COLUMBUS, Ohio — Script Ohio is widely regarded as one of the greatest traditions at Ohio State, and dotting the “i” is a special honor for select members of the marching band.
But after the pandemic spoiled the senior tradition for two i-dotters, the game against Michigan has special significance.
Script Ohio has captivated college football fans for 85 years. It’s one of the unique traditions that sets Ohio State apart from other programs.
For senior sousaphone players, the signature formation carries a special honor — dotting the “i” — a feat only 14 non-band members have performed.
Fourth-year sousaphone players are the the only band members who can perform the highly-esteemed routine.
“It’s one of the greatest traditions that we have in the band definitely, and I think even at Ohio State,” Connor Oppy, a fifth-year sousaphone player said.
OSU Drum Major Austin Bowman ranked it at the top of all OSU traditions.
“I feel like there’s nothing that compares to it,” Bowman said. “That’s when all the eyes are on the band. This is what Ohio State is and this is what we try to embody.”
Oppy and fellow fifth-year senior Luke Isler have the honor of performing double scripts in the Big House — something that means more this year.
“It’s just a huge celebration, the magnum opus of your marching band musical journey,” Isler said.
Isler and Oppy missed out on the chance to dot the “i” against Michigan last year due to the pandemic. The band wasn’t allowed inside Ohio Stadium for games, and then the rivalry game was cancelled for the first time in 102 years.
One of the first Script Ohio formations. (Photo courtesy The Ohio State University Library Archives)
So instead of giving up, the members of “KL-row” returned for the chance to fulfill their dream. Now, in the biggest game of the year, Isler and Oppy are tag-teaming the tradition.
“It’s kind of a special moment being able to culminate this experience in band with one of your closest friends,” Oppy said.
Earlier this year, both Isler and Oppy dotted the “i” against Oregon and Penn State, but both i-dotters said this moment will be a lifelong memory in the state up north.
“I absolutely relish anytime we perform up there,” Isler said. “Just to know that I get to be one of those people that everyone is solely focused on — me and Connor — it’s going to be pretty funny and I’m going to enjoy every second of it for sure.”
Oppy said he expects plenty of boos in enemy territory, but that won’t stop him or the rest of the band from performing the legendary tradition.
“You already know that they’re going to be booing you,” he said. “And so that’s an exciting environment to play in too. Hearing them boo at you is only going to make me play louder.”
Dotting the “i” is an exclusive honor for fourth and fifth-year sousaphone players at Ohio State. (Photo by Tino Bovenzi/SN1)
