Time and Change is a weekly series highlighting the history of some of Ohio State's storied traditions.
Regarded as one of the best traditions in college football, Script Ohio has been a long standing tradition and trademark for The Ohio State University Marching band.
THEN
The history of Script Ohio can be traced back to The Game in 1932 when, ironically, The University of Michigan Marching Band spelled out "Ohio" on the field.
A few years later, Band director Eugene J. Weigel brought the cursive "Ohio" design we know today to the field when Ohio State played the University of Pittsburgh in 1936.
As the letters are formed, led by the drum major, the band plays "Le Régiment de Sambre et Meuse" by Robert Planquett, leading up to the iconic dotting of the "i." Originally, a trumpet player had the honor, but in 1937, Weigel had sousaphone player Glen Johnson take his place.
The legendary bow the sousaphone player takes while dotting the "i" actually happened by accident. In 1938 when the drum major arrived at the spot too early, and Johnson was forced to improvise – it stuck.
Since then, Script Ohio – along with the dotting of the "i" and that iconic bow – has been a mainstay at Ohio State football games and is one of the most iconic college football traditions across the nation.
Script Ohio Monument Outside Buckeye Grove
NOW
Script Ohio remains consistent in the 80 years since its inception, making it one of the most recognizable traditions in college sports.
The "i" dotting duties are now reserved for fourth and fifth year sousaphone players and the drum major and sousaphone player high-five before the sousaphone player takes their place to dot the "i."
Through the years, non-band members have had the opportunity to be "i"-dotters. Some include: Jack Nicklaus, Woody Hayes, Annie and John Glenn and Earle Bruce.
After the performance is over, your hands may be tired from clapping, but the tradition of Script Ohio is enough to keep Ohio State fans coming back year after year.
