MANSFIELD — He wore a stately gray suit instead of his trademark sweater vest, looking more senatorial than ever.
And when former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel was introduced by longtime Mansfield educator and former staffer Doug Castle, he received a standing ovation fitting of a president.
Tressel, who became Youngstown State University’s 10th president in early May, was the keynote speaker at the standing-room-only 34th Beat Michigan Buckeye Bash at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center on Monday. He captivated the Scarlet and Gray-clad audience with stories from his 10 seasons in charge in Columbus.
“We all know of his accomplishments as a head football coach,” Castle said. “What I really want to talk about is Jim Tressel the man. In spite of all his success, he’s remained humble and caring.
“In fact, he’s the most caring, unselfish individual I’ve ever met. He’s always looking out for others.”
Tressel was 9-1 against that team up north, but had to vacate the 2010 win (along with 11 others that season, including a Sugar Bowl victory over Arkansas) as a result of the tattoo scandal that cost him his job. Tressel resigned in May of 2011.
“I had the advantage of growing up in Ohio and knowing how much it meant to so many,” Tressel said. “There’s nothing like being a part of this.
“Playoffs and championships and all that are great, but this one is special.”
Tressel’s father, Lee, was a legendary coach at Baldwin-Wallace College from 1958 to 1980, winning a Division III national championship in 1978. Lee Tressel’s season traditionally ended in mid-November.
“His season always ended the second weekend in November. That third weekend in November was kind of like that first weekend dad was back home,” Tressel said. “There was only one thing that he was going to do. He was going to be sitting in front of the TV watching the Ohio State-Michigan game.
“He hung on every single play of that game.”
Tressel played for his father at Baldwin-Wallace before following him into coaching. He was an Ohio State assistant under Earle Bruce from 1983 to 1985.
“Within seven months of working with coach Bruce I had an ulcer,” Tressel said. “When I was treated for my ulcer at the University hospital, they told me I was the 17th assistant coach between coach (Woody) Hayes coach Bruce to have an ulcer.”
Tressel’s first taste of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry came in Ann Arbor in November of 1983. No. 8 Michigan beat No. 10 Ohio State 24-21.
“I don’t remember one thing from the first quarter-and-a-half. I was in the press box in those days and (fellow OSU assistant) Glen Mason and I would sit side-by-side and call things down to coach Bruce.
“I was of no help to anybody. I just sat there with my jaw open (thinking) I’m a part of the greatest game there is.”
Tressel’s one on-field loss to Michigan came in 2003. The No. 5 Wolverines beat the No. 4 Buckeyes 35-21 in Ann Arbor. It still eats at him.
“We didn’t play as well as we were capable,” he said. “They were a very good team, take nothing away from them. We didn’t get it done and we have to live with that.”
Even though he is four years removed from the rivalry, Tressel still gets excited this time of year.
“There’s nothing like coaching at Ohio State,” Tressel said. “When Ohio State-Michigan week begins on that Sunday immediately you think of a million memories. … Then the day of the game comes and you hope to see something special.”
So how will the 2014 edition of The Rivalry play out?
“We’ll be fine,” Tressel said.
“Within seven months of working with coach Bruce I had an ulcer,” Tressel said. “When I was treated for my ulcer at the University hospital, they told me I was the 17th assistant coach between coach (Woody) Hayes coach Bruce to have an ulcer.”
