COLUMBUS – The Ohio High School Football Coaches annual North/South All-Star Game will have an Ohio State flavor, and not just because of the players on the rosters.

Friday, June 22, 2001

COLUMBUS – The Ohio High School Football Coaches annual North/South All-Star Game will have an Ohio State flavor, and not just because of the players on the rosters.

For the first time in more than two decades, the North/South All-Star Game will not be played at Massillon High School. Instead, the game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Crew Stadium in Columbus near the campus of Ohio State.

"We are proud to be able to play this game in Crew Stadium in Columbus," Ohio All-Star Classic managing director John Raphael said. "Crew Stadium is the perfect venue for this game and its centralized location will make it convenient for all fans in Ohio to attend and support their favorite all-stars."

Ironton’s Redgie Arden, one of eight Ohio State recruits playing in the game, will be a member of the South squad.

Arden was a four-year starter for the Fighting Tigers and was named the Division IV co-Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press as well as the Southeast District Defensive Player of the Year.

Other Ohio State signees on the South team are Angelo Chattams of Dayton Chaminade-Julienne, Simon Fraser of Upper Arlington, Maurice Hall of Columbus Brookhaven, Mike Nugent of Centerville, and Adam Olds of Dublin Coffman.

Future Buckeyes on the north squad are Brandon Schnittker of Sandusky Perkins and Canton Glen Oak’s Dustin Fox, nephew of former Ohio State defensive back Tim Fox.

Also in the game on the South roster will be Upper Arlington’s Jeff Backes who led his team to the state championship and was named "Mr. Football" by the Associated Press. Backes has signed with Northwestern.

The 66 players scheduled to participate will report this weekend.

Tickets for the game are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. To purchase tickets, contact the Crew Stadium ticket off at 614-447-CREW (2739).

Crew Stadium is located just off Interstate 71 north.