Marching 110 alumni brings ‘old school’ back
SOPHIA ROOKSBERY HUMAN INTEREST STAFF WRITER
Hundreds of former Ohio University Marching 110 members are currently counting down the days until Homecoming, an event intended to bring life-long Bobcats back to Athens for a weekend of throwbacks and traditions. One of these beloved annual practices within the Marching 110 is the inclusion of the alumni band in yearly Homecoming festivities and the reunion of a century-old family.
The 110 family includes a few blood-related families as well. Brothers Joel and Mike Voytek both played trombone for the band in the ‘90s and try to return for the Homecoming parade annually.
“It’s always good to see people year in, year out,” Joel Voytek said. “You usually get to see them maybe once or twice a year, so it’s always good to get back and connect and have a good time.”
The Voytek brothers have engaged in the traditions of the 110 since they were teenagers. The brothers attend ed high school in Conneaut, Ohio, where their father was the local band director and a huge believer in the style of the 110.
“He had former students in the 110 that came back to him very early on and said ‘Hey, there’s something special in here that we need to do,’” Mike Voytek said.
The traditions of the 110 influenced the brothers throughout high school and college, and now they return every year to march alongside Joel’s daughter, a current sophomore in the band.
“It’s cool to see everything through her eyes, everything we experienced 30 years ago that now she gets to go through,” Mike Voytek said. “I love talking to her and just hearing the crazy things she says about what happened in rehearsal.”
A fellow bandmate of Joel’s daughter is Ryan Bunyard, a senior studying music education and the current field commander of the 110. In this role, Bunyard is responsible for guiding new members of the band and leading the group throughout the year.
“I’m so appreciative to be in a group that holds themselves to such a high standard and that I have people I can rely on,” Bunyard said. “We love to put on a show for the crowd and it’s just amazing to be able to share that and share our unique style.”
These sentiments expressed for the band and the lessons it teaches
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“When we get together in that group, it’s that shared experience from people who graduated in 2022 to folks who graduated in 1969, we all share that experience and what it’s like to do that hard work with a group,” Bowie said.
One of the many beautiful aspects of this tradition is its longevity, resulting in generations of memories beginning with marching in the band and continuing throughout the years as an alum.
are shared by many alumni. Jennifer Bowie completed her undergraduate degree at OU in 1994 and was a member of the band’s flag section while attending school.
“The 110 really defined my out-ofclass experience at Ohio University,” Bowie said. “It’s where I made fantastic friends, it’s where I learned about leadership, it’s where I learned about having difficult conversations and doing hard work.”
The Voytek brothers believe the band inspired them throughout adulthood, with Joel Voytek citing “a
level of commitment and drive” that Mike Voytek believes draws alumni back to campus year after year.
“It’s that excellence, that drive, that brings everybody back,” Mike Voytek said. “You want to do it one more time yourself and you want to see what the band is doing now.”
The adrenaline rush of marching in the Homecoming Parade is something Bowie looks forward to every year, getting to experience the same excitement and energy from the crowd she remembers from her college years.
“I can remember alumni coming down when I was in the band,” Joel Voytek said. “I can remember how it felt for me to see people that were maybe the very first members in the band and it was always cool to see the past and mix it up with the present.”
The relationship between alumni and students is one of mutual adoration; the current members of the band enjoy interacting with former students as much as the alumni enjoy being on campus and seeing the new iterations of the 110.
“They were us,” Bunyard said. “They stood in the same spots that we stand in, they played the same music. A lot of them were under the same director, and if not, they still played the same instruments. It’s really interesting to see the similarities and also hear some of the differences.”
As a current senior just months away from entering the world as an OU alumnus, Bunyard looks forward to coming back to Athens for Homecoming Weekend and seeing the band continue to change and grow, a bright future many alumni contribute to.
One of these contributions is from a few select members who get to arrange pieces for the band to perform. Mike Voytek has been arranging music for the Homecoming half-time show for years, and his work will be featured this upcoming weekend.
“It’s really cool to get the opportunity to do that and still be a small part of what the band does,” he said. Bowie contributes to the future of the 110 by supporting a fundraising campaign for the band's permanent practice field. This show of support represents a strong sense of community and connection she hopes continues within the alumni network of the future.
“My hope for the future is that alumni continue to support and champion an even better future for the 110,” she said.
PHOTOS BY MEGAN VANVLACK, SKYLAR SEAVEY, AND EMMA REED
Local bars see an influx of fake IDs
Local bars in Athens, Ohio, are facing an influx of fake IDs among college students, as most are not of legal drinking age.
Dylan Marshall, a senior studying exercise physiology and manager at Pawpurr's Bar, said the minimum age to enter Pawpurr's is 21; however, the employees have no way to determine if an ID is fake and do not receive special training on spotting a fake ID.
Marshall also believes 90% of the IDs he sees are fake, but he cannot prove it.
“People want to drink,” Marshall said. “That’s all Athens has to offer. They do nothing else for the community of students other than basically force them to drink.”
Cullen Watson, a junior studying economics and international business and a bouncer at Pawpurr's Bar, said he assumes about 75% of people he lets into the bar are actually 21, but it’s hard to be sure if an ID is genuine.
However, Watson said most of the issues at the bar come from community members rather than students.
“Most of them are 21, but they either don’t have student IDs, which is the biggest issue … or they’ll come in before we start checking IDs,” Watson said.
On weekends like Homecoming and
(MIA PISHOTTI | ART DIRECTOR)
Halloween, Marshall said they have to watch the dynamic of people coming in because many people from out of town come to visit and cause problems.
Fake IDs are easy to obtain, costing about $25 per fake ID, according to Watson.
Ohio University Police Department Captain Tim Ryan said officers have
a wide range of discretion regarding the consequences of fake IDs, including warning the individual, issuing a citation, or making an arrest.
Possession of a fake ID is a misdemeanor of the third degree, punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, according to Ryan.
"OUPD took 53 reports involving fictitious identification cards, and 25
of those reports had criminal charges associated with them," Ryan wrote in an email.
Ryan said he thinks fake ID usage is not unique to OU. Having a fake ID is often associated with people under the age of 21, strongly correlating to college populations.
Marshall said there are certain things bars watch for on fake IDs that they must deny, such as the birthday being scratched off.
When business gets going, Watson said bars tend to get stricter with who they let in.
“You’ve gotta be selective when the lines down to the parking lot,” Watson said. “Turning down a few fake IDs because they look terrible and they’re obviously fake is not going to impact our sales.”
Marshall suggested lowering the drinking age back to 18 as a potential solution because people will continue to drink, no matter what the drinking age is.
Watson said most bars in Athens would not have much business if students weren't drinking.
“Most of the bars in Athens wouldn’t make a lot of business if there weren’t students drinking,” Watson said. “We are a college bar in a college town, and the college is predominantly underage students.”
Hotels reach capacity, raise prices for OU’s big weekends
Hotels in Athens are continuing to reach capacity and raise prices during Ohio University event weekends, such as Family Weekend and Homecoming.
OU offers information about resources visitors can use in anticipation of the large crowds in Athens during university-sponsored special event weekends.
“Whether you are visiting OHIO for the first time or returning to campus for a special Family Weekend, we offer information about numerous University and Athens-area resources that can help those traveling to campus to get to know OHIO and explore Athens – both before and during their visit,” Sam Pelham, a university spokesperson, wrote in an email.
The website for first-time visitors targets potential first students or those who may enroll in the future. It provides information on what to expect during a campus visit but little information on the surrounding local areas.
Meanwhile, OU’s Family Weekend website directs visitors to several websites that provide suggestions for lodging, long-term parking, places to eat and things to do both on campus and throughout the city.
The university seemingly has a good relationship with several hotels in the Athens area, including the Ohio University Inn and Conference Center, the Fairfield Inn and Suites and its sister hotel, the Hampton
Inn. The hotels can be found under the book lodging tab on OU’s Family Weekend website.
Justin Venrick is the guest services manager at the Fairfield and Suites, located at 924 E. State St., and said the hotel has a good relationship with the university.
“We do have a lot of students that stay here, waiting on apartments to be ready or if there's issues with dorms,” Venrick said. “We do have a good relationship with Ohio University, so sometimes we have student-athletes, things like that.”
Venrick said he sees the Fairfield Inn reach total capacity depending on what events are taking place in Athens, but sees the most during big weekends such as orientation and
sporting events.
Shannon West, the assistant general manager at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 11 E. Park Dr., said she advises people to directly call when booking because the hotel reserves rooms 50 weeks in advance.
West said the hotel reaches capacity almost every weekend, which is roughly 80 guest rooms.
Both West and Venrick said prices also rise during special event weekends based on availability and demand.
The hotel managers themselves have little to no control over this. Pricing is determined by higher-up administrators within the company.
“We like to offer things a little bit above and beyond on our special
big weekends,” Venrick said. “We do charcuterie boards, free drinks and different types of snacks, since guests are paying so much.”
A typical weekend at the Holiday Inn Express in Athens costs $131 to $149 a night, depending on the type of room and the number of guests. Comparatively, for OU Homecoming this year, a standard room costs about $632 for the weekend, including taxes and fees.
At the Fairfield Inn, a room that accommodates one adult costs about $468 for two nights during OU’s Homecoming weekend. On a regular weekend, the same room costs nearly $100 less, at $387.
Venrick said the busy season for the Fairfield Inn is a little different this year because OU typically has its Homecoming festivities in October, but the staff is preparing as usual.
“We are definitely up and up the ante, making sure all hands are on deck,” Venrick said. “What the plan is, from what I understand, we're just taking things one day at a time. We're just seeing if we have any last minute cancellations. We're just preparing as usual, nothing out of the ordinary.” Venrick also said the staff at the Fairfield Inn wants to ensure each guest walks away with a good experience, but also that they are patient with hotel staff.
“We're all trying to make sure everybody has a great stay and has a great time here in Athens,” Venrick said. “So just make sure you're patient. We understand things happen, but yeah, have a good time, be safe.”
