Jason J. Molyet Fans cheer as the Buckeyes take the field Saturday.

COLUMBUS -- The bitter chill that settled over Ohio Stadium didn't freeze the spirit of Don Platt.

The 60-year-old Perrysville resident and his wife, Diana, bundled up and joined a reported 52,000 fans who braved the elements for Saturday's pep rally saluting Ohio State's national championship football team.

"It was fantastic," said a jubilant Platt. "I've been to that stadium a million times and I've never seen more energy. All that energy kept me warm.

"I was around for the last national championship (in 1968) and this brought back a lot of memories. It made me proud to be a Buckeye."

The program began at 11 a.m. when organizers replayed the network broadcast of the second half and both overtimes of the 31-24 Fiesta Bowl upset of No. 1-ranked Miami.

"We were there right at 11 and got to sit in about the fourth row. We had great seats," said Mansfield's John Gies, an assistant principal in the Firelands school system.

The 36-year-old man chose this event to introduce his 8-year-old son Alex to the Horseshoe.

"It was neat the way they tied everything together," Gies said. "Alex really liked the band and hearing (head coach Jim) Tressel.

"I thought the players were really like a bunch of kids the way they got excited up on the stage."

After the rebroadcast ended, a number of local dignitaries took the podium and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman officially changed Lane Avenue to Champions Lane in honor of the team. Tressel then introduced the seniors, including Cie Grant, who sang a moving solo version of the school's alma mater. The band then performed Script Ohio to finish the program, with the seniors dotting the "i".

"It was just a fantastic and memorable experience," said Mansfield's Blake Wagner, who was accompanied by his wife, Susan, and their three sons. "There were frigid temperatures, but I don't think you could be from Ohio and not have a tear in your eye from that."

Bellville's Shelly Barr attended the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. She said this event obviously couldn't compare to the game, but it was a nice capper to an unforgettable season.

"I thought Cie Grant was great," the 38-year-old Barr said. "I could've done without some of the politicians, but I liked the highlights at the end of the program. I'm glad I went."

Reach Larry Phillips at lbphillips@nncogannett.com.

Originally published Sunday, January 19, 2003