How a Tug-of-War Competition Inspired Buckeyes to Pay It Forward
April 27, 2023
Written by: Sarah Sipos
47 years ago on April 28, 1976, a tug-of-war competition on the lawn between Park and Smith Halls laid the foundation for a lifetime bond. The connections made nearly a half century ago have enriched the lives of the students involved and have led them to pay it forward to current students.
In 1975 after a match between the 5th and 3rd floors, Steve Varrone of the victorious 5th floor stood on the steps of Park Hall and challenged Tim Knox of the 10th floor to compete the following spring. Tim became the 10th floor resident advisor and promoted the floor-to-floor competition to build community among residents.
Wearing matching t-shirts on April 28, 1976, the 10th floor residents of Park Hall defeated the team from five floors below, coached by fellow resident Kevin Leddy. Although the contestants were pulling in opposite directions, the event brought them all together and created friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
Over the decades that followed, 108 students who lived on Park Hall’s 5th, 7th and 10th floors from 1973 to 1979 have done more than stay in touch. They remain close friends, supporting each other through life’s challenges, such as rallying funds to save one another’s homesteads and leveraging their networks and expertise to help fellow alumni through legal and medical concerns. They have traveled from across the country to attend reunions and several of them return to campus every August to mentor current resident advisors on the annual War of the Ropes competition that continues today.
The bonds they forged at The Ohio State University so many years ago have led them to pay it forward. Residents of Park Hall in the 1970s recently created a leadership award that provides a scholarship to a student who demonstrates leadership in building community and positive relationships among residents of what is now Park-Stradley Hall.
“‘How firm thy friendship’ guides the beliefs, loyalty and strength of our alumni group,” said Tim Knox. “I’m proud of how this scholarship fosters the bond that connects us to Ohio State and the profound support we hold for one another.”
By creating a scholarship, the alumni of Park Hall hope to inspire students to invest in the residential experience and build the same kind of lasting relationships they have enjoyed over the past 47 years.
“I am beyond thankful to have received this incredible award. It has helped me recognize the importance of building inclusive communities where Buckeye friendships are born that can last a lifetime,” said Adithya Ramaswami, the inaugural recipient of the award. “I am even more grateful to have become friends with the alumni group, which has consistently worked to support so many students over the years. It is alumni like them that make such a positive and long-lasting impact on the Buckeye student community."