@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU
TESSA SEARCY | FOR THE POST
PAIGE FISHER | FOR THE POST
Athens Central Hotel on Sept. 22, 2024 in Athens. (PEARL SPURLOCK | FOR THE POST)
Police Blotter: Woman arrested on felony warrants after vehicle pursuit
TAYLOR ORCUTT | FOR THE POST
19 Thurs____________________
Former employee harasses Little Italy staff
Deputies responded to Little Italy in The Plains on a harassment complaint Thursday, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the complainant, who said a former employee was harassing the staff, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A trespass complaint was served to the former employee, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
18 Wed Cattle Break
Deputies responded to The Plains for a report of cattle loose near a roadway Wednesday, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived at Lemaster Road and located the cattle. After returning the cattle to the pasture area, units returned to patrol, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
18 Wed
Albany man arrested on felony warrants
Deputies arrested a man on active warrants Wednesday, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. An Albany man was arrested on felony warrants for failure to appear in court, two counts of aggravated drug possession and criminal dam-
aging, according to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
The man will remain in the regional jail until he posts bond or is released by the Athens County Court of Common Pleas, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
17 Tues
Man arrested on protection order violation
Deputies responded to Glouster in reference to a possible dispute Tuesday, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival at Republic Avenue, deputies contacted the individuals and learned a protection order was in place, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The man violating the order was arrested and transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
16 Mon
Runaway on the roadway
Deputies responded to The Plains in reference to a runaway juvenile Monday, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arriving at East Third Street, deputies spoke with the parents. Deputies then located the juvenile walking state Route 682 in The Plains, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The juvenile was transported to his
residence and released to his parents, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
19 Mon
Modified muffler or gunshots?
Deputies patrolled The Plains area on a report of gunshot sounds Monday, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies determined the sounds were from a vehicle’s exhaust, not a gun. Deputies followed the sound into the City of Athens, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were unable to make contact with the vehicle and returned to patrol, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
14 Sat
Glouster man arrested for domestic violence
Units responded to Glouster for a report of a domestic dispute Sept. 14, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival, units spoke with both parties. A man from Glouster, was arrested for domestic violence, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The man was transported to the Southern Ohio Regional Jail without incident, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
14 Sat Athens woman
arrested after
vehicle pursuit
Deputies arrested a woman on active warrants after a vehicle pursuit Sept. 13, according to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.
A women in Athens, was located on state Route 685 in a black Jeep Liberty. Prior to locating the women, the Athens County Task Force obtained a search warrant for the Jeep as part of the ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in Athens County, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies signaled for the women to stop the vehicle, she failed to pull over and led deputies down back roads at speeds up to 70 mph, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The women continued to state Route 550, where she evaded an Athens City Police cruiser aiding the pursuit. After veering on Peach Ridge Road, Worstell ultimately lost control of the vehicle and struck a telephone pole. Both the suspect and deputies sustained injuries during the pursuit, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
After being medically cleared, the women was arrested on felony warrants and transported to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, according to the Sheriff’s Office and the jail’s inmate information.
@TAYLORORCUTT
TO708620@OHIO.EDU
CAMPUS EVENTS September 24th - October 18th
Social Engagement & Student Org Events
Tuesday, September 24
Comedy Show Ft. Luke Null hosted by UPC
7:00-8:30 pm Baker Ballroom
Thursday, September 26
Club Cycle
8:30 pm Ping Cycle Studio
Friday, September 27
Yell Like Hell Pep Rally hosted by SAB (bring your OU Spirit)
6:00 - 8:00 pm Scripps Ampitheater
Saturday, September 28
Homecoming Parade
10:00 am Uptown Athens
Wednesday, October 2
Flannels & Firepits
5:00-7:00 pm Live Music-Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Spice Lattes- Petting Zoo & S’Mores College Green
Friday, October 4
Friday’s LIVE Season 53 E012 hosted by Jalen Tolbert
8:00 pm
Studio C (RTV 515)
Saturday, October 5
The Gathering hosted by OU Magic the Gathering
10:00 amd -8:00 pm Ellis 103 & 106 all are welocome
Tuesday, October 8
Midnight Mysteries: Scary Stories in the Darkroom hosted by OU Camera Club
9:00 pm - 11:45 pm Seigfred Hall Darkroom
Thursday, October 10
Regular Discussion hosted by Brudge USA OU Chapter 6:00 -7:00 pm Gordy 302
Sunday, October 13
OU Quad Rugby: Battle the Blitz 10:00 am -5:00 pm Ping Recreation Center
Friday, October 18
Concert-Transient Canvas 8:00 -10:00 pm Glidden Recital Hall
Friday’s LIVE Season 53 E03 hosted by Mimi Calhoun
8:00 pm Studio C (RTV 515)
Bobcat Hockey
September 27 & 28
Kent State @ OHIO • 7:00 PM Bird Arena
October 4 & 5
OHIO @ Maryville • 8:15 PM & 5:15 PM
St. Louis, MO (follow on X for streaming link)
City of Athens, local businesses prepare for Homecoming
DREW HOFFMASTER | FOR THE POST
The City of Athens and local businesses are preparing for Ohio University’s Homecoming Week a week earlier this year.
OU Homecoming has been moved a week earlier this year than in previous years due to this year's football schedule.
Homecoming Weekend begins Monday and lasts through Saturday rather than the usual first week of October.
The decision to move the date of Homecoming was made in March. Jennifer Bowie, the associate vice president of alumni relations and annual giving and executive director of the OU Alumni Association, said in an email the decision was based on the Mid-American Conference football schedule.
The Alumni Association partnered with Intercollegiate Athletics, the Division of Student Affairs, Alden Library and multiple colleges to plan Homecoming and offer current and former Bobcats a plethora of activities.
“We offer a wide variety of programming for Homecoming week,” Bowie wrote. “From Paint the Town Green to the Bobcat Quest, Parade Live Stream, and Bobcat Family Tent, there's something for everyone leading up to Saturday's Homecoming Bobcat Football contest.”
The Ohio University Police Department is typically busy during Homecoming weekend. OUPD
Captain Tim Ryan wrote in an email that while OUPD does not bring in outside agencies specifically for Homecoming, they ask outside agencies for assistance at home football games.
The Athens Police Department and OUPD set up
a temporary booking facility to use in the event of mass arrests for major events like Halloween or the larger street fests, but Homecoming does not necessitate that level of preparation, Ryan said.
Brenen’s Coffee Cafe has been a staple in the Athens community since 2000. Josh and Jessica Thomas, two OU alumni, own the cafe and have experienced their fair share of Homecomings.
“It’s fun,” Josh said. “You see a lot of alumni that come back … For my wife and I personally, we've actually worked here since 1997 … so you're talking 27 years we've been here. It's fun to see people come back that we know that were probably here 20 years ago, and they still remember us.”
Josh Thomas said they begin preparing food, drinks, and cold brew a couple of days ahead of time to prepare for homecoming, the cafe’s busiest weekend in the fall.
“We try to get all that done as much as we can those couple days beforehand,” Josh Thomas said. “Homecoming, such a busy weekend, we try to keep it simple. We don't want to try to do too much.”
With Homecoming earlier this year, Brenen’s Coffee Cafe has experienced a quicker turnaround time from Family Weekend, another one of the cafe’s busiest weekends, which took place Sept. 13-15.
“We got this one
weekend in between, so that's kept us a little bit busier.” Josh Thomas said. “In past, we might have had two or three weeks in between, so it’s a little easier to prep, but we'll get it done. We're used to it.”
HangOverEasy, a diner on Court Street, also experiences Homecoming as one of their busiest weekends.
Matt Ayers, a general manager at HangOverEasy, said in order to be ready for Homecoming, the diner tries to have extra staff on shift and has them arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to prepare the restaurant.
“(We are) just making sure that the staff doesn't get overwhelmed,” Ayers said. “That's inevitable in some regards, but also some of our staff is fairly new. It's going to be their first homecoming, and (we) just make sure we've got proper training and all the tools that they need.”
Ayers said that during Homecoming Weekend, HangOverEasy always has a line going out the door, but it is always a fun weekend.
“(Homecoming Weekend) can be really fun as long as things don't get too out of hand,” Ayers said. “Of course, you're gonna have those customers that have a little too much to drink before they come in, but we have regulations in place to just make sure nobody's ever served things like that.”
Bowie said it is a fun challenge to try to honor OU’s Homecoming traditions every year while finding interesting ways to connect with all generations of OU students.
Bowie said that as a member of the Alumni Band, the feeling of marching up Court Street is like no other.
“It's so much fun to see the community — students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends — line the streets of Athens to celebrate the Bobcat spirit,” Bowie said.
Cierra
Local bars prep for hectic Homecoming Weekend
DAPHNE GRAETER
MAGGIE ALLWEIN FOR THE POST
Homecoming Weekend at Ohio University lures an influx of exhilarated crowds, bringing together proud Bobcats from all over. Alumni, current students and faculty will gather in Athens to celebrate their home away from home in a week-long extravaganza from Monday to Saturday.
With the highly-anticipated weekend being just around the corner and the crowds heading to Court Street to celebrate OU, bars on campus are preparing to handle the increase in visitors and business.
Courtside Pizza, located at 85 N. Court St., is both a restaurant and bar, a combination that attracts a large crowd of college students nightly. Serving pizza until 2:30 am, Courtside has a patio with a total of 15 flat-screen TVs to keep
bar attendees entertained all night long.
Elliot Auxter, a senior studying marketing, began working at Courtside six months ago as a kitchen staff member. Auxter said he has worked some of Courtside’s busiest weekends.
“There’s a lot more people on staff each day,” Auxter said. “We have to make extra sauces, extra dough, basically inventory.”
Auxter spoke about the early hours of work as Courtside’s first shift starts at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday of Homecoming weekend.
“It’s brutal to work it, to be honest,” Auxter said. “But really, the pay is good.”
The brutality comes with excitement, however, as Auxter describes an almost electric atmosphere that comes from the community coming together.
