A Family Tradition marches On: Sydney Reeves Completes a Historic “Dotting of the I” at Ohio State
A legacy spanning generations culminated on October 4th when Sydney Reeves fulfilled a lifelong dream, becoming the first child of two former “i dotters” to carry on the iconic Script Ohio tradition at Ohio State University.
The Script Ohio, a beloved spectacle of college football, has been a cornerstone of Buckeye games as 1936. The 225-member Ohio State marching band meticulously forms the word “Ohio” in script, culminating in the selection of a senior sousaphone player to dramatically strut to the top of the “i” and dot it – a moment described by Wendy Reeves, Sydney’s mother, as “a moment of glory.”
For Sydney, the dream began in childhood. She remembers attending her first Ohio State football game as a baby in a carrier. By age two, Sydney requested a small tuba to keep under her bed, and by eight, she knew she wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps as an Ohio State sousaphone player. The Reeves family intertwined their lives with the band,with Chad even proposing during a “skull session” – the band’s pre-game pep rally – with family members holding signs proclaiming,”Wendy,be my tuba for life!” They married in December 1992,playing their sousaphones at the wedding.
The path to becoming an “i dotter” is far from guaranteed. According to Christopher Hoch, the director of marching and athletic bands at Ohio State, the tradition initially wasn’t highly coveted. “it was an E-flat cornet player – the smallest instrument in the band,” Hoch explained. The role evolved to feature the sousaphone, the largest instrument, for greater visibility.Approximately 400 students audition for the band each year, and maintaining a spot requires consistent performance and dedication.
sydney faced setbacks. Despite rigorous preparation, she didn’t make the band as a freshman in 2021. Undeterred, she turned to her parents, and Chad tirelessly practiced with her, perfecting the fundamentals. “It was just really cool being able to see that he could still do it all, and do it better than me,” Sydney said.
Tragically, in November 2021, Chad passed away unexpectedly from an accidental drug overdose. Sydney described the loss as heartbreaking,but resolved to honour his memory by redoubling her efforts. She carried his favorite mantra with her: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” She made the band the following year, knowing that each year of improvement brought her closer to her ultimate goal.
The selection process for the “i dotter” is based on a rank-order system persistent by the number of performances as a band member. In April 2024, Sydney learned she had been chosen to dot the “i” on October 4th against Minnesota. She meticulously practiced the signature strut, refining each step with her mother’s guidance.
on game day, Sydney wore a Buckeye on a string – the same one Chad had worn when he dotted the “i” – a tangible link to her father’s memory. as she marched onto the field, she cried, overwhelmed by the culmination of her dream and the pride she felt in her family. wendy watched from the stands,counting down each step,while sydney focused on the fundamentals she had practiced relentlessly.
Sydney executed the tradition flawlessly, dotting the “i” and bowing to the roar of the crowd.”I do feel like it brought me closer to him,” she said, feeling her father’s presence through the buckeye tucked under her uniform.
With her “i dot,” Sydney Reeves etched her name into Ohio State history, becoming the first child of two former “i dotters” to achieve the honor. “It is a dream that you have your whole life, so being able to accomplish that dream is like nothing you could imagine,” Sydney said. After the performance, Wendy sent a simple text message: “Sweet dot, baby.”
