Beat Michigan Rally Highlights and History

2010 - Mike Tomczak addressed the crowd with stories from his days as OSU quarterback from 1982-1984, along with his sixteen-year career in the NFL. Emcee Bill Conley got the crowd excited for the 2010 Michigan game and the Buckeye Brass Band led the audience in fight songs and Carmen Ohio. Former Linebacker Jerry Rudzinski, former cheerleader Amy Stoneking and long-time OSU volunteer Jack Cambell shared their favorite Michigan memories in a series of video clips throughout the Rally. Judge Judy French honored the late Chief Justice Tom Moyer for his dedication and service to Ohio Youth in Government. Over 300 attendees helped raise nearly $50,000 for Ohio Youth in Government.

2009 - Cie Grant mesmerized attendees with his inside-the-locker-room perspective of the 2002 National Championship game vs. the University of Miami Hurricanes. Cie served as a linebacker and is most known in the hearts of Buckeye fans for blitzing Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey during the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, forcing a 4th down incompletion and securing the 2002 BCS National Championship for Ohio State. The highlight of the Rally was when Cie led the crowd in an a capella version of Carmen Ohio. Bill Conley again served as emcee and 325 attendees helped raise nearly $50,000 for Ohio Youth in Government.

2008 - Art Schlichter and Greg Frey electrified the crowd with their stories as OSU quarterbacks. Schlichter was a four-year starter at Ohio State (1979-1981) and was the last starting quarterback for legendary Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes. He was an Ohio State University All-American quarterback and 1st round NFL draft pick by the Baltimore Colts in 1982. Greg Frey was a 3-year starter (1988-1990) and the only quarterback in Ohio State history to throw for 2,000 yards in 3 consecutive seasons. Both former quarterbacks sharied stories with Emcee Bill Conley. Over 300 people attended the rally, raising $64,000 for Ohio Youth In Government.

2007 - Craig Krenzel wowed the crowd with inside-the-locker room stories of the undefeated 2002 National Championship season and his career as OSU's starting quarterback. Craig finished his career with a 24-3 record , and was a two-time Fiesta Bowl MVP, along with serving as the 2003 team captain. Krenzel compiled 2,478 yards of total offense in 2002, 5th best all-time at OSU and was named the Archie Griffin Offensive Player of the Year and voted OSU’s Co-MVP for the 2002 season. Kreznel was drafted in the 5th round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He started 5 games in Chicago before spending one season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Bill Conley, former recruiting coach for The Ohio State University, served as emcee. Approximately 340 people attended the event, raising over $60,000 for Ohio HI-Y Youth in Government.

2006 - Earle Bruce shared stories from the years he spent as head coach (1979-1987). In his nine seasons at OSU, Bruce won or shared four Big Ten championships, took the Buckeyes to eight bowl games, finished in the top 20 eight times and posted an 81-26-1 record. Bill Conley, former recruiting coach for Ohio State, served as emcee. Approximately 400 people attended the event, raising $55,000 for Ohio HI-Y Youth in Government.

2005 – Tom Skladany served as keynote. Skladany was a three-time OSU all-American and a two-time All-Pro for the Detroit Lions. He was the first special teams player to receive a scholarship from Ohio State and the first special teams player to be named captain of the team. Clay Hall and Anthony Rothman from NewsCenter 6 again served as emcees. Approximately 450 people attended the event, raising $44,000 for Ohio HI-Y Youth in Government.

2004 – Bill Conley served as keynote. A dynamic speaker, Conley played for Woody Hayes and coached for Earl Bruce, John Cooper and Jim Tressel. Clay Hall and Anthony Rothman from NewsCenter 6 served as emcees. Over 400 people attended the event, raising $44,000 for Ohio HI-Y Youth in Government.

2003 - The first Beat Michigan Rally luncheon benefiting Ohio Youth in Government was held in November at the Adams Mark Hotel. Jack Park, author of The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia and 1460 The Fan radio commentator served as the keynote speaker and 10TV Anchorman Dave Kaylor served as emcee. Over 400 people attended raising over $20,000 for Ohio Youth in Government.

Ohio HI-Y Youth in Government Background

The Ohio HI-Y Youth in Government program serves as a “civic laboratory” where high school students learn practical lessons about democracy and responsible citizenship by directly taking on the roles of officials in the three branches of state government. Students come together each April for this three-day experience at the Ohio Statehouse.

The experiential nature of this civic education program better enables our youth to gain an awareness of state issues and concerns; strengthen their ability to organize and express ideas clearly and persuasively; develop the self-confidence and experience at public speaking and working with others to accomplish their goals. Students also learn to appreciate that honesty, consideration of others, and doing one’s best and helping others do their best are the essential foundation of citizenship and public service.

Students get sworn in by Chief Justice Moyer at the opening ceremony.

A student makes an argument during a legislative debate.