“I mean there definitely is just a vibe; it’s in the air,” Auxter said. “Court Street’s always popping.”
Bob’s Bar, a new bar at 5 Mill St. that recently opened in January 2024, is prepared for its first Homecoming with drink deals and an increase in staff.
Emma Ryder, a senior studying graphic design, is a bartender at Bob’s and has been working there since it first opened. With it being the business’s
first Homecoming, the bar isn’t sure what to anticipate in regard to crowds.
“We’re not entirely sure yet, because, again, it is our first, but we definitely have everybody on the schedule,” Ryder said. “We’ve got everyone working at least once this weekend.”
Ryder explained although the bar isn’t fully staffed at the moment, she is hoping that with the added patronage on Court Street during Homecoming, there will be added bonuses in pay and tips.
Ryder added with increased Homecoming excitement and festivities, Bob’s is offering deals for shots, or shooters for bar attendees.
“So we do have a new list of shooters, which I feel like we haven’t been promoting probably as good as we should, but we have a new list of shooters that are delicious,” Ryder said.
Ryder included the shooters will be priced around $4-5. According to their Instagram, two of their available “Bob’s Bar Shooters” are a Mill Street Punch, which has Captain Morgan, Watermelon Pucker and pineapple juice, and a Tequila on the Bricks, made with Don Julio Reposado, lemonade, lime juice and tajin.
Red Brick Tavern, located at 14 N Court St., will close at 2 a.m. on Friday night, but will reopen at the early hour of 6 a.m., said Red Brick and Pawpurrs events planner Mark Harris.
“Most bars, including us, usually do some kind of early breakfast type thing,” Harris said. “Kegs and Eggs is
the thing that we do. We usually stay open until (2 a.m.).”
Red Brick will host two live performances in its basement for Homecoming weekend Friday. Men the Broken is set to perform at 10 p.m. and local singer-songwriter Emaline Duquette will perform at 11 p.m.
“Homecoming is a big weekend for all businesses in Athens, especially uptown, and especially the bars,” Harris said in an email. “We see big crowds in the evenings, not unlike other busy weekends. The big difference from most weekends is the morning and early afternoons having significantly more business.”
North End Kitchen and Bar, located at 77 N Court St., has brunch specials on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Some of their menu items for breakfast options are avocado toast, North End brunch burritos and breakfast bagels.
Although Homecoming weekend fun brings immense crowds of Bobcats who are all excitedly anxious to be back on the bricks, it’s important to consider that fellow Bobcats are working hard behind the counters to ensure customers have a safe and fun night
“I definitely would say be nice to your bartenders,” Ryder said. “Tip your bartenders.”
OU paints the town green for Homecoming
ELIZABETH TALAGA SLOT EDITOR
Ohio University’s Homecoming festivities officially kick off this week. Paint the Town Green is an event that challenges OU departments and residence halls to compete against each other in a showcase of Bobcat pride.
Throughout the competition, departments and residence halls will decorate their offices and spaces with decorations that encapsulate the spirit of OU.
Although Paint the Town Green is not new to OU, the event is making a comeback this year after falling to the sidelines in previous years. Hannah Protsik, assistant director of student-alumni engagement and philanthropy education, is passionate about bringing the event back this year.
“So this year, we really wanted to bring it back to the Ohio University community,” Protsik said. “In past years it involved businesses, but since we’re restarting it we focused mainly on departments and residence halls.”
Departments will be competing against each other and residence halls will be competing against each other. Protsik worked with University Communications and Marketing to get the word out about the event to faculty throughout the university and
has seen a lot of participation so far.
“I would encourage departments and residence halls to get involved to kind of teach students about what homecoming is,” Protsik said. “Get them excited for the celebration and then help them feel like they are taking part in homecoming.
Departments and residence halls will compete for three awards. The Bobcat Pride Award goes to the group that best showcases the spirit and traditions of OU through its decorations. The most creative use of green and white honor will be awarded to the group that has the best creative display of OU’s colors. The Rufus Spirit Award will be given to the department or residence hall that best incorporates Rufus, OU’s mascot, into its display.
Char Miller, the executive director of the school of nursing, said Homecoming has always been a big deal for the School of Nursing. The school is pulling out all the stops this year.
“We are featuring our Rufus dressed in the School of Nursing uniform,” Miller said. “We like to do a throwback to the bricks … So this year we have a little brick wall with some silhouettes of the iconic buildings around OU, and all of the faculty and staff names are featured on the
bricks.”
Judging for the competition will take place Sept. 25.
“That’s the kickoff Homecoming activity,” Protsik said. “So get in the Homecoming spirit a little bit early, and get the campus involved in it as much as possible.”
@SOPHIAROOKS_ SR320421@OHIO.EDU
Protsik graduated from OU in 2022 and in 2024. She said Homecoming is a special time for alumni.
“I always think of Homecoming as Bobcats coming together,” Protsik said. “No matter how many years it has been since I graduated, there’s always that excitement and that passion that surrounds Homecoming.”
Miller said school spirit is a big part of Homecoming week and loves the connections Paint the Town Green fosters across campus.
“It’s team building for our faculty and staff and our students love it,” Miller said.
Scott Bye, assistant dean of students and director of the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility, said events like Paint the Town Green are what the department is about.
“Part of the mission of Community Standards & Student Responsibility is to create meaningful opportunities for students to learn what it means to be a member of the Ohio University community,” Bye said via email. “Participating in Paint the Town Green helps Community Standards advance this mission and is one the ways we engage in the Ohio community throughout the year.”
Paint the Town Green encourages creative displays of things that make OU so special, and the event embodies the true spirit of Homecoming.
“I think as a student, it’s really powerful to see just how much OU can mean to different people,” Protsik said.
A sign outside of a shop on Court Street in Athens, Sept. 23, 2024. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)
Court Street in Athens, Sept. 9, 2024. (JORI HUSTED | FOR THE POST)
Bobcat Quest invites alumni to revisit campus
DISHA HOQUE
ASST. HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
As Homecoming week draws nearer and Ohio University prepares for the influx of alumni and families, the Alumni Association prepared for its first Bobcat Quest event, a campus-wide activity for visitors and students.
Bobcat Quest allows participants to visit both nostalgic and new campus and Court Street locations including Paw Print Park, Bobcat Benches and the Alumni Gateway, with the chance of winning a prize at the end.
The activity includes a checklist of campus and Athens spots, including Peden Stadium, Pawprint Park and Donkey Coffee, where participants can snap a picture of themselves enjoying the space. After taking five photos at five different highlighted locations, teams and individuals can enter to win an Ohio prize pack.
The Bobcat Quest offers another option, catered to show off Athens’ nightlife for those 21 and over, Bobcat Quest: After Dark. The evening option features popular local spots such as Sidebar, Jackie O’s, Tony’s Tavern and Casa Nueva.
Chloe Kantowicz, the alumni en-
gagement coordinator for the Alumni Association, led the collaborations and partnerships with small businesses for the event. The chosen check-in spots for the quest are all strategically chosen, according to Kantowicz.
“We wanted to include mostly iconic Athens businesses and spots on campus that either old alumni are going to show their family or new alumni can explore,” she said.
According to Kantowicz, around 50 people registered for the event so far, with the link still being open.
The association’s goal is to be exciting for everyone, regardless of age or relation to the university.
“Bobcat Quest (is) a way to get current students involved, alumni from all ages as well as community members,” Hannah Protsik, the assistant director of student alumni engagement and philanthropy education for the Alumni Association, said.
In partnership with the Alumni Association, Tony’s is bringing back the signature mint chocolate chip-flavored, “Forever Bobcat” shot.
Along with the highlighted shot, Chandra LaPorte, the manager of Tony’s, is also getting ready for the influx of customers on Homecoming Weekend.
“(We are) stocking up on everything, and I have a lot of staff scheduled so that we can be prepared for everyone,” LaPorte said.
Konneker Alumni Center, another check-in spot on the adventure, will have free swag for participants including stickers and buttons.
Bobcat Quest is a self-paced activity meant to fill in downtime between other Homecoming activities, according to Protsik. Participants can visit their stops anytime throughout Homecoming week.
“I think (Bobcat Quest) is a really great add-on to what people are already doing,” Protsik said. “They could really make an afternoon of getting all of these quest stops. This is also something that could be easily integrated into their existing Homecoming plans.”
Participating in the activity is free, aside from purchasing from restaurants and establishments. Registration for the BobcatQuest is on the website, and participants can enter in teams of up to six.
Protsik is a fellow Ohio University alumna and holds insights on the purpose of the quest.
In the same vein of holding events for Bobcats of all ages, the Alumni Association is also organizing the Bobcat Family Tent, an all-inclusive and family-focused alternative to tailgating. The event will feature stilt walkers, face painters, caricatures and balloon artists, according to Kantowicz. The event is $15 for ages 10 and up and free for ages 9 and under.
“Homecoming is always a really fun and exciting weekend, but it can be really busy,” Protsik said. “We know that people love to walk around the campus and see what’s new, what’s changed. We really wanted to capture that element of Homecoming, people just walking around campus and exploring new and old places.”
@DISHAHOQUE05 DH390522@OHIO.EDU
“As an alum, I always love coming back to campus, and I just love the area around it,” she said. “Whenever my friends and I are on campus, we love to go check out our old stomping grounds. I’m hoping that when alums are on their Bobcat quest, they’re able to rediscover old places and find the new places on campus and just celebrate all the memories that are on the Athens bricks.”
OU Dance Team shows school spirit through movement
SOPHIA ANNESS ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
At football games, the Ohio University Dance Team can be spotted on the field during time outs and on the sidelines performing to the Marching 110’s music and various recognizable tracks. However, the team works year-round to put on many more performances.
The organization holds auditions for the fall Game Day team in April, before the end of the previous school year. Holding auditions early gives the dancers time to learn the sideline routines before the football games begin.
Kendall Lilley, a senior studying marketing and business analytics, grew up dancing at Ultimate Dance Complex in Pittsburgh. After graduating from high school, she tried out for the dance team in hopes to continue dancing.
