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OSU fans meet players for autograph session
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
Photo
Peyton Weaver of Middlefield walks away with a poster, photograph and football autographed by Ohio State University wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, in background. Although only 9, Peyton claims to have been fan of OSU “forever.”
BY Jordan Cohen
NILES
Fervent followers of Ohio State football turned out by the hundreds at the Eastwood Mall on Saturday for a two-hour autograph session with four of the team’s graduating seniors — and an alumnus made famous because of his defensive play in the 2002 national-championship game.
More than 400 fans, many wearing the red and white team jerseys, paid for autographs at the Everything Buckeyes store where players signed paper, footballs, plastic helmets and photographs. The line of fans extended through most of the main concourse.
“It’s great to bring [the players] to a place like this where people can get a chance to meet their heroes,” said Chris Cole of Ohio Sports Marketing, the firm that represents the players.
“This is exciting,” said Brian Rolle, a linebacker, as he surveyed the turnout.
Rolle hopes to be drafted by a National Football League team as do the other players: Dane Sanzenbacher, a wide-receiver and one of the more sought-after players for autographs; Bryant Browning, an offensive lineman; Brandon Saine, a running back; and a former player, Cie Grant, member of the university’s last national championship team in 2002. Grant’s takedown of the University of Miami quarterback late in the championship game helped secure the team’s victory.
“All these years later and people still stop me to talk about it,” said Grant, 30, now a businessman in North Carolina.
Fans paid various amounts for individual autographs and $45 for all five. Many spent far more than that.
“I’m down at least $200 and probably more,” said Karen Metzinger of Austintown. She said she purchased jerseys and other items for her son Michael, 26, who will be married later this year. “I save every year for this,” she said.
“It’s an obsession I have,” said her son. “I’m just a fanatic fan.”
Bill Brooks, 40, of Austintown said he shows up for Ohio State autographs yearly even though he is a graduate of Youngstown State University. Brooks said one of the reasons he is devoted to the Buckeyes is their coach, Jim Tressel.
“I think that Tressel [who coached YSU championship teams] sold Ohio State back to the fans, and that’s why we’re all here,” Brooks said.
Though all four seniors are hoping to do well in the NFL draft this spring, they are aware that stalled labor negotiations between players and owners could lead to a lockout and cancellation of next year’s season.
“I can’t think about that right now,” said Sanzenbacher, who is expected to be a high draft choice. “I’m just working on my training and trying to get ready.” The other seniors echoed his sentiment.
Outside the store in the concourse, Linda McVettie of Warren, an employee responsible for keeping the line moving, was pleased with the response. “People are always excited, and this brings in a lot of traffic for the mall,” she said. “It’s good for the stores, and it’s good for all of us.”