students have already begun preparing for their night on the town. And for most, the night feels incomplete without a stop at beloved bars Out-R-Inn or Ethyl & Tank. With the multitude of near-campus bars, earning the student-deemed accolade of best North and South Campus bars, respectively, is no small feat. While Out-R-Inn and Ethyl & Tank share the “best bar” honorific, many students find that this is where their similarities end. Seth Carr, a fourth-year in exercise science, said the majority of North Campus bars have a culture distinct from South Campus bars, and vice versa. While he said North Campus bars like OutR-Inn are more prone to relaxing with friends, bars on the south side like Eth-
yl & Tank offer a more club-like scene.
“I think they’re completely different vibes,” Carr said. “And I’d say I think most south bars are like that compared to north bars.”
bisello said. “I think everybody wants to go out and have fun and experience that part of college, and they just have preferred places to do that. But I think they all do a good job of giving students a place to do that.”
Mary Harris, a 2022 Ohio State alum with a degree in arts management, agreed. She said this broad atmospheric distinction between near-campus bars has resulted in what many deem a rivalry between campus’ two ends, though she doesn’t think this “conflict” is a testament to the quality of the bars themselves.
The bars’ employees, however, see things a bit differently.
“I’m of the opinion that like, I don’t think North or South Campus bars are better than the other,” Harris said. “It just kind of depends on what you’re looking for and what you want.”
Steve Valentino, general manager of OutR-Inn, said the dive bar embraces the laid-back ambience students often associate with other North Campus bars, while also working to cater to a broader audience that may prefer a more energetic feel.
Jackson Corbisello, a 2023 Ohio State alum with a degree in biomedical engineering, thinks similarly. “I don’t really think it’s a rivalry, where there’s like a negative connotation,” Cor-
Though the managers of this year’s bestbar winners agreed about the distinct cultures of the typical North and South Campus bars, they said their respective bars tend to depart from the stereotypes.
“You can come here whether it’s busy or if it’s slow, and still find your own kind of little corner to hang out and not be bothered by people,” Valentino said. “Or, if you want to be bothered by people, that’s fine, too. We
do play some of the club-type music, but we try and mix up a little bit of everything and just try and appeal to all the students.” One of Ethyl & Tank’s general managers, Cobie Mikesell, said his bar’s popularity can also be partially attributed to its ability to be both relaxed and upbeat depending on the time of day, breaking the mold in which many South Campus bars have been placed. “I think Ethyl does well with having the sit-down vibe aspect for most of the day, up until Thursday, Friday, Saturday nighttime, kind of like 10 p.m. plus, then it gets to more of like that clubby vibe,” Mikesell said. “I definitely like to bring that atmosphere of, ‘Let people sit down and have good service, relax, watch TV.’” Regardless of students’ motivations in voting for Out-R-Inn as their top North Campus bar, Valentino — who has been an employee for nearly 15 years — said meriting this year’s award is a tremendous honor. “I know I can speak for me — I could probably speak for a majority of our staff — but most of the people that work here have also been here a very long time, and we treat it almost as a family, not necessarily a business,” Valentino said. “So with us doing it for so long, we know what kind of experience we like when we go to other places. And we just want to be able to do that for all the customers that come in here.” Mikesell agreed and said he is extremely proud of such an achievement, as it recognizes his overarching goals for Ethyl & Tank as a bar.
MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | LANTERN FILE PHOTOS
Local bars Out-R-Inn (left) and Ethyl & Tank (right) were named best North and South Campus bars, respectively, in The Lantern’s 2023 “Best of OSU” polling.
“I hope people come in here and enjoy their time and want to come back,” Mikesell said. “That’s always my goal, like pushing it onto my employees like, ‘Give good customer service, talk, be friends with everybody, be open and willing with everybody all the time.’ It’s kind of bringing that fun vibe and energy in here so people are always like, ‘Oh, I remembered I had such a great time here. Let’s go back.’”
4 | The Lantern | Thursday, October 19, 2023
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BEST SPIRITWEAR SHOP: COLLEGE TRADITIONS By Phoebe Helms
Patricia B. Miller Special Projects Reporter In its nearly 40 years of operation, College Traditions has managed to keep up with current trends while still maintaining the tried-and-true essence of Buckeye spirit. Located at 286 W. Lane Ave., the memorabilia store has resided proudly across from the ’Shoe since 1984. Carrying an abundance of Ohio State attire, toys, flags and more, College Traditions has something for Buckeye fans of any age, from infant onesies to letterman-style jackets, store owner Kelly Dawes said.
