Columbus Fun in the Sun

Hi Gang,

The skies in Ohio have finally cooperated with our road trip, as we woke up to sunshine and bright blue sky on Thursday. Mick and I decided we hadn’t seen enough of The Ohio State campus so we headed back, determined to see the inside of Ohio Stadium this time. As we parked the van, all we could do was think about how we could get a glimpse inside the famous “Horseshoe.” Our first attempt failed, as the door we thought would take us into the stadium led us to the student service center that shares space in the stadium. Their suggestion was to walk around the stadium and look for an open gate - fat chance we thought…. Low and behold as we walked south along the outside of the stadium, a gate was slightly cracked. Mick and I rushed in and made it down the ramp before anyone spotted us.

Walking down the runway, the stadium opened up to us as we were both were lost in a gaze. The 100,000 seat stadium was as massive and spectacular as everything else we’ve seen so far in Columbus. With the bright red end zones staring directly at us, we couldn’t help but play catch on the field. Four passes later a booming voice yelled from a suite high above, “Get off the field.” We quickly rushed off, trying to act like we belonged there. Before I left, I couldn’t help but run the stairs hearing “The Eye of the Tiger” in my head as I tried to do my best Rocky impression. After taking a few minutes to take it all in from the bleachers, we headed out wondering what it would be like to be playing on the field with so many fans screaming and cheering for you. Two Team USA members will soon find out, as there will be special recognition for Storm Klein, Jack Mewhort by head coach Chuck Kyle during halftime of the spring game this Saturday.

The weather was too good to head inside so Mick and I decided to check out downtown Columbus. As quickly as we parked and hopped out of the van, people were already asking us about Team USA and the Road Tour. After giving them the low down, we armed ourselves with an official Team USA helmet  and football looking to have a little fun while spreading the word about the Junior World Championship. Since we got kicked off the field earlier interrupting our session of catch, we continued on the the front lawn of the Ohio Capital building, inviting people to join in. I even tried my skills at touchdown catches from the locals walking by. Don’t let a man in a suit fool you, he may have a rocket arm hidden in the sleeve, others not so much…

Just another “tough” day on the tour…

Later on,

Matt