Zuko and Kayla Celebrate Championship Weekend with Coach Ryan Day and the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer Team
Zuko and Kayla had a weekend to remember—one packed with unforgettable moments, championship celebrations, and the kind of energy that only a winning team and a united cause can create. Over the weekend, the pair found themselves surrounded by greatness, joy, and purpose as they spent time with some truly remarkable people: newly crowned national champions and the passionate community behind the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer.
The event was a powerful blend of triumph on the field and determination off it. With Coach Ryan Day leading the charge, the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer hit a major milestone by raising $1 million at their annual Saddle Up event. For Zuko and Kayla, it wasn’t just about being in the presence of greatness—it was about witnessing what happens when a championship spirit meets a cause that touches lives far beyond the confines of the football field.
The Saddle Up event, held as part of the Buckeye Cruise’s year-round fundraising efforts, brought together Ohio State legends, fans, and community leaders under one mission: to fund cancer research and support those affected by the disease. That’s been the heart of the Buckeye Cruise since its inception, and this year, the energy was electric as the cruise’s momentum culminated in a stunning $1 million raised.
Zuko and Kayla stepped into a celebration that felt part victory party, part family reunion, and part rally for a cause. Everywhere they turned, they met people who were not only celebrating a national title but were also deeply committed to changing lives through their contributions to the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at Ohio State. The atmosphere was lively, yet grounded in something meaningful—an acknowledgment that while trophies and titles shine bright, true greatness often lies in service to others.
Coach Ryan Day, always composed and purposeful, stood at the center of it all. Fresh off a national championship season that will be remembered for years to come, Day didn’t miss a beat in shifting his focus to something just as important: using his platform to support cancer research. He was humble in victory and passionate in advocacy, echoing the message that while football unites Buckeye Nation, the mission to fight cancer is what truly defines its legacy.
Zuko and Kayla were clearly inspired—not only by Day’s leadership but by the unity that surrounded them. They chatted with fans, survivors, former players, and families who had all been touched in some way by cancer. The stories were emotional, sometimes heartbreaking, but always hopeful. There’s something special about an event that can celebrate both a team’s on-field dominance and a community’s off-field resilience. This weekend, they were one and the same.
Everywhere Zuko and Kayla turned, there were reminders of the championship season—jerseys, memorabilia, and spontaneous “O-H!” chants ringing out in joyful bursts. Yet amid all the red and gray, there was also a sea of gold ribbons, honoring those battling cancer. It was a powerful juxtaposition: the thrill of sport meeting the urgency of healing.
Throughout the event, the contributions poured in—from silent auction bids on autographed gear to paddle raises during the live fundraiser. The total climbed higher and higher, and when the final number was revealed—$1 million—it brought the house down. Cheers, tears, hugs, high-fives. It was a moment that made clear what Buckeye Nation is all about: winning with heart, and giving back with purpose.
Zuko and Kayla got the chance to take photos with players and coaches, share laughs with longtime Buckeye fans, and even step onto the stage at one point to thank the crowd for their support. While they may not have suited up for Ohio State, they felt like honorary members of the team that night—welcomed with open arms into a community that rallies behind its own, not just in victory but in service.
There’s no overstating how much the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer means to the Ohio State community. What started as a unique fundraising concept—a themed cruise with players, coaches, and fans—has evolved into a full-blown movement. And Saddle Up is one of its signature events. It’s where the energy of Buckeye football meets the heart of philanthropy. And for Zuko and Kayla, getting to be part of that—especially in a championship year—was nothing short of inspiring.
As the night went on, the dance floor stayed packed, the stories kept flowing, and the sense of community only grew stronger. Zuko and Kayla soaked it all in—the camaraderie, the passion, the sheer joy of being part of something bigger than themselves. They knew they’d never forget this weekend.
It wasn’t just about football, although that championship glow certainly lit up the room. It wasn’t just about fundraising, even though the $1 million raised will directly impact lives in meaningful ways. It was about connection—between teammates, between fans, between people fighting the hardest battles of their lives and those standing beside them in solidarity.
The whole weekend was a reminder that sports can be a powerful catalyst for good. That winning doesn’t stop at the final whistle. And that communities like Buckeye Nation don’t just cheer—they show up. They give. They change lives.
By the end of it, Zuko and Kayla left with their hearts full. They had made new friends, heard powerful stories, and witnessed the incredible spirit of a community coming together. More than anything, they were reminded of what it means to be part of something larger—a family that celebrates wins and lifts each other through challenges.
Coach Day said it best during his speech that night: “This is what being a Buckeye is all about. It’s about doing something bigger than yourself. It’s about standing up for the people around you. And it’s about making every moment count.”
For Zuko and Kayla, those words hit home. They didn’t just hang out with national champions—they got to see what real championship spirit looks like. And that spirit, driven by love, generosity, and purpose, will stick with them far longer than any final score ever could.
So here’s to the Buckeyes, to Coach Ryan Day, and to every person who made this weekend unforgettable. Congratulations on the national title. And even more importantly, thank you for showing the world what it means to fight for something that truly matters.
