Today I Celebrate My Husband, the Love of My Life, as He Joins the Legendary Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame
Today, I get to celebrate my husband and the love of my life as he is officially inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. As I sit down to write these words, my heart is full—full of love, pride, gratitude, and a profound sense of awe. This moment, one we’ve dreamed of and worked toward for so long, feels surreal in the most beautiful way.
From the moment I met him, I knew there was something special about him. Yes, he was talented, driven, and passionate about his sport, but there was something deeper—a fire that burned within him, one that never sought recognition but always strived for greatness. To see that fire recognized today, by one of the most storied athletic programs in the nation, is an affirmation not just of his ability but of his character, his integrity, and the journey he’s taken to get here.
Ohio State is more than just a university. It’s a tradition, a legacy, a family. And now, my husband becomes a permanent part of that family’s most hallowed chapter—the Hall of Fame. This isn’t just about records or trophies. This is about the blood, sweat, and tears poured into years of hard work. It’s about the teammates who became brothers, the coaches who pushed him beyond his limits, and the countless hours spent training when no one was watching. It’s about perseverance in the face of injury, self-doubt, and the ever-looming pressure to be more, do more, achieve more.
And through it all, he never lost himself. That’s what makes me proudest of all. He never let the pursuit of greatness take away from the man he is—the man I married, the man I love, the man our family looks up to. In the world of elite athletics, where the line between confidence and ego is often blurred, he remained humble, grounded, and true to his values. He celebrated his wins with grace and faced his losses with courage.
I’ve had the privilege of walking beside him through every chapter of his journey—cheering in the stands, waiting outside locker rooms, holding his hand through recovery, and celebrating each victory as if it were our own. I’ve seen the sacrifices he made, the long nights, the early mornings, the missed holidays, the physical pain he sometimes kept hidden behind a brave face. And I’ve seen the joy, the exhilaration, and the quiet moments of fulfillment that come only when you know you’ve given everything you have for something you believe in.
Today, that devotion is being honored. Today, he steps into a place where the legends of Ohio State live forever. Today, his name joins those who have worn the scarlet and gray with pride and distinction. But to me, and to those who know him best, he’s been a Hall of Famer all along.
There’s a photograph I keep in our home—it’s one of my favorite memories. He’s young, maybe 19 or 20, wearing his Ohio State uniform, dirt on his jersey, sweat on his brow, eyes locked on something in the distance. It captures everything about him—focus, determination, and a deep love for what he does. I look at that photo often, especially on days like today, when I’m reminded just how far he’s come.
But his story didn’t begin at Ohio State, and it certainly doesn’t end with this induction. His journey started long before the scholarship offer came in the mail, long before the stadium crowds and the game-winning plays. It began in backyards and school gyms, on community fields and late-night training sessions. It began with a dream and the willingness to chase it.
And that dream was never his alone. Behind every athlete, there’s a village—a family, a community, a partner who believes even when the world doesn’t. I know how hard he’s worked, but I also know how much love has fueled that work. From his parents and siblings to his coaches and mentors, and eventually to us—his family—we’ve all been a part of this story. And today, we celebrate not just an individual achievement, but a collective triumph.
For me, being his partner means sharing in his triumphs, but also shouldering some of the burdens. It means understanding that love sometimes looks like patience, sacrifice, and unwavering support. It means knowing that sometimes, he won’t be home for dinner, or that his mind might be on the next big game even when we’re out on date night. But it also means sharing in the quiet moments after a win, the look in his eyes when he’s proud of himself, and the late-night talks where he opens up about the pressure and responsibility that come with being great.
There’s something beautiful about seeing someone you love do what they were born to do. Watching him play, watching him compete, watching him lead—those are the moments I’ll never forget. But even more than that, I treasure the man he is off the field. The husband who never forgets a birthday, the father who reads bedtime stories even when he’s exhausted, the friend who checks in on people, the man who prays with me, dreams with me, and stands beside me in every season.
That’s the real Hall of Famer.
Today’s ceremony is about recognizing athletic excellence, but to me, it’s also about honoring the heart behind it. It’s about legacy—not just what he’s done, but who he is. And I know that long after the cheers have faded, and the spotlight has moved on to someone else, that legacy will endure. Because it’s written not just in stats and headlines, but in lives touched, in lessons taught, and in the way he’s carried himself through it all.
To the university, thank you for seeing in him what I’ve always known. Thank you for preserving his story, for adding his name to a list of icons and trailblazers, and for making this day one we will never forget. This honor is more than deserved—it is a reflection of the dedication, the perseverance, and the passion he has always brought to everything he does.
To our children, if you ever want to know what greatness looks like, look no further than your father. Let this induction remind you that excellence isn’t just about talent—it’s about heart, resilience, and purpose. It’s about showing up every day, doing your best, and staying true to yourself no matter what the world expects of you.
And to my husband—my love, my partner, my best friend—thank you. Thank you for letting me walk this journey with you. Thank you for being the kind of man who inspires not just admiration, but deep, abiding respect. Thank you for the late nights, the early mornings, the love you pour into everything you do. Thank you for making us proud—not just today, but every day.
You are, and always will be, my hero. This Hall of Fame induction may be about your past accomplishments, but I know your greatest chapters are still ahead. I can’t wait to walk beside you through them, hand in hand, heart to heart.
So today, as you stand in front of your peers, your coaches, your fans, and your family, know that you are exactly where you belong. You’ve earned every bit of this. And while the world applauds your athletic greatness, I will always cherish the quiet, powerful greatness of the man I know behind the uniform.
Congratulations, my love. This is your moment—and I am so proud to be yours.
