Day two in the Valley was work mode and community outreach for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
It was the 2nd practice of the trip thus far for the Buckeyes. After practice, 40 members of the team went to a local Dicks Sporting Goods store to share the Christmas Spirit with some kids from Child Crisis Arizona. The charity benefits local at risk youth, on average the program helps 6,500 per year, providing them with safe places to sleep at night.
Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison is one of the student athletes that got to take a kid on a $200 shopping spree at Dicks Sporting Goods. The spree was made possible by a partnership between Dicks and Fiesta Bowl Charities, where each pays 50% of the cost.
“It’s rewarding to take part in events like this because it’s a reminder that not everyone is as fortunate as we are,” said Harrison. “I love doing this. I love being able to put a smile on a kid’s face. It’s very rewarding.”
It was a moving experience for the team, that touched many of their hearts. Just before getting back on the bus to head to the team hotel, cornerback Darryl Sinclair summed up the powerfulness of the experience stating simply, “I didn’t want to leave her.” This was after his spree pairing with a young girl named Melissa.
Christmas Eve is where the schedule kicks up a bit for the Buckeyes. Formal press conferences get underway for the leaders of the team as they center stage for the media. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, will be joined by the likes of Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins, Chase Young and Jeff Okuda, just to name a few. This will go on from 9:45-10:30 am MST.
Shortly before noon MST, the Buckeyes will take to practice fields at Notre Dame Prep. However, with 100% chance of rain in the forecast for Tuesday, Ohio State is contemplating an indoor practice.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Buckeyes and Tigers prepare for battle in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, set to kickoff a 6:00pm MST from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ.
Written by Adrian Beecher
Image courtesy of Fiesta Bowl Communications