“I didn’t want to be a dance major because I didn’t see myself fully owning a studio or trying to be a part of a company,” Lilley said. “I still wanted to do something that was fun and a good way to meet friends, and I thought that the dance team would be the best way to do so.”
Lilley is the senior captain of the OU Dance Team. She described the audition process for the Game Day team, the group dancing on the sidelines for football games.
“In the past, we have done our fight song,” Lilley said. “This past year, we decided to teach a small clip of our pom routine from nationals.”
Once the dancers are placed on the
team, they waste no time beginning to learn routines. The “ditties,” or routines, are sent over the summer for the team members to begin learning. Once the school year starts, the team comes together to go through the ditties more in-depth.
Sydney Dadosky, a junior studying visual communication, from Milford, Ohio, is the junior captain of the dance team. Dancing has always been a huge part of her life in her hometown.
“(Dance) was a social hour for me,” Dadosky said. “It also gave me some-
“We do things called ‘ditties,’ which are the little dances we do on the sideline,” Lilley said. “Those are just two to three eight-count combinations that we repeat and can go to any song. They have funny names that help you remember them.”
The dance team practices from 6-7:30 a.m., five days a week, because the practice space in Ping is difficult to reserve. It spends practices preparing for sideline performances.
thing to do to get up and get moving. So I was like, ‘I don’t think I want to give that up.’ So that’s when I looked into the dance team.”
The social aspect of the dance team was a big draw for many members, according to Dadosky and Lilley. It allows participants to engage in an activity they already enjoy while also exemplifying school spirit to the whole university.
The dance team plays a large role
in school spirit during Homecoming as well. Besides dancing at the football game, the dance team will also be performing in the Yell Like Hell Pep Rally and the Homecoming parade.
Other than dancing at football games, the OU Dance Team focuses on its competition season. The team participates in two competitions a year.
The team attends the Union College Classic National Competition in Orlando and they also compete in a virtual competition before that to get feedback on their routines.
At the competition in April, the team competed with a pom routine and a jazz routine. In Orlando, it won second place in the pom division and ninth in jazz.
Grace Vance, a sophomore studying exercise physiology, only danced on the competition team her freshman year. However, her time on the competition team swayed her decision to try out for the Game Day team.
“I just loved it so much,” Vance said. “I love being a part of the team and game days are so much fun. With competition, there’s kind of a lot of pressure around it, obviously.”
The team is a very tight-knit group and is very involved in the university.
“I was a little bit shy my freshman year,” Dadosky said. “But just being with the same people, and everyone’s super supportive and super kind on the dance team, so that allowed me to also grow.”
An Ohio University Dance Team member marching in the Homecoming Parade in Athens, Ohio, on Oct. 7, 2023. (EMMA REED | FOR THE POST)
What to know for Ohio’s Homecoming game against Akron
CHARLIE FADEL | SPORTS STAFF WRITER
Ohio (2-2) returns to Athens to start Mid-American Conference play against in-state opponent Akron (1-3). The Bobcats are coming off a tough loss against Kentucky this past Saturday and will need to bounce back in a big way for the start of MAC play and Homecoming.
Ohio’s recent Homecoming history is slightly underwhelming for the football program, with a record of 6-6 in total homecoming games since 2011. The Bobcats have faced some mediocrity, but this week against Akron provides a good chance for them to get the recent Homecoming and season record above .500.
Before the years of homecoming mediocrity, the Bobcats seemed to thrive off the big game and traditions that go along with it, having a 9-2 record in Homecoming contests from 2000-2010.
Ohio coach Tim Albin has a record of 2-1 on Homecoming as a head coach with two straight wins. His first win came in 2022 against the same school that Ohio faces this year: Akron.
His second win came last year against Kent State, a game that got ugly for Ohio’s opponent by the final
quarter. Kent State lost by a score of 42-17 after former Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Ohio has a good chance at a third consecutive Homecoming victory under Albin, with Akron coming off a brutal 50-7 loss against South Carolina this past week.
The festivities of Homecoming make for an exciting week in Athens both for the football team and the community. Albin and the Bobcats will look to make Saturday’s game an extra festivity with a big win against the Zips.
AKRON NOTES
In 2023, Akron had a year to forget. The Zips went 2-10 on the season with its only wins coming against an FCS team in Morgan State -- a game that was won by just three points against its rival, Kent State, who finished the year with an even worse record of 1-11.
The Zips had an awful season, and the 2024 season currently looks like it might be more of the same in Akron. The team is currently at 1-3 with its only win coming against an FCS school, Colgate, by a score of 31-20.
The three losses have all been against Power 4 programs. Akron’s first lost started with a 52-6 blowout in Week One against Ohio State, then a 49-17 loss against Rutgers and most recently the aforementioned 50-6 defeat in Columbia against South Carolina.
The Zips will look for their first FBS win of the season against Ohio this week, and they will look to get big performances from quarterback Ben Finley and wide receiver Adrian Norton to pull it off.
Finley this season has thrown for 659 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. Norton has been the top target for Finley, going for 236 yards and three touchdowns. A good chunk of those stats came
in Akron’s game against Colgate, though, with Finley throwing for 358 yards and four touchdowns while Norton hauled in five catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.
The defense will need to keep an average Ohio offense up to this point in check, which may be tough as opposing teams have averaged 42.75 points per game against Akron this season.
Overall, this Akron team has not shown much improvement from last season just yet, and unless improvement comes against Ohio, the Bobcats will have a good shot at their third straight win on homecoming.
Behind the scenes of the Homecoming game
LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
Homecoming itself is a week-long celebration full of events for staff, students, faculty, alumni and everyone in between, all pertaining to the celebration of Ohio University. The Homecoming game between Ohio (22) and Akron (1-3) is the pinnacle of the week’s events.
With such a large event comes tons of anticipation, challenging Ohio’s marketing, fan engagement and event planning staff to plan extensively.
“It’s really about balancing highlighting the distinguished and notable alumni we have with some of our in-game elements,” Ohio Associate Athletic Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement Tim Doyle said. “It’s just trying to blend those things together as much as we can, so that people pay attention and have a reason to Homecoming.”
Ohio recognizes that the balancing act requires not only recognizing its alumni that will be in attendance, but giving them a memorable and nostalgic experience. That nostalgia, though, also requires balance, in an attempt not to overwhelm its fans.
“For that nostalgia factor, how do we reach back and create that schedule of events for people?” Doyle said. It is of the utmost importance to give fans and alumni more than
enough time to attend scheduled events and go off schedule before ever stepping into the stadium. Once in the stadium, however, the job doesn’t stop. One of those potential engagement opportunities starts early, with Rufus Bobcat delivering the game ball.
“We’re trying to have a game ball delivery with Rufus coming in in a special way,” Doyle said. “Still trying to get a few permissions on exactly how, but I think that will be exciting and be different than the motorcycle.”
Doyle also clarified that Rufus will enter the game on the motorcycle, but keeping things fresh and exciting along with the inherent nostalgia Homecoming offers is another part of the complex balancing act. While maintaining distinctiveness, part of keeping things fresh is keeping things simple.
“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Doyle said. “We can look and see what other schools have done or do, but then we can try and take that and make it distinctly Ohio and apply that to our events.”
Ohio will look back to last year, which it saw as a success, to find what works, what needs improvement and what to build on.
“Last year’s Homecoming was a huge success,” Doyle said. “Based on our scans it was one of the larger crowds we’ve had, so really just looking to continue that. But then with that, how do we make sure our backend operations can support those growing crowds?”
Ohio’s brand continues to grow and makes sure Athens has the infrastructure to support the fans it looks to bring in. The imminent completion of the new boutique hotel, The Lostro on the corner of Court
and
Union Street will help with this, and allow Ohio to continue to strive for more ambitious goals.
“(We’re) trying to incorporate some of those larger elements that people love about college game days,” Doyle said. “For Homecoming or West Virginia next year, why can’t we look to get a flyover done? That can be something fun and unique and make it special for those larger games.”
Street
Parker Navarro (13) high-fives Bobcat fans after scoring an Ohio University touchdown against Southern Alabama at Peden Stadium in Athens, Sept. 7, 2024.
(JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)
Davion Weatherspoon (51) celebrates a touchdown during Ohio University’s game against Southern Alabama at Peden Stadium in Athens, Sept. 7, 2024.
(JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)
There’s no Homecoming without football
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR LOGAN ADAMS | SPORTS EDITOR
It’s impossible to have Homecoming without football, and, inversely, it’s impossible to have football without Homecoming.
The University of Missouri was credited with hosting the first Homecoming in the early 1910s when it invited a slew of alumni to attend its football game against Kansas, although several other schools claim to have pioneered the event. The event was so popular that it rapidly spread to colleges and high schools nationwide.
Although the first recognized game was the 1911 matchup between Missouri and Kansas, Baylor and Illinois claim to have hosted the first intercollegiate Homecoming football game in prior years. Both teams have long standing Homecoming traditions but claim that their first Homecoming football game took place before the celebration had annual continuity.
Homecoming has since evolved far beyond just football. Now, Homecoming is a weekend-long tradition that celebrates every facet of any given university, far beyond just athletics. Nevertheless, the fact stands – you can’t have a Homecoming weekend without Homecoming football.
Ohio will take on Akron this weekend for its annual Homecoming game, a game that is always circled for Ohio coach Tim Albin and his team. The atmosphere that Homecoming creates at Peden Stadium can’t be beat.
Not only does the Homecoming game bring big crowds into the games, but Ohio also has the opportunity to invite several football alumni to return and see the new team. The affect of having former players on the sidelines during the game can’t be overstated for the program.
Coming off of a loss at Kentucky, Ohio will look to benefit from not only the environment but also from the presence of alumni.
The abundance of history and fanfare that comes with Homecoming represents the unity that sports brings every week.
Homecoming is an opportunity for former students to come together and celebrate. There’s nothing better than a football game to bring people together and give everyone something to rally around.