Dawes said College Traditions recently brought in a clothing collection from Wrangler, a Southern-inspired apparel brand known for its wide selection of jeans and denim goods. While new products are always in circulation, she said jerseys and crop tops remain some of the store’s best sellers. Additionally, the store tries to make inclusivity a priority and sells sizes up to 5X, Dawes said. “We really try to do a good job as far as
being able to fit everyone,” Dawes said. College Traditions also plays a prominent role in the lives of students working there. Emma Martin, a third-year in animal sciences, is entering her second year of working for the store. “Growing up as a Buckeye, just always supporting the team is really cool,” Martin said. “And then being able to work at the store and hear everyone else’s stories. We get so many people from around the world just coming in here and supporting Buckeyes.” Martin said one item currently in high demand is the black Nike Ohio State hat football coach Ryan Day fre-
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quently sports on the sidelines, which she refers to as “the Ryan Day hat.” “I bought myself one as well,” Martin said. Despite certain items’ runaway popularity, Martin said the store is able to cater to everyone at the end of the day. “I don’t think there’s one particular thing that everyone gets just because we have so much stuff,” Martin said. “And I think they’re all cool.” For more information about College Traditions, visit its website or Lane Avenue location.
“It’s not just a store, we want it to be a Buckeye experience,” Dawes said. Upon arriving at the store, patrons will not only hear music from Ohio State’s marching band but also receive a greeting from life-sized Woody Hayes and Brutus statues. Dawes said College Traditions aims to pay homage to all things Ohio State. Since opening in 1984, Dawes has balanced evolving with the times while holding true to the store’s name, College Traditions. Expanding the store throughout the ‘90s as well as establishing an online presence have been some of the biggest changes made over the years, Dawes said. “It’s just a matter of keeping a pulse on what regular retail is doing and being able to bring that over to the collegiate market,” Dawes said. “We’re constantly learning, too, and trying to stay up with the fashion trends. And it’s evolving every day, you just have to kind of go with what’s going on.” Between leggings, joggers, crop tops and denim, Dawes said she’s seen the trend cycle ebb and flow countless times over the years. “When we first started, denim was really big, and then it completely stopped, and now we’re seeing denim coming back,” Dawes said.
CALEB BLAKE | PHOTO EDITOR
College Traditions, located on 286 W. Lane Ave., was voted best spiritwear shop in The Lantern’s 2023 “Best of OSU” polling.
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 | The Lantern | 5
BEST SHORT NORTH SPLURGE: FORNO KITCHEN AND BAR By Sydney Friedt Lantern Reporter When dining halls and fast-food joints start to get old, many Ohio State students seek out a more upscale eating experience; that is, they look to the Short North. Since it opened nine years ago, Forno Kitchen and Bar has become a favorite dinner-and-drink spot for Ohio State students, even winning this year’s “Best of OSU” accolade for best Short North splurge. Being an Italian-American restaurant, Forno fosters a chic, yet relaxed, atmosphere many college students look for when planning a night out, director of operations Brynli Scott said. Scott said Forno focuses on ensuring everyone has the best time they possibly can, namely that customers enjoy the restaurant’s atmosphere as much as they enjoy the food they are eating. “Our owner really wants it to always be upbeat, everybody having a good time, kind of like a party atmosphere,” Scott said. “It’s also still a nice restaurant that you can come in and sit down and have a meal with your friends or your family and actually enjoy yourself.” Forno’s employees aim to create a jovial atmosphere that keeps people coming back, Scott said. She said seeing workers sing and dance along to whatever song is playing is a common occurrence on the restaurant floor. Branden Weigel, Forno’s executive chef, said the staff’s lighthearted energy can be contagious at times. “Seeing a kitchen [that] is joking around cooking food, servers who are laughing and having a good time, I think it makes everybody’s experience better,” Weigel said. As one of Forno’s original staff members, Weigel said exhibiting adaptability is a fundamental component of working the job. “The kitchen is very fast-paced,” Wei-
gel said. “There’s not really any slow time. This helps create a place where you don’t really know what the day is gonna be like until you’re in it.” Forno’s menu also provides a multitude of inclusive options for diners with food-related limitations, Weigel said. Besides offering gluten-free dishes, he said the restaurant tries to be conscious of numerous food allergies, even those that typically fly under the radar.
“We make sure that in batches of sauces, we don’t put known allergens in them,” Weigel said. “If people come in with a garlic allergy, they can still have every single one of our pizzas, almost all our pastas and the rest of our dishes. We just keep everything kind of simple just so everybody can enjoy it.” No matter what cuisine students gravitate toward, Scott said Forno is an ideal venue to simply revel in a fun night out. “We give out free strawberry jello shots for your birthday, or honestly if you’re even celebrating anything,” Scott said. Scott said the jello shots — hollowed-out strawberries filled with strawberry-infused vodka and Grand Marnier, topped with whipped cream — are always a treat to hand out. “It’s always fun to come in and feel extra appreciated on those days,” Scott said. Scott said another component of Forno — and one that likely influences students’ positive attitudes toward the restaurant — is its happy hour. Occurring 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Scott said Forno’s happy hour renders a majority of the menu half off, including shared items, pizzas, specialty cocktails, wines by the glass and draft beers. Considering other Short North restaurants’ general price points, Scott said Forno’s happy hour enables patrons to order high-quality food and drinks at affordable prices.
