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"Not many schools go into that much detail about life after football stuff, so when Coach Meyer told me about the Real Life program that he’s implemented, that really sold me, as well as my family."
- Jeffrey Okudah, via TheOzone
When Urban Meyer took over the head coaching duties for Ohio State, he set a new standard of excellence for players after football. Instead of focusing solely on the development of these young men on the football field -- and preparing them for a career in the NFL — Meyer and his staff provide players with opportunities to get real world experience with corporations like Nike and Goldman Sachs.
The program is more than just inviting speakers to talk about potential post-football career options, instead it allows for players to take internships with these companies and focus on their success off the football field. This isn’t a priority for all schools or coaches, but it has definitely served as a useful recruiting tool for student athletes committed to their academic and professional future -- not to mention being a big positive for their parents.
Meyer spoke on National Signing Day about his admiration for young players who are focused on having a more well-rounded college experience that includes success in the classroom and on the football field.
“This is the first time Ohio State has been ranked No. 1 since April 15, 2014. Overall, this is just the fourth team to rise to No. 1 in the rankings in school history.”
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State men’s tennis team is now No. 1 in the latest Oracle ITA Collegiate Tennis Rankings thanks to its sixth win over a top-15 opponent — all within the last two and half weeks. The team is now 13-1, with the Buckeye’s one loss coming on the road in the finals of the ITA National Indoor Team Championship.
Buckeyes return home this weekend for their next set of matches against No. 29 Notre Dame (March 3) and No. 4 Oklahoma (March 5). The last time the Sooners traveled to Columbus, they spoiled Ohio State’s 200 home match win streak; however, the team has already beaten Oklahoma once this year and are hoping to repeat their 4-0 victory.
Ohio State women's athletics are killing it
It was a big week for Buckeyes, with three athletes earning Big Ten Conference honors.
Ohio State sophomore Sade Olatoye won titles in the weight throw and shot put events at the Big Ten Championships, and was named the Female Field Athlete of the Championships thanks to her performance. Olatoye is undefeated in the weight throw, winning all seven events she has competed in this season. And she became the first woman in Ohio State history to win both events at the same Big Ten meet. Her next goal is to win the weight throw title at the NCAA Championships on March 11.
Ohio State women’s soccer senior Lindsay Agnew was named a winner of the Big Ten’s 2017 Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award. Agnew will receive an annual scholarship for her postgraduate degree thanks to her achievements in academics, athletics, civic service and leadership. In addition to her educational accomplishments, the Buckeye was also selected No. 19 overall in the 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft, by the Washington Spirit.
For the fourth week in a row, women’s lacrosse star Liza Hernandez from New Albany, has been named the Big Ten’s top freshman performer. She is the only freshman from the conference to win the award so far this season, and she could do a full sweep if she keeps her momentum. Hernandez currently leads the team with 15 goals and 22 total points, and also touts seven assists.
STICK TO SPORTS
- There’s a new pop-up BBQ joint coming to Franklinton.
- Target will be selling the Nintendo Switch in stores without pre-order. You’re welcome.
- A new student-made dating app uses celebrities you find attractive to choose a match.
- Feast your eyes on the new Samsung Galaxy S8 has leaked.