As we do each and every year, we must eventually reflect upon the fact that another “school year” is reaching its end. This year is no different. Spring is here and graduation for many students is just around the corner. With significant success many of the spring sports teams will be wrapping up their seasons. Whether pitching their last baseball, running their sprint, tossing their ending serve or teeing up their championship drives all student-athletes must eventually reflect upon “this is the last time.” To all of the student-athletes who have sacrificed their time and effort to become the best representative of The Ohio State University – thank you!

To all of you who have lettered we congratulate you and welcome you to our organization. Remember, all new Varsity “O” Letterwinners are automatically a member free of charge for their first year out of school. It is our hope that you will stay in touch and remain a member for years to come. It is a great place to keep in contact with former teammates and to network with former athletes for opportunities you may be seeking. Additionally, it is an outstanding way to pay forward to a university that has given you so many opportunities to compete and further your education.

The Varsity “O” Men’s Alumni Association has just come from one of its busiest springs ever. The compilation of nominees and voting process for the OSU Athletic Hall of Fame has just been completed. This process continues to spark the interest and passion of everyone. So many former athletes deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, yet only a limited few can receive enough votes to get in each year. The official press announcement identifying the inductees will be coming mid-summer.

The board recently approved another endowed scholarship for the athletic department. This marks the fourth endowed scholarship by your Varsity “O” since 2001. You membership makes much of this “paying forward” possible.

At the 2008 OSU Scholar-Athlete Award Dinner we announced the winners of the Varsity “O” Cups. The men’s Diving and Golf teams each received a discretionary contribution to their general funds for obtaining the “highest GPA” and “most improved GPA,” respectively, for winning these awards. At that same dinner we proudly announced wrestler, Alex Picazo as the winner of the Varsity “O” Post Graduate Scholarship Award. He was selected from an unbelievable list of applicants who have shown a desire to obtain advanced degrees at The Ohio State University. Congratulations to you, Alex!

The board is moving towards more electronic interaction, updates and membership renewal. Look for the ability to renew your membership online through our website (www.osumensvo.com) later this year. This is just one of the ways we hope you will maintain updated information so former teammates and other athletes can keep in touch. It will also be an effective way for current members to make additional contributions and sign up for other events when they want.

Your Varsity “O” Board will continue to strive toward remaining one of the most elite Letterwinner Associations in the country and keep in step with our mission of being Athletes Helping Athletes. We welcome your comments and look for your continued support of this wonderful organization. To all our members, have a great summer and Go Bucks!!

Marc M. Froebel
President, OSU Varsity “O” Men’s Alumni Association