ABBY FRICKE | MANAGING EDITOR FOR DESIGN
“We also have a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.,” Scott said. “We only serve pizzas at that time, but all bottles of wine and champagne are half off.” Weigel and Scott both said Forno’s ambience — created by customers and em-
ployees alike — is what truly makes it a favorite among college students. “You’re working with your friends,” Scott said. “That’s what helps us keep things so lively here, and I believe that’s what truly sets us apart.”
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We, the undersigned students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are just a a few of the open and proud lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals and allies at The Ohio State University. Individual & OSU College & Office Donors Alex Wenning Allison M Susor Alyssa Kerr Amy Barnes Andrea Severson Ann Rottersman Bernadette Vankeerbergen Bill Miller Blaine A. Dearth Brad Myers and Steve Rowlands Brian Orefice & Dan Doremus Bryan Straub Carlos Lugo Casey Henceroth, BS ‘00, MBA ‘18 Chip Wendell Chris Yates and Howie Embry Chrissy Gilbert Christian Bellman Cindy Clouner College of Arts and Sciences College of Engineering College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences College of Nursing College of Social Work Daniel M Clinchot & Jose G Diaz Danielle and Eric Fosler-Lussier David Bowers, PhD David Brakke and Bert Harrill David Jenkins & Bruce Carter Dean M. Hindenlang Denise Deschenes and Helene Roussi Denise Hall-Riffe Department of Athletics Derek David Mann Diana Lantz
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Scarlet and Gay: The OSU LGBTQ Alumni Society, has published the National Coming Out Day (NCOD) advertisement since 1990. Visit https://scarletandgay.alumni.osu.edu/ for more information or to get involved. With your help, Scarlet and Gay was able to surpass our goal of $30,000 and raised $32,870 for student scholarships! We are grateful for your generous contributions to our fundraiser. Thank you! Adam Adams-Grooms Karin Anderson Jennifer L. Anderson & Lisa Van Dyke Julia M. Applegate, MA Marc Arenberg Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP Amy Barnes
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 | The Lantern | 7
BEST ON-CAMPUS DINING: TRADITIONS AT SCOTT By Brooke Tacsar Lantern Reporter When it comes to Ohio State’s prized institutions, it seems one on-campus eatery resonates among students and Dining Services employees alike: Traditions at Scott. Home to 10 food stations, roughly 60 employees, 202 student workers and hundreds of hungry Buckeyes every day, Traditions at Scott has boomed in popularity since opening its doors in 2015. For the 2023-24 academic year, The Lantern’s readers voted Traditions at Scott the best on-campus dining location; even so, the actual prep work for just one day of dining remains a mystery to most. Abby Hertzfeld, associate director of operations for Ohio State’s Dining Services, said Traditions at Scott’s employees strive to create a home-kitchen atmosphere for visiting students. “It is not just a dining hall to [students], but a place they go to find nourishment and to relax,” Hertzfeld said. “We take that very seriously.” Hertzfeld said Traditions at Scott receives deliveries of roughly 75 pallets of food six days a week. She said such food is sold within 48 hours of receiving it. Beyond the dedication Scott workers put into their jobs, Hertzfeld said the logistics that go into prepping such large food quantities on a daily basis demand a coordinated and reliable team. Scott’s staff determines how much food to purchase and chefs’ necessary prep work, both based on students’ typical eating patterns, Hertzfeld said. “We provide prep lists for all of our line staff, and we are very diligent about tracking usage,” Hertzfeld said. “We set those prep lists to fit our needs based on historical data.” Traditions at Scott goes through 1,200 pounds of fresh fruit a day and 15,000 pounds of chicken every month, but suc-
cessfully delivering food from the fridge to a student’s plate — or to-go box — requires extreme efficiency, Hertzfeld said.
Payton Roland, a second-year in health information management and Scott employee, said the dining hall has allowed her to build friendships while still having a flexible work schedule. Originally a student cashier who handled the front door entrance and assisted with cleaning duties, Roland has since been promoted to the student assistant position, meaning she directly participates in the food preparation and employee training processes. Roland said the sheer number of students that pour into the dining hall daily can be overwhelming, but with a system as concise as Scott’s, she has never felt unsupported. “They have prepared us in that you have to stay calm and just do it as you can,” Roland said. “We have radios, and if you radio [the managers] and say, ‘Hey, we need help at the cashier’s stand,’ they are always like, ‘I’m on my way.’” Roland said she feels Traditions at Scott has been a work experience brimming with accommodation, inclusion initiatives and an environment of hardworking employees. One of those hardworking employees is assistant chef Chester Yannatone. Traditions at Scott’s “home station” has the most food options and consistently proves to be one of the more popular stops among students, Yannatone said. As a result, it typically requires the most prep work. “We are always grilling chicken,” Yannatone said. “There is usually one of us assistant chefs back there for a good portion of the day just marinating or grilling chicken because of the volume we go through.” With the level of cooking required in the culinary sector of Traditions at Scott, Yannatone said his goal as an assistant chef is ensuring work-
BROOKE TASCAR | LANTERN REPORTER
Traditions at Scott was voted as the top option for on-campus dining at Ohio State in The Lantern’s 2023 “Best of OSU” polling.
ers also receive a quality experience.
corporate executive chef Lesa Holford.
