Latest news with #ArchieGriffin
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Archie Griffin first to be honored with new Ohio State football tradition
There was a plethora of news from the Ohio State football program on Saturday. Not only were four captains announced for the 2025 season, but the program's sixth "Block O" recipient was also unveiled. In addition to that, Ohio State announced that two-time Heisman Trophy-winning running back Archie Griffin will take part in a new tradition on the banks of the Olentangy. In an attempt to improve the environment at Ohio State football games, one of the new traditions will be an honor to ring the bell to start each game. In this case, Griffin will ring the bell for the first time ever prior to the season-opener against No. 1 Texas on Aug. 30. Griffin continues to be a great ambassador for Ohio State and is ever grateful for being recognized with this honor as well. 'I'm honored to be able to be the first bell ringer at Ohio State. It's something new that's going on at Ohio State, but I think it's going to work out extremely well because the Buckeyes are going to have a great season, and that bell is going to ring a lot,' Griffin said Saturday before an autograph session at Dick's Sporting Goods House of Sport. Ohio State honored Griffin by asking him to "Dot the I" in Script Ohio last season and also unveiled a statue of him prior to the first game of the season as well in 2024. Now, he'll literally ring in a new tradition as still the only two-time Heisman winner almost 50 years later. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
WRU scrap programme that has discovered hidden Wales stars in controversial move
WRU scrap programme that has discovered hidden Wales stars in controversial move The WRU's exiles programme has come to an end Archie Griffin was originally identified by the WRU's exiles programme (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) The Welsh Rugby Union has scrapped its exiles programme, WalesOnline has learnt. WalesOnline understands the WRU has parted ways with its National Exiles Officer Gareth Davies - a terrific servant to the game in Wales. The exiles programme has been scrapped altogether, with the WRU now focusing on the 'retention and repatriation' of young players who are already in Wales or young players who have recently left the country. This decision is as a result of the WRU's transformation programme where it will focus on cutting costs and making savings of £5m. In recent years the Exiles programme has produced about 100 players who have won Wales u18 and u20s caps, awarded senior regional contracts and been involved with the senior men's national squad. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Most of these first came to Exiles events as 14 or 15-year-olds and the programme has been successful over the years with young players also getting help educationally. Article continues below The latest senior squad selected to tour Japan this summer includes Archie Griffin (Wiltshire), Freddie Thomas (Gloucestershire) and Johnny Williams (Berkshire); they all came into the Exiles programme as 15-year-olds. Blair Murray has settled into Welsh rugby with ease. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Others in the squad such as Taine Plumtree, Tommy Reffell, Sam Costelow and Blair Murray were also monitored via the Exiles programme. This decision is a head scratcher given Wales' small talent pool in comparison to other tier one nations and the threat of English fee- paying schools offering scholarships to young Welsh players. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free As a result Welsh-born youngsters like Exeter Chiefs No 8 Kane James have ended up representing England U20s. The WRU will now put a huge emphasis on trying to bring Welsh-qualified players back to Wales. Article continues below It has already begun this process with the likes of England U20s full-back Ioan Jones signing for the Scarlets along while the likes of front-row duo James Talamai and Codi Purnell have left England for the Dragons. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. The WRU has also launched the Wales Pathway Players programme where up to 60 players will receive access to nationally-run group clinics to work on their technical, tactical and physical development; locally-delivered position-specific coaching sessions; regular one-on-one support and advice from S&C specialist coaches and nutritionists, along with mentoring from current or recently retired senior professional players.
