Celebration of aviation, philanthropy in the Shoe
In sync with the pre-game national anthem, four flight education aircraft flew over the Shoe in a diamond formation under blue skies. University and Athletics Department officials arranged the special flyover as a way to celebrate the Ohio State Flight Team being named the best overall collegiate aviation program in the nation two years running.
John Ginley, alumnus and flight instructor, served as lead pilot in the flyover formation. He posted a video of the experience on the flight team’s YouTube channel.
The flyover provided a perfect prelude for what occurred about 10 minutes later.
Alumnus Austin “Dutch” Knowlton understood the vital importance of aviation as a core part of the American economy, and he loved Ohio State. His foundation’s recent gift to the airport is a continuation of its ardent philanthropic support of education and innovation. In 1994, Ohio State’s School of Architecture was renamed the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture in his honor.
In a fitting salute, after a slow start the Buckeyes offense took off in the second half and won the game 48-3.