“One of the goals of being a chef is not necessarily being the best person that makes food, but who makes everyone around you to be their best,” Yannatone said.
“We get an idea of which direction we want to take, and then we figure out how we want to execute it,” Yannatone said.
Yannatone said every food station must be manned at all times to keep up with customers’ demands and guarantee the smoothest process possible. In addition to student cashiers handling the front end and chefs operating behind the scenes, Hertzfeld said Scott also has vendors who help clean, process and cut certain food items before delivery.
Yannatone said he feels honored Traditions at Scott was chosen as the best on-campus dining location, but none of it would be possible without his team. “Communication and camaraderie [are] necessary for the work to be done,” Yannatone said. “That is what’s necessary to be successful in any kitchen.”
“That is why we don’t overly change the menu,” Hertzfeld said. “It takes a lot of coordination and organization.”
Yannatone, Hertzfeld and Roland said the healthy collaboration showcased by Scott’s employees is ultimately what makes it the best on-campus dining location.
To ensure there are diverse culinary options for students, Yannatone said he and other chefs often have conversations with
“Our team has put a lot of labor and love into this location,” Hertzfeld said. “It takes a village to run a facility of this scope.”
8 | The Lantern | Thursday, October 19, 2023
BEST LIBRARY : THOMPSON LIBRARY By Rachael Forsythe Lantern Reporter Thompson Library is beloved by countless Ohio State students for its appealing layout and abundance of study areas — so much so that it was voted “best library” by Lantern readers this year. But contrary to what many imagine when they picture a library, the space has more to offer than just books. Roughly once a semester, Thompson displays a new exhibit in its gallery space that is free and open to the public, Ohio State art and design librarian Courtney Hunt said. Located on the first floor of the library, Hunt said the gallery aims to spread awareness about the deep research collections held by the university.
“Abject Object: Feminism, Art & the Academy” is the current exhibit on display, which encourages viewers to examine art through the lens of female objectification and “making a defiant act in the face of oppression,” according to its website. Contrary to what is listed online at the time of publication, Hunt — also the exhibit’s curator — said the closing date has been extended to March 3. Hunt said she chose to present “Abject Object” in Thompson’s gallery because of its emphasis on feminist art’s rich history, particularly throughout the 1980s. She said the exhibit’s purpose is to unite members of the community under one important, impactful movement.
Someone is Looking for You! There IS a superior intelligence “out there” – and a loving one too. Your Creator wants you to acknowledge Him, and come to know Him and His ways. Don’t be deceived by evolutionism. All creation screams of intelligent design! The odds alone of DNA evolving are virtually nil. Evolutionism is the only “science” that denies the law of degeneration (entropy). God alone is the origin of life, and the true God wants/needs no one to take away life for Him – beware the “god” that does! What is unique about the Bible? It is the only book with fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 46:9-10). Try (current situation) Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12; (reformation of Israel after nearly 1900 years) Isaiah 66:8, Jeremiah 16:14-15, Amos 9:9-15, Ezekiel 34:12-31, and Ezekiel 36; (suffering/crucifixion of Christ) Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53; (future situation) Zechariah 13:7 – 14:21; (timing of the 2nd Coming of Christ) Joel 3:1-2, 2Peter 3:8/Hosea 5:14 – 6:2. “No one knows the day or the hour!” you cry? The Word says: 1Thessalonians 5:1-6. “Too hard to read and understand” you say? Try the KJV/Amplified/Complete Jewish parallel bible (biblegateway.com). “It’s all in how you interpret it” you say? The Bible, despite numerous transcribers over hundreds of years, is remarkably consistent/coherent and interprets itself (2Peter 1:1621). Beware of modern, liberal translations from “the higher critics” which seriously distort the Word! Finally, if there is a God, why is there so much evil? We have rejected God, and now see what it is like to live in a world where God has permitted us (temporarily) to rule ourselves. Give up your lusts, and come to your Creator and follow His ways (Jude 1:18-25). All that this world has to offer is as nothing compared to what He has in store for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9, John 14:15). Isaiah 55:6-7!
