OSU fans extend New Year cheer

By Jon Moffett

Local sports bars offer a better atmosphere, some Ohio State fans said.

YOUNGSTOWN — Many Ohio State fans braved the weather and holiday hangover, flocking to local establishments to cheer for the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

The Buckeyes defeated the University of Oregon Ducks 26-17 in the game as fans celebrated. But why did so many Buckeye fans come out on New Year’s Day?

“It’s just fun to go out and be with everyone while watching the game,” said Stefanie Gott, who watched the game at Buffalo Wild Wings in Youngstown. “There’s usually a big crowd, and it’s a lot of fun to be around everyone.”

Gott, 27, of Cleveland, was in town for the holidays visiting fellow Youngstown State University alum and Alpha Xi Delta sorority member Autumn McDonald. The two ventured to Buffalo Wild Wings to be part of the Rose Bowl festivities. Both went out to dinner for New Year’s Eve but didn’t mind going out again.

McDonald said because the football game was played on New Year’s Day, many people opted to head out for the game instead of having back-to-back gatherings.

“A lot of people probably had parties last night and didn’t want to clean up after a second one,” McDonald said. “Plus a lot of people are already in town, so you can go out in groups.”

Though some didn’t mind an extra day of celebration, others saved up for the Rose Bowl.

“I didn’t party much at all last night,” said Joe Deniakis, also at the downtown restaurant. “I basically sacrificed my New Year’s Eve, so I could party pretty hard tonight.”

But Deniakis, 23, of Youngstown, had a special reason – besides the game – to go out and celebrate. His older brother, Nick, 30, will leave for the Air Force in a few months, and the brothers wanted some quality time together.

Both appreciated the ability to watch the game in public. “The atmosphere is just so much better when you’re out,” the elder Deniakis said. His younger brother added, “You always want to be around a group of fans.”

Some of those fans elected to leave the house for convenience.

Jamie Butler, Jessica Thompson and Dan Balog, 22, and Erik Cassile, 23, were all sitting back and enjoying the game with a few beverages. They explained why they preferred the bar scene to a party at home.

“You’ve got this big screen, this big projector screen to stare at all night,” said Butler.

Thompson added, “We don’t have to cook anything ourselves. We just have to buy it, and it’s ready for us.”

Cassile added: “It’s just nice to be able to meet up with your friends, have drinks and have a good time.”

moffett@vindy.com