Winter Activities at OU

Erica Toussant,
Senior, Civil Engineering

Athens, OH 4 February 2013 – Athens can get pretty cold in the winter time with the unpredictable weather. While this makes walking to class undesirable, there are other activities worth braving the wind and snow for including 1) the men’s basketball games 2) Ohio Hockey games and 3) recreational skating hours at Bird Arena.

The men’s basketball program has been progressing over the last few years, and of course, last year they made it to the Sweet Sixteen. This has only intensified the atmosphere surrounding basketball season. The Ozone could quite possibly be one of the best student cheering sections. With everyone chanting together and the pep band playing classic OU songs, you can’t help but get pumped up during the game. If you want some school spirit, the varsity men’s basketball games are a sure way to get it.

Bird Arena isn’t exactly the most noticeable building on campus, but it holds some fun and exciting events. Men’s Hockey can be a pretty big deal. Though it’s not a varsity sport, opponents can be from pretty big schools across the country. It’s awesome how fast the game is played, and the drama and fights between players is an added bonus to the experience.

For a little more participation on your part at Bird, recreational skating occurs on Tuesday and Thursday nights as well as weekends. Students get in free, though skates can be rented for a few dollars. It’s a great place to go with friends, and in my case, try something new. Bird Arena is where I first ice skated. I could possibly be the worst ice skater ever, but it sure was fun. As I continue to go back every now and then, I am improving. Whether it be hockey or ice skating, be sure to dress warm because you really won’t escape much of the cold in Bird.

Basketball Season at Ohio

Steve Burns,
Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Athens, OH 28 January 2013 – Now that the new semester is here, I am very excited for the rest of Ohio University’s basketball season. The basketball games are a great way to have some fun and take a break from schoolwork during the week. These games have become one of my favorite activities here on campus because of the excitement that exists in the Convo during a close game and because of the large number of students that show up to each home game. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the basketball program here is not too shabby…and by not too shabby I mean defending MAC champions and a Sweet 16 run last season.

Not only are the home games a great time, road games can be even more fun. It’s great when enough people get together to make a trip to an away game. By far my favorite experience following the basketball team was when they were making a run into the NCAA tournament last season. A group of my friends and I went to the MAC championship game in Cleveland to watch Ohio win there, only to pack up shortly after and head to Nashville, Tennessee to watch the first round of tournament games. This is one of my favorite memories being a student here thus far. There were students and fans from schools across the country gathered in one central location to watch and cheer on their respective schools. The Ohio game versus Michigan was a thriller and one that I will never forget, both because of the win and the impressive number of OU students and supporters who made the trip to Nashville to cheer on the team.

So I’m pumped it is basketball season again and that conference games are underway. Hopefully the basketball team will have another incredible season because if they do I know I will be watching and along for the ride.

OU Hockey

Courtney Sterrick,
Junior, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Athens, OH 09 December 2012 – By far, my favorite weekend activity at Ohio University is attending the OU Club Hockey games. Prior to attending OU, I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in hockey and figured that not even in my wildest dreams would I regularly attend games. Well, I was wrong.

I was introduced to hockey as a member of the Chemical Engineering Learning Community. Each major’s Learning Community is led by one of the major’s professors and a peer-mentor (an upperclassman typically with the same major). Although all are organized a little differently, Learning Communities are designed to introduce freshmen with the same major to one another as well as familiarize them with the opportunities available at OU including student organizations, sporting events, and fine arts performances. The Chemical Engineering Learning Community requires students to attend a certain number of peer-mentor led activities.

At the time, I primarily decided to attend the hockey game to gain the class credit and hoped I wouldn’t be too bored in the process. Needless to say, the game was packed full of action–and was even funny! At one point near the end of the game, a giant fight broke out on the ice, and while the referees were trying to break it up, the announcer began playing “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers has also attended hockey games as a group. Here is a picture of some Chemical Engineering Juniors who attended the Ohio vs. John Carroll game on September 21st:

The Hockey Team’s schedule is one of the more intense especially considering the number of games played each season. Two games are played per weekend beginning in late September and running until March. The team is currently 17-3-2 and they played their last game of 2012 last night at Kent State–a 9-3 win. The next home game isn’t until January 18th—-a long, grueling wait for fans!

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.

Bobcat Football

Paul Barina,
Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Athens, OH 09 November 2012 – As a senior here at Ohio University, I have dedicated my Saturday afternoons and evenings to Ohio University Football! Ohio football can be one of the best experiences a student can find here at OU. Bobcat football is relaxed and easy going, but also still competitive. To get tickets, all one has to do is show up at the gate. There is no price for students which provide safe and affordable fun.

Before every game is a student gathering located right off the stadium. Here are a bunch of free giveaways which include OU free food and sometimes if lucky, some OU gear. This is a fun place to go with a bunch of classmates or friends from the residence halls. Once everyone is pumped up it is time to
head in for the game.

Once in the stadium, there are seats dedicated just for students. These seats are some of the best seats in the house. This location is known as the O-Zone and is one where every Bobcat is welcome. Experiencing college football on the 50 yard line first row is something everyone should enjoy once.

I have had some of my best memories with my some of my best friends at Ohio University football. They have helped me truly love Ohio University and all it has to offer.