The Homecoming game is usually as close to a sellout as Peden Stadium has gotten over the last few years. Thousands will flock to the stands to cheer on Ohio as they look to get a win. Historically, Ohio has delivered on Homecoming.
Probably due to the excess energy and crowd noise, Ohio has played well on Homecoming recently. Last year against Kent State, Ohio delivered a 42-17 victory which was the most points Ohio scored all season.
The Homecoming experience encompassing football doesn’t just pertain to the players. For some fans at Ohio University, the most anticipated event of Homecoming Saturday is getting to watch the alumni band play alongside the iconic Marching 110.
The musical act is the premier feature of Ohio’s Homecoming halftime show, drawing in fans specifically
for the event and giving even the non-football fans a reason to participate in Homecoming Saturday.
The show features the biggest and loudest musical display Ohio offers throughout its football season, with a very intentionally curated setlist to hit a nostalgic note with alumni and current students alike.
Ultimately, Homecoming football is so integral that, whether it's the
Homecoming Parade or the several events hosted by the different colleges that make up the university, it all leads up in anticipation of the 3:30 p.m. clash at Peden Stadium.
Quinton Maxwell, runs a touchdown during Ohio University’s homecoming game against Bowling Green on October 20, 2018. (KELSEY BOEING | FOR THE POST)
Photo provided via The Post archives
Ohio redshirt sophomore, Sieh Bangura, 5, runs into the endzone for a touchdown against Kent State at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2023. (JACK TATHAM | FOR THE POST)
Athens will always be home for Parker Titsworth
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
Parker Titsworth had a less-thannormal career before coming to Ohio. The Wexford, Pennsylvania, native didn’t have an offer coming out of North Allegheny High School and found himself at Ohio with only a preferred walk-on spot.
“One day (Coach Albin) gave me a call, and he said, ‘You’re built like a center but you move like a running back,’ and then he offered me a preferred walk-on spot,” Titsworth said.
That call from Ohio coach Tim Albin changed the trajectory of Titsworth’s career. The 6-foot-1inch center only played about four total games in high school after an injury-riddled career but still found himself on a Division 1 FBS roster.
Since that call with Albin, Titsworth has become a pivotal part of the Ohio offense for the past two seasons. In 2024, Titsworth plays the role of team captain on an offensive line that has been nothing short of dominant to start the season.
Titsworth enters his sixth and final season with Ohio in 2024, making him the longest-tenured player on the roster. To stay with a program for six years is rare in today’s college football landscape, but Titsworth has loved every minute of being in Athens.
“The relationships that I’ve formed; it's something that can’t be broken,” Titsworth said. “I love all the coaches on staff, and everyone wearing a uniform is basically my brother. You don’t get that at every other school.”
Several different moments stand out to Titsworth over his six years with Ohio, but one will always stand out above the rest – the day he got a surprise scholarship.
“I’ll always remember the phone call I had to my parents afterward; I could never be more thankful to Coach Albin and the staff,” Titsworth said.
Titsworth remembers the exact
day – August 24, 2021. It was the last week of camp, and Titsworth had just finished a long day of practice in the heat of the summer; he just wanted to go home and shower when the whistle blew at practice's end.
“I was just ready to get out of there, it was a hot day; I lost like 14 pounds at practice that day,” Titsworth said. “I was so dehydrated that (when I got called up) I was crying, but no tears came out, so it was just an ugly cry … It was great to just celebrate with my teammates and call my parents.”
Titsworth’s time making memories in Athens isn’t over quite yet.
The center has at least eight more games to play in an Ohio uniform, at least four of which will come on the team's home turf at Peden Stadium.
The first of those final eight games will be this weekend against Akron
for Homecoming.
The Homecoming football game has come to mean something different to Titsworth compared to his first year with Ohio. The main difference now is that Titsworth can consider Athens his home too.
Titsworth’s hometown of Wexford is a little over 200 miles away from Athens. Though being pretty far away from where he grew up, Titsworth has made Athens home over the last six years.
“I’ve always thought of (Athens) as a home away from home,” Titsworth said. “My offers were limited coming out of high school, but when I came here on an official visit, it was a no-brainer for me.”
From the campus to the people, Titsworth has loved every bit of living in Athens.
“The campus is absolutely gorgeous,” Titsworth said. “You see
the same people every single day, so it's so easy to make friends. The name and number aspect for me has allowed me to meet so many people that I would have never considered talking to … It’s just a very loving and caring university.”
Titsworth has yet to be able to wrap his head around the fact that this is his last season at Ohio, but when the day finally comes when he runs out onto the field one last time, it is sure to be full of emotion.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Titsworth said. “I’m taking it day by day; I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s amazing to me because I remember exactly what I did my first day of my freshman year. It’s kind of surreal to me that it’s flown by so fast because, in the moment, it feels long as life but it’s gone within the blink of an eye.”
Parker Titsworth during the Bobcats’ game against Morgan State, Sept. 14, 2024. (REECE MERKEL | FOR THE POST)
Week 5 Student Media Poll picks from The Post
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS
EDITOR LOGAN ADAMS
| SPORTS EDITOR
Each week, the Sports' editorial team selects its Top 25 FBS college football teams for the Student Media Poll.
The SMP is a nationwide poll featuring 97 student journalists from schools nationwide.
The Post Sports will break down its ballots each week. Here are the top five, those dropped from the Top 25 and those added.
ROBERT KEEGAN III, SPORTS EDITOR
TOP FIVE Texas Ohio State Georgia Alabama Tennessee
WHO I DROPPED: NEBRASKA, KANSAS STATE, SYRACUSE, TEXAS A&M
Nebraska, Kansas State and Syracuse all lost over the weekend, leaving them without a top 25 spot. Syracuse likely had the worst of the three losses, losing to Stanford on its home turf in New York.
Kansas State falls the furthest for me after being a top 20 team last week. The Wildcats were beyond outplayed on the road against a BYU team I don’t believe to actually be very good.
Texas A&M is the only team that falls out of my top 25 despite getting the win over the weekend. The Aggies continue to struggle on their home turf at Kyle Field, almost losing a close one against Bowling Green.
WHO I ADDED: SMU, ARKANSAS, ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN
It was a dramatic week of college football, which led to some pretty major shuffling of everyone's top 25. We saw quite a few ranked losses on Friday and Saturday, leaving the door open for a couple of schools that have had good starts to the year to join the top 25.
Illinois had one of the better wins over the weekend, taking down previously ranked opponent Nebraska. It took overtime for Illinois to get the win, but it came out on top in what was one of the best games of the weekend.
Michigan didn’t have the prettiest win of the weekend, but it did have the most impressive. I was one of many who thought Michigan didn’t stand a chance against USC to open Big Ten play, but I was wrong. The Wolverines are finally beginning to look like the team that won the national championship last season.
LOGAN ADAMS, SPORTS EDITOR
TOP FIVE
Texas Ohio State
Georgia
Alabama
Tennessee
Who I dropped: Nebraska, Memphis
Nebraska was just on the wrong end of an experienced and hungry Illinois team who fought until the very end, making huge, clutch plays, even forcing a 3rd and 42 for true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola to finish off overtime.
Memphis, who was an addition to my top 25 just last week, gave up 56
points to Navy, who only needed 14 passing attempts to score 21 points in two separate quarters. Although the Tigers scored 44 points of their own, a defensive performance like that is worthy of a boot out the back of the top 25.
WHO I ADDED: IOWA STATE, ILLINOIS
After a flip-floppy week at the bottom of the poll, I really didn’t know where to go with the two teams I had to replace. Ultimately, I turned to two teams that just narrowly missed the cut. Iowa State had a dominant game against a reasonably competent Arizona State team, utilizing its full offensive depth as nine receivers were at the end of catches and eight rushers recorded at least four carries. Illinois has been dominant throughout the start of its season, taking care of business against a Nebraska team in overtime that has been playing relatively great and non-dramatic football to start the year. The Fighting Illini have dominated the rest of their schedule this far, and have been overdue for a spot on my list.
CHARLIE FADEL, SPORTS STAFF WRITER
TOP
FIVE
Texas
Georgia
Ohio State
Alabama
Tennessee
WHO I DROPPED: NEBRASKA, NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The Cornhuskers could find their way back into the top 25, but this week they have to be dropped after
a brutal overtime loss for the Husker faithful. Nebraska as a program is still showing great signs of improvement under Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola, and it should be back in the polls eventually.
As for the Huskies, the Cinderella story ended fairly quickly after the new media darlings of college football lost their first game since shocking the Fighting Irish in Week Two, losing to Buffalo in overtime as well. This loss spells the doom of playoff hopes for both the Huskies and the entire Mid-American Conference.
WHO I ADDED: BYU, ILLINOIS
Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, was rocking Saturday night, and rightfully so as the crowd in Provo was treated to a 38-9 beatdown of No. 23 Kansas State. The Wildcats outgained the Cougars in this matchup, but turnovers and a back-breaking 93-yard punt return touchdown is what ultimately sunk Kansas State. BYU will face another tough test against Baylor this week in Waco, Texas, but it will certainly have some needed confidence after the statement win this past weekend. Illinois showed some signs of being a very good football team early this season, but Friday night was the coming-out party for Bret Bielema and his team. Illinois walked into a sea of red in Lincoln, Nebraska, and walked out with a gritty overtime win. Quarterback Luke Altmyer had a great game, throwing for 215 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
There’s no reason to be worried about Ohio
ROBERT KEEGAN III | SPORTS EDITOR
Things didn’t go well for Ohio against Kentucky on Saturday. The Bobcats entered the game with their starting quarterback and leading edge rusher out with injuries. At the half, Ohio trailed 17-0 and looked lost on offense. At game end, Ohio stared down its biggest deficit of the season: a 41-6 loss.
“We have a locker room that’s disappointed,” Ohio coach Tim Albin said following the game. “Their hearts hurt when you invest as much as our guys continue to do.”
After the loss at Kentucky, Ohio wrapped up its nonconference schedule. With a game against Akron on Saturday, Ohio will start Mid-American Conference action.
