When Jim Tressel arrived at Ohio State ahead of the 2001 season, the Buckeyes had just two wins in the previous 13 meetings with Michigan and just one win in the past six matchups.
When introduced to the Buckeye fanbase in a packed St. John Arena during halftime of the Ohio State-Michigan basketball game, he was not prepared to speak. He was told that he was to simply smile and wave and accept the applause of the crowd. “I can assure you that you will be proud of your young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan.”It wasn't pandering and it wasn't scripted – Tressel knew exactly how many days until Ohio State met Michigan. Since the day he took over as the Buckeyes' head coach, it was that important to him. And so was winning.
But it didn't stop there. Tressel rattled off a 9-1 record over the next decade before Urban Meyer took over and went 7-0 himself. Now, it's up to Ryan Day.Jim Tressel on Michigan: “I Hope I Live Long Enough for That Day When We’re Over .500. Then I Can Go to Sleep Happy”
The start of a love with sweater vests!
I was there! What an incredible intro to a coach no one had ever heard of!
TomSmit09584887 thebrentist
Guys, stop using that awful quality video of the speech.
Chills every time I hear it.
Holy typos