Once a Buckeye, Always a Buckeye

A college football star, MBA grad and current alumni association president, Archie Griffin is forever connected to Ohio State University in his hometown of Columbus.

Football is in high gear at Ohio Stadium. What's the best seat in the house to watch a Buckeyes game?
"Th e best seat is any seat, because when the stadium was renovated, it really opened up the sight lines. Every game's a sellout, so if you're in there, you've got yourself a good seat!"

Where do you like to chow down after a game?
"Bonefish Grill (www.bonefishgrill.com; 614-436-0286) on Polaris Parkway, or the Buckeye Hall of Fame Café (www.halloffamecafes.com; 614-291-2233), right on campus. It has a lot of sports memorabilia. That's where I keep one of my Heisman Trophies. At the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern (www.rustybucketavern.com ; 614-890-3663) in Westerville, I get fried pickles."

Ohio Stadium Are you a fan of other local sports teams?
"Certainly Ohio State basketball and hockey; they play at the Schottenstein Center (www.schottensteincenter.com), and the Blue Jackets pro hockey team (www.bluejackets.nhl.com), who play at Nationwide Arena."

It sounds like Columbus has a lot of sports teams to watch. Do you like to see the performing arts as well?
"There are plays and musicals that come through the Ohio Theatre (www.capa.com), but one of the places I'm interested in visiting is the old Lincoln Theatre (www.capa.com) on East Long Street, in the African-American community. It's where I went to see movies when I was a kid. It was closed for more than 30 years, but it's been renovated and just reopened. I understand it's beautiful. I'm going to make a point of seeing a live performance there soon."

You've worked a lot with kids. If a group comes to town, what would be a great outing for them?
"I would take them to our hands-on Center of Science and Industry (www.cosi.org). It's an absolutely wonderful place for kids to gain knowledge and have a lot of fun. And for the snack, Graeter's (www.graeters.com) [for] black raspberry chip ice cream. Mmmm!"

Center of
Science and
IndustryYou've given back so much to your hometown, in football glory and community work. Is there one memory or place that stands out from all others?
"That's easy. It's the stadium. And the game was one I never thought I'd get into - against North Carolina in 1972, my freshman year. It was the second game of the season, and I'd spent practice that week lining up as the fift h tailback. I came in during the first quarter. I was so excited I almost forgot my helmet. I wound up rushing for 239 yards, an Ohio State record."

What do you love most about Columbus?
"The people, more than anything else, are really special. They have values, and want the best for the city. I've had opportunities to go elsewhere, but this is where I want to be."