NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Tressel takes stage at Covelli concert

YOUNGSTOWN

Jim Tressel, former Youngstown State and Ohio State head football coach, made a surprise appearance Friday night at the sold-out Rascal Flatts concert at the Covelli Centre.

Gary LeVox, the band’s lead singer, told the audience at the Youngstown facility: “It’s such an honor and privilege to call him friend. Not only has he left a legacy of amazing, amazing history, but he’s a brother in Christ, a brother on the football field.”

Tressel, who is the University of Akron’s vice president of strategic engagement, came out to loud cheers by those at the concert, and hugged LeVox and other members of the country music band.

With Tressel still on stage, the band sang “Life is a Highway,” with LeVox yelling, “O-H,” and the crowd responding with “I-O.”

LeVox and Jay DeMarcus, his second cousin and the band’s bassist, were born and reared in Columbus. LeVox is an Ohio State graduate.

When he was still coaching at OSU, Tressel did a youth suicide- prevention public-service announcement with Rascal Flatts in 2010.

“The band invited [Tressel] to the show, and he spent a few hours with the band before the concert,” said Eric Ryan, the center’s executive director. “It was a memorable moment.”

Vindicator staff report