ONE MORE TIME
I just returned from the TBDBITL 40th annual reunion. About 800 former
OSUMB members registered for the event with 620 or so venturing out on the
field. The oldest marching member was 93 years old. Gives me
something to shoot for...
The TBDBITL reunion started with a simple premise; allow former band members to
perform the traditional ramp entrance in Ohio Stadium "one more
time." Over the years it has grown into a grand event that brings us
back year after year to socialize and march down the ramp and out on the field
"one more time."
I like the reunion because for about 24 hours I can just be a Buckeye.
Eat Tommys Pizza, sleep (a little) and breathe scarlet and gray.
That's something I'm pretty good at. I also get to meet up with a few
special friends in life. Like my high school band director who was lucky
enough to be a freshman in the band during our great 1968 national championship
season. Or the guy I shared an apartment with as a senior who was in our
wedding. Many more characters that I could write about
here.
The reunion also reminds me about what a real team looks and acts like.
Let me explain. Friday night we gather at French Field House for a music
rehearsal. The old building is buzzing with handshakes, smiles and loud
greetings. Then at 6:55 PM a strange thing happens. The drums start
a parade cadence similar to the one you hear on the Championship Season
CD. Everyone stops what they are doing and quickly takes their appointed
seat. Soon the roll off cadence follows at a very brisk 180 beats per
minute. Instruments come up in unison and we kick off the reunion festivities
with a great rendition of Buckeye Battle Cry.
No one gave the order what to do; we all just remember the drill and start
working together again just like we did in OSUMB. That's a
team! That's why we drive 10 hours each way to get there.
It's much more that just playing a great school song. Much
more.
I'll conclude with my top 5 fun things from the reunion David Letterman style:
5. Skull session in St. John Arena - It's great to see the players up close and
hear a warm greeting to the Alumni Band from Coach Tressel.
4. Being on the field when the team comes out - The ground in the Horseshoe is
practically shaking.
3. Marching in the incomparable Script
2. Renewing the friendships noted above along with many others - none of us
look a year older, either.
1. Coming down the ramp and out into the bright sunshine in Ohio
Stadium - One More Time!
Go Bucks! Yea