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“The point of me doing this now is that I wanted to show how feminist ideas and influences had sort of impacted the arts here on campus, but also this through line to the contemporary moment we’re in,” Hunt said.
Featured works created by faculty, alumni and graduate students in “Abject Object” provide a modern-day insight into the feminist art movement in both overt and indirect manners, according to the exhibit’s website.
Annelise Duque, a second-year graduate student pursuing a master’s in art, has a photography triptych called “Cut, Crack, Chop” displayed in the exhibit. Duque said her specific piece delves into the “interior and exterior experiences” of being a woman of color.
With pieces from a wide array of artists — including Duque, Brianna Gluszak, Dionne Lee, Paloma Martinez-Cruz, Bryan Ortiz, Gina Osterloh and Carmen Winant — the exhibit aims to inspire a dialogue about the development and influence of feminism as a visual art, the website states.
“Through this work, I’m thinking about in-between spaces and dream logic and uncanny imagery that draws the viewer in,” Duque said. “And there’s a push and pull between the desire to look at the image and the feeling like it’s something being portrayed that you shouldn’t see.”
Duque said she hopes the exhibit challenges viewers’ conceptions of feminism as a movement.
The exhibit’s cases hold materials from University Archives, the Rare Books & Manuscripts Library and the Fine Arts Library, which Hunt said deal with the institutional history of feminist art on campus. She said there are also current, contemporary pieces crafted by faculty, alumni and graduate students, such as Duque’s photo series. “The takeaway I really want students and faculty to get from viewing is that this legacy has not gone away, but rather folks in art are still grappling with the idea of feminism and what that means today,” Hunt said. Duque said some featured works from the university’s archival collections were created by influential feminist theorists who have served as an inspiration to her as an artist. These historical pieces establish a connection between the past and present of feminist art, even if indirectly, she said. “Even though it’s a tangential connection, and it’s more like programs and posters and letters, it’s still really powerful that these women spoke at OSU or showed work in Columbus,” Duque said. “I think it’s really powerful that the work of alumni and current faculty are in conversation with those influential women.”
“I think that it’s easy to think about feminism as something that was necessary in the past,” Duque said. “I think a lot of people think that these topics and these theories are no longer necessary, and I think that promoting women’s voices and stories and experiences is really still very important to do.” Hunt agreed. “No matter how concretely we feel our views are expressed, the production of knowledge and ideas of feminist thought continue to evolve through the making of visual art, so the conversation continues to live,” Hunt said. In the grand scheme of art at Thompson, Duque said she thinks the gallery space is a beneficial component of the library that more students should visit. “It’s a very high-traffic area,” Duque said. “I think if a student wandered into the space or saw the space, and was introduced to a point of view or a way of thinking or something that changes their mind of how they look at the world, I think that is a really incredible opportunity for everyone.” “Abject Object” will be on view Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until March 3. More information about the exhibit and the Thompson Library Gallery in general can be found on the library’s website.
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 | The Lantern | 9
BEST PLACE FOR A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: MIRROR LAKE By Lucy Lawler Arts & Life Editor Brimming with aesthetic charm, Mirror Lake is especially alluring in photographers’ eyes; or rather, their lenses. Mirror Lake — dubbed the best place for a photo opportunity in The Lantern’s 2023 “Best of OSU” polling — has been a fixture of Ohio State’s campus since the late 1800s, according to The Ohio State University Foundation’s website. Though subsequent renovations have altered the iconic pond’s appearance over time, it is certainly not camera-shy. Mirror Lake’s consistently serene atmosphere is what makes it so photogenic, Dalal Mohammad, a third-year in psychology, said. Also an event coordinator for the Photography Enthusiast Society, a student organization that brings together casual and aspiring photographers for weekly photo sessions, Mohammad said Mirror Lake is appealing from virtually any angle. “Each angle is like a different story,” Mohammad said. “Even if you’re not a photographer, you will get a very nice picture of it.” Portrait photographer and Ohio State alum Emily Zeaman, who was an active member of the Photography Enthusiast Society from 2016 to 2020, said Mirror Lake serves as an irreplaceable sanctuary for the university’s student body. “If you were crossing campus, it’s just somewhere that you’d want to cross,” Zeaman said. “It kind of takes you away from school for a little bit.” Zeaman said Mirror Lake is one of her most requested shooting locations —second to only the ’Shoe — in her nearly six years of professionally photographing Ohio State graduates and couples. True to its name, Mirror Lake possesses a distinct ability to reflect light off of its surface, Zeaman said. She said photographing during sunrise or sunset not only enhances the landscape’s color palette but also ensures
CALEB BLAKE | PHOTO EDITOR
Dubbed the best place for a photo opportunity in The Lantern’s 2023 “Best of OSU” polling, Mirror Lake (above) is one of the most recognizable spots on Ohio State’s campus.
subjects are bathed in soft, flattering light. “Golden hour fect there,”
is
just picture-perZeaman said.