“It’s a new season; we got to put the nonconference to bed,” Albin said. “We’re going to come out with some energy (against Akron) and put a smile on our face.”
Sitting at 2-2, Albin learned a lot about his team in the season's first four weeks.
Simply put, “They want to be good,” Albin said.
Ohio has played two formidable power-four opponents in Syracuse and Kentucky as well as a South Alabama team that is among the best at the mid-major level and an FCS opponent that is primed for success in their league this season in Morgan State.
At the end of it all, Ohio is 2-2 heading into the most crucial part of
its season.
No one knows where Ohio would be right now if it weren’t for the slew of injuries it has faced just four weeks into the year. The Bobcats have been playing without team captains Adonis Williams Jr. and Jeremiah Wood since Week One against Syracuse which is just the start of a long list of players that have appeared on the injury report this season.
To name just a few, Roman Parodie, Parker Navarro, Shay Taylor, Michael Molnar, Reise Collier, Bradley Weaver and Kendall Bannister are all starters who have missed time at some time or another have missed time this season.
“We basically assigned new captains this week,” Albin said. “I think we had four of the six (out with injury). I have never been through that.”
Ohio has had to play with a “next man up” mentality since the second half of its Week One game. Despite all the adversity, Ohio still sits in a good position to contend in the tough MAC this season. Albin believes that the team’s ability to hang on through adversity is a testament to its ability
to be coached.
“(The team) takes the coaching, and you can see it in their play,” Albin said. “The big thing in a game like this is when the fourth quarter gets tough … you want to hear (what the team) is saying, and I like what I’m hearing.”
Albin is impressed with his team's ability to avoid getting discouraged no matter what the circumstances are. Against Kentucky, the team had plenty of reasons to start feeling discouraged. The team has had reason to be discouraged through every significant injury this season. Nonetheless, Ohio stands strong as it heads into MAC play.
With Albin and his staff running things in Athens, there’s no reason to doubt that this Ohio team can make another run to the MAC Championship Game as it did in 2021.
“We look forward to getting back in Athens for Homecoming,” Albin said. “Starting league play, it’s tournament time; every game counts.”
Ohio midfielder Merle Kal (7) goes on the defensive against Saint Louis University at Pruitt Field in Athens, Sept. 15, 2024. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)
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ENTERTAINMENT
23,
ATHENS BAR REVIEW:
Lucky’s, Cat’s Eye are grand stops on Court Street
Athens houses over 20 different bars, with 15 on Court Street alone. With all of the Ohio University students back in town, it is time to review the bars and get an inside look. Lucky’s Sports Tavern and Cat’s Eye Saloon are at the top of the strip of bars, beginning the list of bars to review.
Richard Zippert, the owner of Cat’s Eye, has owned the bar for 34 years. Zippert is an OU alumnus who worked at the bar when he was a student before he bought the bar. He said his bar stands out on Court Street because it’s more traditional.
“Being a bar, we’re not super loud, (we’re) a little more laid back than some of the bars,” Zippert said. “We’re (also) the official Browns Backers Bar.”
Cat’s Eye is located at 12 N. Court St., and typically has different shot and drink specials at night and 14 different types of drinks on tap. The drinks on tap vary often with drinks from Little Fish, Ohio craft beer, Fat Head’s, Great Lakes and Jackie-O’s.
Some of the specials for the week can be found on the bar’s Instagram, with specific ones related to Cleveland Browns football games. Some of the specials during Browns games include free food like chili dogs, buffalo chicken dip, chips and salsa. The drink specials during games are $1.50 PBR cans, $2.50 Orange Bombs and Joe Thomas Kölsch Pints for $3.
The typical crowd you can find in Cat’s Eye is a mix of undergraduate and graduate OU students, locals and athletes. Zippert has the bar decorated in a lot of athletic gear that is gifted to them. It is a cozy setting for anyone to come enjoy a football game or enjoy their favorite drinks on tap. Being at the top of Court Street’s bars, it is one of the best places to stop in for a drink.
Lucky’s is located across the street from Cat’s Eye at 11 N. Court St., making it another great stop at the top of the strip.
Tanner Smith, a senior studying social work, is a bartender at Lucky’s. Smith said he enjoys going to the bar when he is not working because of the comfortable atmosphere inside.
“I love it here,” Smith said. “I honestly think that the atmosphere can really change, but I love that it’s just very chill. The people can choose their own music, so it can be such a different vibe depending on the night.”
Smith also described Lucky’s as having a more homey, chill vibe compared to other bars on Court Street.
Lucky’s also has a cheaper menu than others, drawing more customers in. The current weekly specials can vary, but their most popular special is the liquor pitcher special. Some of the specials include a $2 shot on Tuesday, all day margaritas on Mondays, and all day happy hour and mug deals on Sundays.
“I feel like our big (special) is the liquor pitcher nights on Wednesdays,” Smith said. “It is $5 a pitcher. We tell people almost any double can be made into a pitcher. Some people (also) get the mixed drinks.”
Lucky’s also hosts trivia on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. According to Smith, the bar becomes a full house with close to 20 teams. The bar itself stands out on Court Street because it is very long on the inside and has an extensive shot menu for customers to select from.
Lucky’s Sports Tavern is another great bar stop for those looking for a fun night out with friends, play some pool or learn some trivia. Both Cat’s Eye and Lucky’s both make grand additions to the bars in Athens while having something unique about them.
Cat’s Eye Saloon: 5/5
Lucky’s Sports Tavern: 5/5
ASHLEY POMPLAS | FOR THE POST
The outside of Lucky’s bar in Athens on Court Street, Sept.
2024. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | FOR THE POST)
10 things to do for Homecoming as an OU alumnus
Homecoming weekend is almost here, and Ohio University will be welcoming back alumni to Athens to celebrate.
If you’re headed back to Athens for the weekend, there are tons of things to fill your schedule with. From bar hopping to going to the football game, there is something for every OU graduate to feel the nostalgia the bricks bring to Bobcats’ hearts.
HOMECOMING PARADE
The most anticipated event of Homecoming Weekend is the parade. Alumni, students and Athens natives alike will gather on Court Street to watch the show. This year, the Homecoming parade takes place Saturday at 10 a.m. Students, organizations, local businesses and most notably alumni Marching 110 members will all participate in the march down Court Street.
BOBCAT FAMILY TENT
and registration is required before attending.
FOOTBALL GAME
You can keep the Bobcat spirit alive during your trip back and attend the OU football game. The 2024 Homecoming game will be at 3:30 p.m. against Akron. Be sure to dress in your best white and green. Some things change in Athens but supporting the Bobcats will never go out of style.
TAILGATE
Before the football game, stop by the tailgate to get in the spirit. Tailgates are being held at the Pepsi Tailgreat Park on 97 Richland Ave. Most schools are hosting their own tent at the tailgate such as The Patton College of Education, The Russ College of Engineering and the College of Business. Show your school spirit by stopping by your college major's tailgate tent or bouncing around other Bobcat celebrations. Most tailgates begin at 11 a.m., but stop by anytime before the game to enjoy some pre-football festivities.
TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
with Bobcats celebrating the weekend, whether it is in Pigskin, J Bar or discovering a newly added bar since you’ve hit the bricks. It is a great way to celebrate your time in Athens and live out your college glory days.
JACKIE O’S
While you are visiting Athens, stop by Jackie O’s, notorious for its craft beers. Jackie O’s is a staple to Athens. The public house is located at 22 W. Union St., and it is a great place to unwind and catch up with friends. The brewery is cozy, welcoming and is always a favorite among Bobcats. It is the perfect place to relive old memories and college stories.
STROUDS RUN STATE PARK
Strouds Run is the perfect spot to unwind and immerse in the beauty of Athens outside of Court Street. The park is just a few miles from campus and has hiking paths, a beach and surreal views. Strouds is the perfect spot for a relaxing day during your trip back.
BIKE TRAIL
LOCAL EATS
During your nostalgia tour in Athens, you can grab a bite to eat at one of your favorite old spots. Whether it is a bagel from Bagel Street Deli, a hotdog from O’Betty’s or a coffee from Brenen’s or Donkey Coffee, be sure to grab something to eat at one of Athens' local restaurants.
ALUMNI GATEWAY
Wrap up your Homecoming trip with an obligatory picture under the gateway. The very same place you walked through freshman year and out senior year is always waiting for you when you return. Be sure to share your Bobcat pride and take pictures of every memory you make.
The party does not stop after the Homecoming parade wraps up. The Alumni Association is hosting a celebration for all Bobcats current and returning to partake in. The event will be on College Green from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be music and food provided. The event costs $15 for anyone above the age of 10 @CLARA_LEDER
After the Homecoming game or parade, a great activity to partake in is visiting your favorite bar from college. Court Street will be packed
Enjoying the nature of Athens does not stop at Strouds. Explore campus in a new way by walking or biking along the Hocking Adena Bikeway. Taking a hike along the path is a great way to see all parts of campus and reconnect with OU’s beautiful scenery.
A history of OU homecoming traditions
Homecoming week started Monday, and Ohio University will start its annual Homecoming traditions. While the main events happen Thursday through Homecoming Saturday, each event has an interesting history related to it.
Homecoming was not officially recognized at OU until November in 1919, when The Post, known then as The Green and White, wrote, “We Are Expecting to See a Large Number of Ohio Graduates at Ohio-Denison Game, Nov. 22. How About it Alumni? Will You Be Here?”
The same newspaper mentioned the school’s preparation as it had to accommodate all of the alumni who may attend. Although this did not officially create Homecoming, it was the first mention of it.
In 1923, invitations to alumni and fathers of OU students were mailed out in October to celebrate Oct. 19-21. This invitation officially created the Homecoming football game, solidifying the event. That weekend, the marching band and alumni came together to sing and chant in front of Ewing Hall. The school continued to invite alumni and fathers the next year and had another largely successful weekend. 1924 marked the official beginning of Homecoming.
