Posted: Nov 19, 2008
BEREA, OHIO -- What you see is what you get. That is a perfect explanation of The Ohio State University Head Football Coach Jim Tressel.
This is the fourth of a five-day preview of the 2008 OSU versus Michigan Preview from the perspective of Baldwin-Wallace College Sports Information Director Kevin Ruple.
Today, we will visit the B-W quarterbacking career of a young Jim Tressel. Then send you to the OSU web site for more up-to-date information.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, we will visit the collegiate playing career of current University of Michigan Defensive Coordinator Scott Shafer '90 as he goes from being a Yellow Jacket quarterback on offense from 1987-1989 to the defensive side of the football as a college coach. Then take a visit to 'the school up north's' web site.
On Friday, we'll let you catch your breath and get ready for the big game as we 'Count Down to Kickoff 2008'.
From the Ballboy to the Quarterback
While growing up in Berea, Ohio, Jim Tressel was always around the game of football. It was hard not to be around it when your father is a football coach at a school that is a powerhouse. And, what better way to be around the game and the players than to be a ballboy. That way, you were front and center and see the action up close and personal.
From boyhood to Berea High School and then to Baldwin-Wallace, Jim Tressel learned about the game of football from many people, including his father, high school coach and at B-W from the legendary Bob Packard. What Jim Tressel learned was the right way to coach the game of football, and more importantly, the right way to treat people/ student-athletes and how to get the very most out of their abilities. That's why Jim Tressel is so genuine.
For four years as student-athlete at B-W, Jim Tressel played quarterback for his father's team, but not always as a starter. He was supportive of his teammates. And, when he got his chances to play and/ or start, he was an outstanding option QB who was hard-nosed and equally adept at running and passing.
From the Quarterback to National Championship Head Coach
While growing up in Berea, Ohio, Jim Tressel was always around the game of football. It was hard not to be around
Since graduating from B-W in the spring of 1975, Jim Tressel has journeyed a number of places as a Graduate Assistant, then Assistant and then Head Coach. But the whole time, he was preparing himself for his ultimate goal -- to be the Head Coach of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. And, no matter where Jim Tressel has gone, the winning has continued -- whether it is in terms of winning football games or on the affect/ effect he's had on the lives of the people he's come in contact with.
Have a great day!
FOR MORE INFORMATION on both Jim Tressel and Scott Shafer, please return to the B-W Athletics Web site during OSU-Michigan Week as we count down to kickoff on Nov. 22.
FOR MORE B-W SPORTS INFORMATION, please contact Sports Information Director Kevin Ruple by telephone at 440-826-2327, on cell phone at 440-532-9605 and via e-mail at kruple@bw.edu.