Zeaman said she encourages beginners to experiment with photographing Mirror Lake across all four seasons, as each one brings fresh visual elements to the table. Fall’s brassy leaves, winter’s pristine snow, spring’s budding flowers and summer’s rich foliage all make for captivating backgrounds in their own ways, Zeaman said. “Be open to shooting, whether it’s closeup nature shots, wide-angle landscapes, even just sitting there and taking pictures of people passing by,” Zeaman said. Another notable feature of Mirror Lake
is its fountain, which adds visual interest to almost any photo, Columbus-based portrait photographer Aaron Taylor said; this fountain, however, can impact photographers’ positioning while shooting. “One thing every photographer should do is look at the wind and see which way the wind is blowing because I have been sprayed by that fountain before not planning,” Taylor said. “So depending on where you’re standing, you got to make sure the wind is not blowing that water on you because that can be a little bit of a surprise.” Though Mirror Lake is generally crowded with students and visitors, Taylor — who also owns a local photography studio — said photographers can still snag a coveted solo shot if they cultivate the proper diligence.
“If you’re patient enough, and you frame your photo well enough, you can make it look like you were the only one there,” Taylor said. “But sometimes, you might have to ask someone to move a tiny bit to the left or right.” All in all, Mohammad said Mirror Lake is more than just a geographical landmark. Rather, it is a prime place for novice photographers to develop their passions and skill sets. “Think about what you like [to photograph],” Mohammad said. “See what you like, and then you will know. You will be great [at] anything you love.”
10 | The Lantern | Thursday, October 19, 2023
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BEST MALE ATHLETE: SAMMY SASSO By Lauryn Luderman Sports Editor A
“once-in-a-career
athlete.”
Those were the words Sammy Sasso’s high school wrestling coach Dave Crowell used to describe him. He knew this about Sasso before he became a two-time Big Ten Champion or four-time collegiate All-American. He knew Sasso would be a success after watching him step on the mat for the first time — a mat that became his second home. Sasso grew up in wrestling country, otherwise known as Nazareth, Pennsylvania, located on the east side of the state — the Lehigh Valley area. Crowell said here, wrestling is of incredible importance and the youth program that Sasso spent years in, the Valley Elementary Wrestling League, is well organized and competitive. Sasso stepped on the mat for the league at first chance until he reached high school and aged out of the program. “It’s interesting, Sammy, though he started wrestling young — he was probably in kindergarten or first grade when he started — he wasn’t even a starter on our youth team until fifth grade,” Crowell said. Crowell said he and Sasso got to know each other well — quickly — and on a deep level once he entered his program the summer before ninth grade. “He’d really gotten quite good by the time his eighth-grade year was over,” Crowell said. “And then you start to get into those deeper things about what kind of person you want to be [and] how you succeed.” Crowell said Sasso didn’t win every match his freshman year, 2014-15. Sasso was the “young guy on the block” and probably just wanted to “survive” in a strenuous wrestling world, he added. In 2015, Sasso won the USA Wrestling Cadet Freestyle Nationals at 132 pounds and was a finalist for the Cadet World Team Trials. The following year, Sasso
COURTESY OF OHIO STATE ATHLETICS
Senior wrestler Sammy Sasso was voted “Best Male Athlete” by Lantern readers.
was the 2016 Walsh Jesuit Ironman Champion in his weight class, the 138-pound winner in the Super 32 tournament as well as a Beast of the East Championship. It wasn’t his medals and 180-11 high school record that set him apart in Crowell’s eyes, though. Sasso’s leadership, character and who he is as a teammate make him different from other wrestlers Crowell has coached, Crowell said. “By the time he was a senior, he was very possibly the best leader I’ve had in 39 years of coaching,” Crowell said. “He developed into just one of those kids that could be once-in-a-career kind of a kid. Not just his accomplishments, but the way he did what he did. So it’s one thing being a good wrestler, but it’s another thing being a great teammate.”
gram,” Ryan said. “Crowell really helped guide me in the type of person that he is. And as soon as we met Sammy, and talked to his teammates, I realized that this is a guy that would be a great leader at Ohio State.” Sasso announced his commitment to the Buckeyes Oct. 22, 2017, via Twitter, now called X. During his freshman season, Sasso took a redshirt. Even then, Ryan said he was a vocal leader on the Ohio State team, so when his sophomore season rolled around, he stepped into a bigger role, both in leadership and on the mat. That year, Sasso went 9-0 in Big Ten duals, 12-3 against opponents ranked in the top 25 and entered the NCAA tournament as the third seed at 149 pounds, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
When it came time for Sasso to begin the college recruitment process, Crowell said he tried to stay on the sidelines and let him make his own decision. However, Crowell and Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan had been good friends since Ryan’s coaching days at Hofstra from 1995 to 2006.