The “Yell Like Hell” event will take place Thursday. The pep rally began
in 2002. Even though the first event was rainy and dark, students and alumni still showed large amounts of school spirit. During this pep rally, students, alumni and staff come together to enhance their school spirit. The attendants are entertained by the cheerleaders, dance team and the Marching 110.
Kegs and Eggs is not organized by the school, but the event is still an important tradition. Before the parade, friends gather to eat a hearty breakfast and drink some beer. In 2005, President Roderick Davis asked for bars not to open before the parade on Saturday, but this request was ignored.
Saturday at 10 a.m., Homecoming day officially begins with its annual parade. The parade travels uptown and ends at Peden Stadium in anticipation of the football game, although it originally included Court Street on the route. This parade includes the Marching 110 and any organization that chooses to participate, including clubs, Greek life and athletics. After the parade, there is the Bobcat Family Tent ready to receive Bobcat friends and families.
Of course, there is a football game Saturday as well. This game is set for 3:30 p.m. in Peden Stadium. As always, there are tailgates and personal events to do before the game. Following the football game, Ohio University jazz hosts an alumni Jazz Jam at 9
p.m. in the Glidden Recital Hall.
The Marching 110 has a very large group of alumni, which is shown during Homecoming. This tradition started in 1973 and has continued to get bigger ever since. On Saturday, the alumni join during the parade, halftime show and post-game show. Viewers can feel a special energy witnessing that many people on the field.
The alumni band has also acted as protection for the marching band. In 1992, OU was playing Miami during the Homecoming game. After the alumni band performed, the current members stayed on the field to continue their show. Due to the band running long, members of the Miami football team were told to run onto the field and warm up. The alumni band formed a wall and put themselves in the way to prevent this from happening.
When they threw a football into the band’s formation, an alum took the football from the player and was tackled by Miami’s coach. The story made its way to ESPN, and both teams were criticized for their actions, but the alumni band protected the Marching 110 from getting their show destroyed.
As it has been happening for over 100 years, Homecoming has seen and been a part of historical events. In 1941, the Marching 110 performed some notable halftime shows. During
WWII, the Homecoming show saw the marching band move to create a swastika and have a torpedo destroy it. In 1960, President John Calhoun Baker used Homecoming as a way to inspire people to continue higher education in the fight against global communism.
Homecoming can also be a time to give back and make announcements to alumni. In 1929, a Homecoming dance took place and a dedication was held for a new football stadium. The Homecoming Hop was a hallmark event at many other Homecoming weekends. During the parade in 1954, a new student center (Baker Center) was dedicated. The dedication pleased alumni, as many of them had put money, ideas, time, and other contributions to the new building.
Homecoming is a long-standing event that students, staff and alumni look forward to every year. Whether you enjoy sports, music or fun events, there is something for you at the Homecoming festivities.
@LEANNEABLE00
LA081422@OHIO.EDU
CLARA LEDER | FOR THE POST
LEANNE ABEL | FOR THE POST
(MIA PISHOTTI | ART DIRECTOR)
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Finding the best pumpkin spice beverage in Athens
ELIZABETH TALAGA | SLOT EDITOR
Sunday marked the first official day of fall, and with the change of seasons comes the change of seasonal coffee shop offerings. Say goodbye to the fun, refreshing drinks of the summer and hello to pumpkin spice galore. Luckily, Athens has no shortage of coffee shops to fill everyone’s biggest pumpkin spice coffee dreams.
With so many coffee shops offering the same rotation of fall drinks, primarily pumpkin spice lattes, finding the best one can be a tall task. No one wants to waste hard earned money on a drink that inadequately represents the flavors of the season. Here is a ranking of the best pumpkin spice drinks in Athens.
6. STARBUCKS PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Although the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks is a classic and arguably the catalyst for the pumpkin spice craze, it places last in comparison to all of the other pumpkin drinks in Athens. The pumpkin spice syrup overpowers the rest of the beverage. It is super sweet and is the most expensive drink on the list.
A grande hot pumpkin spice latte is $6.25 and an iced one of the same size costs $6.45. The beverage costs an additional $0.70 for alternative milk. At that price and with other options available, the classic Starbucks pumpkin spice latte is not worth it.
5. BRENEN’S PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
The first sip of the Brenen’s pumpkin latte opens the door to the sweetest fall flavors. Although the pumpkin flavor certainly shines throughout the drink, one of the main taste components of a latte — espresso — is missing. Like the one at Starbucks, this latte is perfect for people who want coffee, but do not want to taste the coffee. The pumpkin flavoring is good, but it is missing the spice element. Despite coming in low on the list overall, the Brenen’s pumpkin latte comes in first place for price. At $4.65 for a small, this pumpkin spice latte is the cheapest drink on this list. For that price, it is worth a taste, but prepare that sweet tooth to work overtime.
4. COURT STREET COFFEE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
The Court Street Coffee pumpkin spice latte has great pumpkin flavor, but the latte as a whole is very milky. Even when stirred, the
drink is in layers. Most of the pumpkin flavor settles at the bottom and the espresso taste comes through the drink at the last few sips.
While this pumpkin spice latte is a little light on the spice side, the pumpkin flavor is good, strong and exactly what pumpkin flavoring should be. This drink is $5.50 for a small and customers can budget an extra $1 for alternative milk.
3. STARBUCKS PUMPKIN CREAM COLD BREW
In 2019, Starbucks decided to add something new to its seasonal offerings, a pumpkin cream cold brew. The drink, which costs $5.45 for a grande, is an alternative to a pumpkin spice latte. The drink contains cold brew coffee, vanilla syrup and pumpkin cream cold foam. It is the perfect blend of coffee and pumpkin and has a lot of appeal to those who want their coffee to taste like coffee.
The pumpkin cream cold brew is the perfect fall touch, cutting the strength of the cold brew and adding a little sweetness to the drink. The pumpkin spice flavor is the same as the latte’s, but in the form of cold foam as the flavor is irresistibly smooth and perfectly pumpkin.
2. DONKEY COFFEE PUMPKIN POWER CHAI
Donkey Coffee’s pumpkin power chai is an explosion of all of fall’s most comforting flavors. The pumpkin spice chai blend is the perfect
marriage of pumpkin and spice, the flavor remnant of a slice of pumpkin pie. The punch of added espresso creates an unreal flavor experience, one that is hard to replicate.w
The drink has a great balance of all of these flavors and is undoubtedly one of the best pumpkin offerings in town. The beverage is $5.45 for a small with whole milk and an additional $0.75 for alternative milk.
1. RISE & GRIND PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
The Rise & Grind pumpkin spice latte is the best pumpkin spice drink in Athens. The drink is the perfect blend of classic fall flavors, but the smooth and strong espresso is the highlight of the beverage. The milk, flavor and espresso ratio is spot on as each component manages to shine from the first sip to the very last. The pumpkin spice flavoring hits hard notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, but the sought after pumpkin is unmistakably there.
This latte from Rise & Grind creates the perfect harmony of ingredients. One element of this drink could not exist without the others, and the beverage is the epitome of fall bliss. The drink costs $5 for a small and an additional $1 for alternative milk, but the drink is well worth the price tag.
Athen’s coffee scene has no shortage of pumpkin drinks for everyone. Put on that fall sweater and hit Court Street for these great seasonal offerings.
ET029322@OHIO.EDU
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(MIA PISHOTTI | ART DIRECTOR)
Blabby Abby: School spirit shows dedication
ABBY JENKINS HUMAN INTEREST EDITOR
As Homecoming approaches at Ohio University, there are a number of reasons why students, faculty and staff must participate in the events planned for the week. School pride is an important part of education, and no adult is too cool to celebrate.
Homecoming is the epitome of school spirit, and although the entire point of the celebration is to partake in mass appreciation of the school, there are still those few people who refuse to partake.
Unfortunately, enjoying events put on by the university is seen as lame or not cool to attend because the events are advertised as and supposed to be helpful and uplifting for students.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals, or NASSP, reported on a Harris Polls study gauging the benefits of school spirit among students, faculty and staff. The study results exhibited students who showed the most school spirit performed better than average in school, had higher self-esteem and claimed to have “a good group of friends.”
Although most universities host a wide variety of events for students to socialize and celebrate school pride, it can often be intimidating
to attend. It makes more sense for students to dip their feet in with widely known events. An example of those events is sporting events, but students often tend to feel as though they have no time for games or matches.
College Vine published a list of the top seven universities with the most school spirit, all of which boast impressive athletic programs, especially number one on the list, the University of Florida. Those athletic powerhouses obviously carry an abundance of school spirit, but schools without widely known athletic programs can be left in the dust by the public eye and, in turn, the university itself.
Harvard University commented on its lack of school spirit determined by a student survey, a key takeaway saying, “noting eerily similar trends of quiet student sections at sporting events and disinterested students.”
The Parking Spot has Peden Stadium sitting at number eight as one of the best football scenes in the NCAA. With a max capacity of around 27,000 people, this year’s Homecoming crowd is expected to be large as always. Everyone with even a slight interest in celebrating OU should attend, even if it is just to watch the Marching 110.
Although a crucial piece of Homecoming weekend for OU, students should treat all sport-
ing events with the same respect and the same level of excitement. Additionally, the Homecoming spirit should stick around all year. With OU being ranked as the No. 7 college town overall and the No. 1 college town in Ohio by Barstool, there is simply no reason not to celebrate.
OU alumni have a network of dedicated Bobcats who are incredibly loyal to the school they went to, which is exciting in itself. However, current students should be the crowd with the most spirit. The regret of never participating is haunting after graduation and despite hearing it over and over from parents, the truth is students should get involved as much as possible.
This year, plan on attending the football game, watching the parade or even just hanging a Bobcat flag outside somewhere. Student pride should be everywhere and celebrated as much as it can be. There is no better time to kick off that spirit than now during Homecoming.
Abby Jenkins is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Abby know by tweeting her @abbyjenks18 or emailing her at aj205621@ohio.edu.
