For those Ohio State football fans who love to scour game day programs and reference materials, the name Elliott Rice should ring a bell. Mr. Rice was a walk on place kicker for the Buckeye fooball team from 1969-71. He played for Woody Hayes and still lives in Ohio.
After picking up a copy of my book “The One And Only: Chic Harley - -America’s Great Athlete” last January, Mr. Rice said he couldn’t put it down. One night after tossing and turning in bed, the cerebral light bulb flashed on. A idea was born.
“Chic Harley’s contributiton to Ohio State football is huge,” wrote Mr. Rice. “And it should be honored.”
He told of his belief that the site of Old Ohio Field on High Street is “holy” ground—the place where Ohio Satte football tradition took hold and bloomed under Coach Wilce , Chic Harley and his teammates.” He likened the site to a Civil War battle field that over the decades has gradually been encroached on by buildings.
“Before it disappears,” Rice writes, “it should be saved.”
Mr. Rice’s idea is to outline the boundaries of Old Ohio Field with bricks at every corner “with a few iron fence posts like was used on the original field.” Within the borders would be one, perhaps two statues of Chic. One would be a reproduction of the famous picture, which shows him standing, hands on hips, with “that winning smile.” The second statue, said Rice, would be an action shot of Chic.
“There should also be good size plaques decribing his accomplishments and his sorrows. To me the story of what his friends and coaches did for him is a lesson that needs to be taught and passed on. ‘How firm thy friendship, Ohio,’ as the alma mater says.”
Rice added that over time, statues of Buckeye Heisman Trophy winners can be added as well as those of great coaches and other players.
“They could be placed around the outside and inside of the stadium. But it is Chic Harley’s time now,” said Rice.
What a wonderful letter! What a wonderful idea!
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Next: The full text of Mr. Rice’s letter and Gee’s reply.