The Kickoff Classic has been turned inside out.

Saturday, July 29, 2000

The Kickoff Classic has been turned inside out.

Eight years ago, the Ohio University Southern Campus began the Kickoff Classic in the school’s auditorium. Now, crowds have swelled and forced the event outside.

That’s just fine with Dr. Charles Jarrett, chairman of the event.

"We had about 100 people the first year, but then it began to grow each year. We finally figured we better get it outside if it’s going to grow," Jarrett said.

The eighth annual event has grown to the point more than 500 people attended last year. Jarrett is hoping the numbers will remain strong when Kickoff Classic 2000 is held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, on the OUSC campus.

"We’ve gone from 100 to 200 to 400 to 500 last year unofficially. It’s really grown the last two or three years. It’s the best it has been in terms of turnout by the community."

Guest speaker for the event is Ohio Bobcats head football coach Jim Grobe. Master of ceremonies will be Matt Shepherd of WSAZ-TV 3.

"Coach Grobe has been very popular with the crowds in the past and with the people of the community," Jarrett said. "He’s very personable, people enjoy hearing him speak, and the people in the community have formed somewhat of a Bond with him."

However, there is a lot more to the Kickoff Classic than just Grobe talking about the Bobcats upcoming season and fielding questions from the fans.

The music will begin right awauy with SmartMUSIC! DJ and Entertainment.

Food and drinks will be available at no charge, door prizes will be given away, the Boy Scout Troop No. 106 will present the flag, and the Coal Grove Hornets marching band will play the national anthem.

An Ohio University alumni meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Caucus Room.

Two former Ironton All-Ohio players are currently members of the Bobcats, wide receiver James Taylor is a redshirt freshman and defensive end Mike Henry is a new recruit.