CINCINNATI — The Ohio State football team continues its journey to the Big Ten Championship this weekend as Purdue comes to town. At halftime. when one of the greatest traditions of college football occurs with the '“dotting of the I” in Ohio the “I dotter” will take a moment to take it all in, especially considering his unique connection with Purdue.
In the shadows of Ohio Stadium, the Ohio State Marching Band is hard at work perfecting its next halftime show.
For fourth-year band member Max Cogswell, it’s a dream he’s had since he was a little boy.
“When we got into the stadium and I saw how people were so excited for dotting the I that I knew I wanted to come to Ohio State and do that someday,” Cogswell said.
On Saturday, he gets that honor that every sousaphone player dreams of.
“It’s been a long time coming because not a lot of people know that you have to try out every year in this marching band,” he said. “So to keep doing that, after four straight years. So being able to finally say I get to “dot the I” here this Saturday is really something special.”
But it’s not just the fact that he gets to “dot the I,” it’s also the game that he’s doing it at.
“When it came to my turn, I knew that there were probably a couple other better teams I could have picked for my I dot, but I wanted to pick Purdue as something special for my dad and my brother,” Cogswell said.
Cogswell’s dad and brother both Purdue alumni, his mom an Ohio State alum.
“They were very excited. My mom especially, she’s been really looking forward to this. And, my dad, my brother, however, kind of hoping the end of the game results will be more towards Purdue’s favor, but we’ll see.”
In a house divided, they will come together to celebrate this major milestone.
“I’m hoping I don’t black out for a really important moment in my life,” he said. “But I’m going to just try to take it all in once I get to that top of the I.”
Cogswell is a Marietta, Ohio native and will be the third person from the town to “dot the I” for the OSU Marching Band.