It’s almost that time of the year. The air is crisp with an onset of a winter chill, leaves have started to fall and the Ohio State Buckeyes are set to play their most hated team in the world—the Michigan Wolverines. A bitter rivalry that dates before any of our times, the game between the two universities is anticipated across the countries. However, what doesn’t get talked about is the annual ‘Mirror Lake Jump’. Also something that dates back many years ago, the jump is a pivotal time of the year. Here is a brief overview and history of our infamous plunge into the lake.
Every Tuesday night prior to the football game, students run from around campus to Mirror Lake. Contrary to popular belief, the tradition didn’t actually start until 1990 when Ohio State Athletic Director Jim Jones was with the university. Jones led a parade of students around campus and at the end of the march a few hundred people--including members of the AEPi fraternity--dove into the lake. Initially, it was something that didn’t stick. 19 years later, around 12,000 people were either near or jumped into the lake to keep the tradition alive.
The lake itself is a calm and peaceful place for students and faculty to relax during the day. However, come Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the lake turns into a packed, sometimes injury-ridden space. The jump itself is not sponsored by Ohio State, and therefore not encouraged by the university. Throughout the years that the jump has taken place, there have been a variety of trips to the emergency room. According to campus police, jumping into the lake is considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor. As the jump continues to be a main event for students, Ohio State has implemented requirements to try and control the event. In 2013, the lake was fenced off by the university and students were only allowed to jump if they had an issued wristband and were a student at the school. However, in the same year, students in protest of the new regulations made another jump a day before the regularly scheduled jump.
As many people read this, the question comes up: “Why do it?” It’s simple. Traditions are something that bring together students of all walks. The jump symbolizes the unity of students coming as one to support their football team and ultimately their school. It’s also been noted that the jump has brought good luck to those that participate (and the football team). While that’s ultimately up to an individual to decide, the Mirror Lake jump brings more than just luck—it ties us together as more than just students, but Buckeyes.
To everyone participating this year, stay warm. Go Bucks!