In 2021, Sasso was the No. 1 seed going into the NCAA tournament but came up short against the University of North Carolina’s Austin O’Connor. Crowell said he doesn’t get to attend many of Sasso’s meets because of their conflicting wrestling schedules, but he was at that one.
“Sammy was a huge target for the pro-
Crowell
said
he
was
sitting
with
his own thoughts after experiencing Sasso’s “heartbreaking” loss when he felt a tap on his shoulder. “I get choked up now thinking about it,” Crowell said. “It was Sammy. He found his way up to my suite and he tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around, I was kind of shocked to see him, and we never said a word. We just hugged, and I had never seen him cry before.” In his four seasons as a Buckeye, five including his redshirt year when he went 19-2, Sasso qualified for the NCAA tournament four times, is a four-time All-American and holds a perfect 34-0 record in the Big Ten. Crowell said Sasso has “exceeded his expectations,” but Sasso told Crowell he has one more job to do: become a national champion. However, tragedy struck on the night of Aug. 18 when Sasso was shot in the abdomen by two teen suspects in Columbus’ university area. After police arrived on the scene, Sasso was rushed to The Ohio State Universi-
CONTINUES ON PAGE 11
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 | The Lantern | 11
BEST FEMALE ATHLETE: KAILYN DUDUKOVICH By Sophia Wohl Lantern Reporter An Ohio State junior forward is taking the university’s women’s soccer team by storm. Kailyn Dudukovich of West Chester, Ohio, arrived at Ohio State in the fall of 2021, where she has since made a name for herself. In her first year as a Buckeye, she claimed three accolades, including Third Team AllBig Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Dudukovich, who committed to Ohio State during her junior year at Lakota West High School, has played in 55 games, scored 24 goals and a combative 56 total points over her collegiate career thus far. This season, Dudukovich has notched 10 goals and four assists, breaking those records from her two previous seasons. She has helped lead her team to 8-2-5 on the season, following the Buckeyes’ 1-0 win over then-No. 12 Wisconsin Sunday. Dudukovich’s ability to succeed in athletics didn’t come from just anywhere, as she hails from a family well versed in sports. Both of Dudukovich’s parents played basketball at Butler University, and she said she views her parents as her athletic “motivators.” “They are who I look up to in the sports world and who I got my competitiveness from,” Dudukovich said. “Talking to them after games, kind of rolling things off of them, they kind of understood the grind.” With the continued support from her parents and past coaches — with special praise to Bobby Puppione, who coached her through the ages of 8 to 15 — she has been named part of the leadership council for the Ohio State women’s soccer team. With a history of experience and composure in tough situations, she has been able to stand as a mentor for those just beginning their collegiate careers. “Kailyn is able to strike a ball like no one’s business and holds the balls well and finds herself in really good spaces,” Ohio State head coach Lori Walker-Hock said after the team’s 2-1 win against Indiana Sept. 28.
SANDRA FU | LANTERN PHOTOGRAPHER
Junior Kailyn Dudukovich (21) dribbles the ball during Ohio State’s 6-0 win over Oakland at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium Aug. 31.
Aside from her leadership on the field, Dudukovich steps off the turf and lands cleats-first into an internship with Grange Insurance. Dudukovich said she has dreams of becoming drafted by the National Women’s Soccer League draft, which is not too far away. With one more year of eligibility left for the star forward, she has piled up
achievements for her team and herself. She entered the season in company of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, Academic All-Big Ten and Ohio State Scholar-Athlete, all of which were granted to her during the 2022-23 season. As a freshman, Dudukovich led the team in goals with seven and
hailed second in total points — 17. Dudukovich is nothing short of greatness. She has been a strong base for the women’s team to build upon after losing four graduate players from last season. She has put this team on her back and the only thing she’s looking forward to is the next challenge, she said.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
Sasso spent some time in an acute care unit, according to the GoFundMe. While in the hospital, Ryan said his teammates fluctuated in and out to visit him, and so did potential future Ohio State wrestlers.
Crowell, who visited Sasso last week, said he relies on crutches to move around as there is still severe nerve damage in his left leg. Sasso told Crowell that he could have a complete recovery, or he may never, but Crowell said, knowing him, he’ll “fight his way through it.”
ty Wexner Medical Center where he underwent emergency colon reconstruction surgery. The next morning, Sasso had a second surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his spine, however, it had already caused severe nerve damage, according to a GoFundMe started by his family. Ryan was sitting at a friend’s home for dinner when he got a text, then a call, from Ohio State executive associate athletic director Carey Hoyt that said, “Please call me right away.” “I remember that incident like I remember other tragedies not only in my life but in the history of my life,” Ryan said. “She said Sammy was shot, and it’s surreal. Right, it’s the unthinkable, and right away, I got some information on where he was and I left our friend’s and just went right to the hospital.” After three days in the intensive care unit,
Ryan said the wrestling program had several “really big” recruits come to town while Sasso was in the hospital, and he was adamant about spending time with them, which “captures his essence.” “He said to them before they were leaving, he said, ‘I got all cleaned up for this meeting. I couldn’t wait to meet you guys, and thank you,’” Ryan said. “He said, ‘I even shaved and did my hair for you guys.’” Forty-one days after the shooting, Sasso was discharged from the hospital and his first stop was none other than the Jennings Wrestling Facility, according to his X, formerly Twitter, post. Ryan said Sasso is in great spirits and attends practice frequently.
