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The newest statue and memorial on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus has a local flavor.
A little more than a week ago, the university formally dedicated its newest monument, the “Traditions Monument” was designed by the St. Clairsville-based Hays Landscape Architecture Studio, which is owned and operated by OSU alumnus Gabe Hays.
“This was our first project at Ohio State, so it was very exciting to be chosen,” Hays said.
Hays Landscape was selected for the project about 18 months ago after an interview process that included two other firms.
One of those firms was the Edge Group, which is owned by former Buckeye Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George.
“The university actually contacted me,” Hays said.
“We put the drawings together, but I am not going to claim that we did all of the work because there was a committee of people and a lot of ideas from Ohio State.”
The project was delayed for a short period of time while all of the funding was accounted for, but work began in June.
“The project is essentially done,” Hays said. “We’re happy with how it turned out, but in this business, you’re only as good as your next project.”
Hays and his staff were on hand almost weekly during the work, making sure the construction team was adhering to the plans and drawings.
The Traditions Monument is located within Remembrance Park, which can be found at the corner of Tuttle Park Place and Woody Hayes Drive near the ROTC Building and St. John Arena.
The monument was funded by former Ohio State Football Coach Jim Tressel and his wife Ellen and sits between the Blackwell Hotel, where the OSU Football players stay on Friday nights before games, and the St. John Arena.
The monument features images of academics, athletics, military service and the Ohio State seal. At the top of the monument is the Ohio State ‘Block O.’
Tressel’s resignation in May had no impact on the monument because he had already pledged his support.
“Coach Tressel was always a great supporter of the veterans,” Hays said. “He just wanted to contribute.”
On their way to St. John for the ‘Skull Session,’ the players will all touch the monument as they walk by.
“It was awesome to see all of the players touch the monument,” Hays, who was in attendance for the ceremony and the Buckeyes’ opening game against Akron and watched the players walk by.”
Hays – a 1990 St. Clairsville High School graduate – owns a degree in landscape architecture from the OSU College of Engineering. He opened his business in 1997.
Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com