Archie Griffin models grace and service for us all
Ohio State Alumni Association President Molly Ranz Calhoun looked up to the football star as a child, an admiration that grew as she did and followed in his footsteps.
Archie Griffin in Longaberger Alumni House when he led the alumni association (Photo by Kevin Fitzsimons)
When I reflect on the roots of my proud Buckeye heritage, I think of the earliest days coming to football games and having the chance to meet Coach Woody Hayes. With my alumni association team, I often quote his words of wisdom about winning with people.
As everybody knows, Ohio State’s defining phrase, “paying forward,” became part of our vernacular because of Coach Hayes. And the legend who best represents and lives up to this tradition today—and has for decades—is Archie Griffin ’76.
Coach Hayes knew this about him right away: “Archie Griffin is a better young man than he is a football player, and he’s the best football player I’ve ever seen,” Coach said.
When I was a kid, I could be seen on Halloween sporting Archie’s No. 45 jersey, bobbing and weaving through the neighborhood just like he did on the field. I look at photos from those days and think about how I had no idea that I would one day follow in his footsteps—not on the football field, but by becoming the leader of our alumni association.
Part of what fascinated me about Archie as a player was that he was a bit of an underdog. Somewhat smaller than most, he was still a force to be reckoned with on the field. When recognized as an invincible figure, evading every tackle, Archie only showed his humbleness, which made me, and his countless fans, appreciate him more.
His remarkable leadership abilities, kindness and humility were hallmarks of his storied career that I increasingly admired as I got older. As head of the alumni association, he helped to create a truly dynamic organization poised to serve our always expanding Buckeye family. During his tenure, he encouraged alumni to support current students, served as co-captain of the universitywide staff and employee giving campaign, and transitioned the association from a dues-based membership model to one that recognizes all graduates as members. I am honored to have the opportunity to build on this evolution.
You’ll read more from others Archie inspired, including one of his first hires at the alumni association, Ginny Trethewey ’77 JD. In addition to paying forward with his time and talent as a mentor and volunteer leader, he also generously supports the dreams and aspirations of Buckeyes year after year through scholarships. As Amanda Watters Fields ’12, ’14 MA explains in this story, the Archie Griffin Endowment Fund for Olympic Sports impacted her life tremendously. And now, as an assistant principal who also teaches deaf children, she is motivating the next generation, too.
If you have any stories about how Archie’s dedication to paying forward set an example for you, I would love to read them. Please don’t hesitate to share at OSUAAPresident@osu.edu.