Sasso is currently unenrolled from the university according to Dan Wallenberg, wrestling’s sports information director, but told Ryan that he has every intention of returning to the mat in 202425 for his final year of eligibility, with hopes of winning the NCAA tournament. “There’ll be plenty of things in the record books that he will be remembered for, but there’s far more things not in the record books,” Ryan said. “His words of encouragement — sometimes challenging words of encouragement — I think he’s touched a lot of lives. I think that’s not measurable.”
12 | The Lantern | Thursday, October 19, 2023
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BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER: MARVIN HARRISON JR. By Jayla Vanhorn Asst. Sports Editor Ninety-one. This number perched near the name of junior wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., signifying his ranking among high school prospects in the nation. Still, he committed to Ohio State, even with the likelihood of limited playing time, due to a stacked wide receiver room. The pressure didn’t lessen having an NFL Hall of Famer as a father, Marvin Harrison. It was up to Harrison Jr. to write his own story. Now in his third year with the Buckeyes, Harrison Jr. has changed the narrative, from being ranked the No. 91 wide receiver in the nation to becoming Ohio State’s No. 1. But for now, Harrison Jr. is focused on becoming “the best” in his position. “My goal is to be the best receiver to ever play,” Harrison Jr. said in an interview with College GameDay. What may seem like a daunting objective for some is within reach for Harrison Jr., and readers of The Lantern have taken notice, as he was voted best football player on Ohio State’s roster by Lantern readers. The previous two recipients were C.J. Stroud and Chris Olave, both of whom currently play in the NFL. Harrison Jr. said it “means a lot” to be voted as the best Ohio State football player, especially since there’s a lot of “great” players on the team. “I think it’s just credit to first God and the rest is just all the hard work that I put in,” Harrison said. “ I’m very thankful for people who have voted for me. It’s just I
LILY HYNES | ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
Junior wide reciever Marvin Harrison Jr. celebrates a touchdown in Ohio State’s 37-17 win against Maryland Oct. 7.
gotta go out there and prove it each and every week. That’s all.” Harrison Jr. announced his commitment to Ohio State via a Twitter, now X, post on Oct. 31, 2019, and enrolled in courses just two years later, allowing him to take part in the Buckeyes’ spring training. Like many freshmen at Ohio State, Harrison Jr. didn’t receive much playing time. During the regular season, Harrison Jr. caught five receptions, with a season-long of 20 against Indiana on Oct. 23, 2021, in just three out of 12 regular season games. A three-game gap would occur before Harrison Jr. would sniff the field again. This time it would be on the biggest stage yet, the Rose Bowl, and with Olave and Wilson opting out to save their draft stock, it called for the next man up — Harrison Jr. He made his starting debut against No. 11 Utah and delivered a performance that left a lasting impression.
After not registering a touchdown all season, he caught three, including a 25yard pass in the second quarter to give the Buckeyes their first points of the game. The catch would be just one of six, as Harrison Jr. hauled in 71 yards, surpassing his total of the entire season and leading Ohio State to a 48-45 victory.
His father’s advice proved to be true.
Still, the receiver saw deficiencies in his game and phoned his father, Marvin Harrison, who was once the best at his position.
This season, Harrison Jr.’s hard efforts seemed to have paid off for him and his teammates, as Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) currently sits as the No. 3. team in the AP Top 25.
Harrison, an NFL Hall of Famer, played a 14-year career with the Indianapolis Colts. Harrison Jr. spoke with his father earlier that season after noticing weak points in his game, according to ESPN reporter Marty Smith. “I told him when you go to school, don’t follow the guy in front of you,” Harrison said in an interview with College GameDay. “The guy in front of you didn’t have me as his coach for 13 years. Do what I’ve been telling you to do and you’ll be fine.”
Harrison Jr. finished the season with 1,263 yards, 14 touchdowns and 77 receptions, and tallied 106 yards in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia before exiting the game after a concussion late in the third quarter.
The Buckeyes boast the best passing offense in the Big Ten, with arguably the best receiver. With each snap, Harrison Jr. climbs higher on the all-time Buckeye ladder, tying Olave for second in career 100-yard receiving games — 11 — against Purdue Saturday. While the “best player” can be up for debate, one thing is for certain — Harrison Jr. is the No. 1 wide receiver.