Autumn Comes to Athens

Evan Boso,
Junior, Civil Engineering

Athens, OH 17 November 2012 – Despite what the warm weather this weekend may have you believe, there is no denying that autumn has arrived in Athens. And with this new season brings an almost completely new culture with it. I believe autumn is when this campus is at its best. The trees that surround this beautiful campus change color and make it appear that much more mesmerizing. Not to mention, the cooler weather finally gives me the opportunity to break out my denim jackets (don’t judge).

Of course when people think of fall semester and Athens, the image that is usually pushed to the forefront is Halloween weekend. Well, I’m here to say that although Halloween weekend is incredibly fun, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. I love to hike and the weather this time of year is great for it. I took the picture below on a hike at Stroud’s Run State Park, which is not far from campus.

I’m a huge sports fan and what better season for sports than autumn? You get the baseball playoffs, the thick of football season, as well as the start of the basketball season. And it just so happens that Ohio University has a great football team as well as an impressive basketball team. It’s a surreal sight when the stands are packed for a home football or basketball game. The entire community comes out to show their support and cheer on the Bobcats. I hope to make it to as many basketball games as possible this year.

Fall Flights

Grant Rhue,
Junior, Aviation

Athens, OH 11 November 2012 – With the temperatures changing and leaves turning, I can tell fall has arrived in Athens. Growing up here, I have seen many fall seasons come and go and it by far is one of my favorite seasons–second only to winter, when the campus gets a nice blanket of snow.

With the season now in full force, my friends and I like to get together and have backyard aviation bonfires and hang out with each other after a long day of classes and flying at the airport. It is one of the best ways for me to unwind after dealing with homework and projects throughout the semester and it helps me keep up with my friends throughout the college. My friends and I will also get together to go skating at Bird Arena during one of the recreational skating session throughout the week when we have free time. We’ll go to the front Room in Baker Center afterword for hot apple caramel cider and warm beverages after a couple hours of skating around.

Finally, my favorite thing that’s great about the fall season for me is getting to go fly and see all of Ohio’s hills and landscape from above to see the trees’ leaves turning while practicing flight maneuvers around the Athens area and southeastern Ohio. For me, getting to see all the landscape in a way that most students don’t ever get to see is something that really makes a major like aviation flight amazing and makes me look forward to my future career as a professional pilot.

Wednesday Nights at Grinders

David Parisi,
Senior, Computer Engineering

Athens, OH 22 October 2012 – My new favorite place to eat near campus is called Grinders. I’ve been at Ohio University for four years, yet my first time eating there was only a few weeks ago. It is just a small restaurant/bar that is right across the street from my apartment (extremely convenient).

The first time my friends and I went to free wing night (Wednesdays) we tried to eat as many wings as possible. We ended up getting 12 wings apiece and all we had to pay for were drinks. After that we made Grinders wing night a tradition. We love the free food as well as the pool table that’s available for us to play on. It’s going to be a great place to unwind midweek during the school year.

Last week we went to wing night–as usual now–and sat down getting ready for our wings. Only this time we noticed that as they were being handed to us something was written on the bottom of one of our paper plates. We had won a free pizza! So not only did we fill up on wings that night, but we got a free large pepperoni pizza. Needless to say it was a good day. I can’t wait to go again this Wednesday and check under all of my plates for that free pizza. If I win there’s an eighty percent chance that I’ll share the pizza with my friends.

Dining and Unwinding in Athens

Scott Kostohryz,
Junior, Mechanical Engineering

Athens, OH 19 October 2012 – The transition from quarters to semesters has been very interesting for the students here on campus. The workload varies greatly week by week. This past week I have had 3 midterms and a quiz along with a project and two homework assignments. Finding balance between all the work is key. Sometimes I find relaxation in hanging out with friends or going to eat at some of my favorite places around campus.

One of my favorite places to eat in Athens has to be Souvlaki’s. It has been a staple here in Athens since my dad graduated from Ohio University. My dad loves Souvlaki’s as much as I do and ordered 10 Souvlakis my freshman year for my friends and me to enjoy; it was a great surprise. As of late, I have been spending many Thursdays at Buffalo Wild Wings. My friends have been going to Boneless wing night and playing euchre and billiards for some time. It is a great way to unwind during the week and have some fun in-between classes and studying.

I am very into the athletics here on campus and I make it a point to go to EVERY home football game. I am a true Bobcat and the football field is a great place to show pride in your team. When I have the opportunity on a Friday and Saturday night, I love to go watch the Ohio University Club Hockey Team play. I am friends with many of the players on the team and I also enjoy the sport of hockey–therefore, it’s a win-win.

Missing Athens

David Parisi,
Senior, Computer Engineering

Athens, OH 15 September 2012 – This summer I did some vacationing in Europe and took online classes back home in Cleveland. I was only able to visit our Athens (not the Greek one) a few times this summer, and during those times I had to take proctored exams for my online classes. I did not have much time to really enjoy Ohio University culture and boy have I missed it. Being back at school feels great. Yes, I always miss my family and friends back home, but there is just something about being back at OU. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it has to be some sort of combination of the students, friends, professors, layout of the college, and the Ohio University atmosphere. It just feels like I belong here.

I moved into my new apartment a week before school started, and it is now very convenient to go to classes since I live right next to the engineering buildings. While I’ve been back I’ve been busy with schoolwork but have been able to make some free time to see my friends. It is always a blast to go uptown with them. A few nights ago one of professors was playing in a band up on stage at a local brewery. He played an amazing saxophone and we were all surprised and very excited to see him. It is always a good time in Athens whenever we go out.