Table Talk: Universities must protect students during homecoming
TAYLOR ORCUTT | FOR THE POST
Nationwide, universities fill Homecoming week with events and festivities, but those events can lead to violence on campus. Universities have a legal and ethical obligation to protect students and visitors during Homecoming celebrations. Homecoming falls during the time of year known as the “Red Zone.” According to the Center for Women and Families, the Red Zone falls between the beginning of the semester and Thanksgiving break when sexual assaults are more likely to occur on campus. An article from the Journal of American College Health found that most sexual assaults happen in the first week of the fall semester. According to the Center, freshmen women are targeted on campus due to perceived vulnerability in unfamiliar areas, reduced guardian supervision and increased risky behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use. Sexual assault includes unwanted sexual touching, harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence. It is not the victims’ fault when they’ve experienced sexual assault on campus, and they are not alone in their recovery. Ohio University’s Survivor Advocacy Program offers on-campus resources and support for student survivors, as well as off-campus and online resources.
According to an article in the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, campuses are more vulnerable to violent crime when campus buildings are open to visitors and various
campus events are public. Homecoming events include both of those factors, and when they mix with drinking and fandom, the results can be disastrous.
According to an article in the Violence Against Women journal, women at “party schools” were more likely to be the targets of violence related to intoxicated aggression. OU was once (and to some, still is) considered a “party school.” Even in Niche’s projections for the top party schools in 2025, OU ranks as the 15th party school in the nation, beating out Ohio State University and Miami University. That ranking recognizes that violence against women persists.
Homecoming events also create opportunities for crime through riots and gun violence. In 2003, a riot broke out after the Minnesota State University-Mankato football team lost the Homecoming game. In 1988, a riot broke out at St. Cloud State University during homecoming after students clashed with St. Cloud police. In 2023, five people were wounded by gunfire at Morgan State University after the crowning of homecoming king and queen. Those violent events send an important message: homecoming violence happens unexpectedly. Universities should take steps and regularly communicate crisis action plans to ensure campuses remain safe from gun violence.
Universities are legally obligated to report violent crimes and support survivors. According to the Clery Center, the Clery Act requires universities to report annual security reports and
efforts to improve campus safety. Many of the requirements in the Clery Act overlap with Title IX compliance. Under the Clery Act and Title IX, universities are obligated to protect students, particularly women, from violence during homecoming.
University event security should be more visible for large events besides the homecoming game, such as the parade. According to an article in a criminology journal, increased police visibility and community-oriented policing promote feelings of safety and reduce fear of crime, allowing people to engage in social events confidently. Local law enforcement and university security should be physically visible, and crisis plans should be communicated to protect visitors and students better during homecoming. OU alumni and Bobcats’ families flock to campus to celebrate the time and joyful experiences shared during college. Visitors and students alike should be able to celebrate safely without violence.
Taylor Orcutt is a junior studying journalism. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Taylor know by tweeting her @TaylorOrcutt.
SOLUTIONS 9/17
Daphne’s Dispatch: Alumni love Athens
DAPHNE GRAETER | SLOT EDITOR
Ohio University alumni love to return to the town that connects culture and community. Whether they grew up in Athens or their first time on the bricks was as a student, the town brings a sort of nostalgia that makes it feel like they never left.
The charming atmosphere of Athens is enriched with history and charisma. The restaurants, bars and buildings hold stories of their own that alumni have a sort of connection with. Homecoming in Athens is the best excuse for alumni to revisit their second home.
One thing everyone remembers Athens for is its character. The town has been acknowledged by Ohio Magazine as being among the Best Hometowns in 2022.
“They describe the winners as places where strangers are treated like friends, local improvement is a focal point of community pride and where progress still honors the past,” OHIO Today wrote.
The short walk to uptown makes Athens much more accessible to students. Court Street itself is only a four-block, quarter mile from OU’s Baker University Center on the south end spanning to Carpenter Street meeting at the intersection on the north.
Athens’s rich history on Court Street is significant to the appeal of the city to which alumni feel attached. The Athena Cinema at 20 S. Court St. is home to a 108-year-old theater. The C.I. is the oldest bar in Athens, established in 1917, making it 107 years old. Businesses such as those are still standing, allowing alumni that come back to reminisce on all of the memories from when they were students.
Kevin Walter, an OU alumni from the class of ‘93, has a very special connection to Athens, as
he grew up here. His father, Bob Walter, was a geography professor at OU. He shared that his experience of attending OU is different from most that attended.
“(The) reason I went to OU is because he’s a teacher and tuition is free,” Walter said.
Walter’s story continues as he talks about how Athens led him to meet his wife.
“I met the love of my life there,” he said.
Walter and his wife met because they both worked at the Oak Room, which unfortunately closed, but was located at 14 Station St. The two have been married for 29 years and their daughter, Lucy, currently attends OU.
“Athens just has a profound effect on my life every time I go there,” Walter said.
He said he is still discovering new businesses in Athens, such as Union Street Diner, which he had never been to when he was a student but now goes when he visits. Walter further mentioned that his personal Athens staples are Miller’s Chicken and The Pub, where he would often go to get a burger and a beer.
As alumni come back to Athens for Homecoming, the city has the same appeal as it did when they attended OU. Buildings may change and new businesses pop up, but as Athens is ever-changing, the community and universal love for the town never goes away.
Daphne Graeter is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post . What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio.edu.
JACKSON PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST
Lately with Layne: Students, alumni represent OU culture
LAYNE REY | FOR THE POST
This week, students, alumni, family and friends will fill Ohio University’s campus –representing what the school used to be, what it is now and what it will be in the future. Across generations, one thing has remained the same: the culture surrounding OU. Homecoming Week is a testament to that culture, highlighting the shared love for OU and the strong sense of community.
It’s rare to hear alumni or current students that don’t have a special place in their heart for OU. Homecoming showcases this love beyond day-to-day conversation.
Unlike a high school spirit day, Athens truly goes all out for Homecoming. Nobody feels like they’re above dressing in their best green and white to celebrate the school they love. OU even puts on a “Paint the Town Green” event, giving out awards to offices, departments and residence halls that show the most pride. Engaging faculty members and professors encourages even more Bobcat spirit.
Current students watching the Homecoming parade will see alumni performing with the Marching 110, sitting on the sidewalk with
old friends or simply enjoying their favorite parts of Athens. The alumni’s willingness and excitement to return emphasizes that the love for OU has no four-year limit – it’s timeless.
The love for OU is what connects Bobcats –especially this week.
In a previous story by The Post, alumni and students shared what Homecoming means to them, and there was a shared theme among the answers: reconnection. Whether it was a recent graduate, seniors hanging out with friends that graduated already or alums reuniting with college friends, Homecoming is a means of connecting.
The Homecoming parade puts on display all of the parts of OU that make it special; student organizations, local businesses and alumni groups all walk the streets of Athens. Competing organizations and businesses are connected for a moment in celebration of the school and community that allows them to flourish.
Professors and mentors are constantly sharing the same advice: “Bobcats help Bobcats.” It feels repetitive and out-of-touch with reality,
but Homecoming highlights its truth. Alumni fill campus and eagerly engage with students, whether it’s through their former organizations, residence halls or even just a friendly conversation. It’s obvious that most would be more than willing to help current Bobcats in the professional space.
OU is even hosting a Homecoming celebration in New York City for those who can’t make it to Athens, with Tony’s famous hot nut shots and Donkey Coffee. Geographical or travel barriers can’t overcome the sense of community that Bobcats share.
Buildings on campus, traditions and the student body may look different today than it did years ago, but the shared love and sense of community at OU hasn’t changed a bit.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
Editorial: Press freedom applies to all, including student media
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
There are an estimated 1,600 active college newspapers in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center. Student newspapers and student media provide participants with the opportunity to use the skills and expertise they learn in classrooms. Additionally, they serve as professional entities that produce important reporting their communities need to know.
Regardless of experience, student media is still journalism and should be privy to the same standards and treatment as other outlets.
Last Wednesday, Pennsylvania State University removed approximately 35 newsstands containing The Daily Collegian, the independent, student-produced newspaper on campus. The staff was not notified of the removal, according to the Daily Collegian.
Three of the racks contained a Kamala Harris advertisement and six others displayed voter registration advertisements. All racks inside campus buildings, regardless of whether they held political ads, were removed and their location was unknown.
“The University understands the importance of a free news and information source specifically for its students,” a university spokeswoman wrote in an email to the Collegian. “However, the Collegian’s use of advertising
space within university buildings is in violation of AD27 Commercial Sales Activities at University Locations and AD02 Non-University Groups Using University Facilities.”
The Collegian expressed it uses advertising sales as a revenue source. After undergoing a 100% funding cut from the university’s general fund in 2023, the publication stressed the importance of advertising revenue.
Editor-in-Chief Amy Schafer said political advertising is not new to the paper, stating it has run ads for both Republican and Democratic candidates in the past. Above all, Schafer told the Collegian she feels upset and disrespected, especially regarding the lack of communication from the university.
Schafer asserted the removal of the papers as a violation of free speech.
Friday morning, most of the newsstands and newspapers were returned to their respective locations. However, the stands outside a classroom building did not include the paper. The stand outside of the Collegian office inside the building is still unaccounted for as of Friday.
The removal of Collegian’s newsstands without notice was a violation of press freedom and contributed to the ongoing fight for student media to be taken seriously. As an independent newspaper, it reserves the right to run ads it deems in accordance with its
advertising policy.
If the university felt the ads violated its advertising policy, it should have reached out to the newspaper first. Additionally, the removal of both the newsstands and the papers was unnecessary, especially those that did not contain an advertisement.
The Post is an independent, student-run newspaper that relies on advertisements to make money. It also runs political ads in the print edition, online, on newsstands and on social media. The revenue produced by advertisement sales is vital to maintaining essential facets of the publication. As an independent entity, The Post reserves the right to run advertisements that are following its policy. Journalism is as essential as always. A threat to student media is a threat to the industry as a whole.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Cruz, Managing Editor Madalyn Blair and Equity Director McKenna Christy. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage. The Post can be reached via editor@thepostathens.com.