OHIO STATE head football coach Jim Tressel considers the Buckeyes’ experience to be one of their principal strengths this fall.

He apparently goes along with the idea expressed by author/historian Henry Adams, who wrote, “All experience is an arch, to build on.”

Tressel talked about the team when he appeared earlier this week at an outing arranged by the Buckeyes’ Boosters of Belmont County and held at the Belmont Hills Country Club. “I’d like to think that our real strength will be our experience,” he said. “We have good leadership, because we have real good kids — not only are they good players, but they are good people and they do the right things. Young kids see that.

“You know when your real good players are real good kids, it makes a lot of fun coaching.“

He also mentioned experience when asked about the effect that advancing to two consecutive national championship games and then losing would have on the team this fall.

Pointing out the older group of guys have had experience, he added, “I’d like to think that will make a more mature veteran team.”

He went on to indicate the understanding the players gained through some tough ball games and the realization that they can get a championship will help the team’s preparation.

The 18 returning starters also are expected to be an asset in the coming season.

“I think the biggest reason (they decided to stay) was they’ve really enjoyed their experience at Ohio State and are having fun. They enjoy one another. They know the work world will be out there for 50 years for them. I think they all just wanted to stay together, and they really value what they have been able to experience at Ohio State,” Tressel said.

The coach also mentioned departing players such as Vernon Gholston, Larry Grant, Kirk Barton and Dionte Johnson, adding he hoped the younger guys will step up and those who are returning will improve.

“I hope we’re good across the board,” he said, explaining that the only way the Buckeyes can become Big Ten champions is to get better, “because the Big Ten will be better this year.“

Another asset for the Buckeyes, according to the coach, is quarterback Todd Boeckman.

“Whenever you have a fifth-year quarterback coming back, there’s a certain confidence the team has in him,” said Tressel.

Pointing out Boeckman is a good leader, the coach commented, “He’ll do a great job of bringing those younger quarterbacks along.“

He also thought it would fun watching Joe Bauserman and Antonio Henton.

“I think all of us are excited about Terrelle Pryor (considered the No. 1 recruit in the nation) being in the Scarlet and Gray,” Tressel said. “I think Todd can make the difference in all those young kids just by the way he goes about things.“

Asked specifically about linebacker James Laurinaitis, the coach said, “James is an amazing kid. Everytime you see him — he’ll be running out of the weight room or whatever — and (ask), “James, how ya doing?” (he’ll reply), ‘Living the dream.’

“He just loves every moment he’s at Ohio State, and he’s a great student. He’s a kid who’s out there in the community, going to churches and speaking to youth groups and going to see patients in hospitals. He’s just a special kid and a great player.”

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TRESSEL also praised the setting and the food at the outings, adding it was great to be back at the event at Belmont Hills.

“This is the most beautiful setting,” he said. “It’s amazing — you look out the clubhouse here and see those rolling hills.”

After the coach admitted he was not a golfer, he indicated it looked like a fun course to play.

“My coaches,” he added, “will come back tomorrow (in Columbus), and they’ll want a day off because they’re not used to these ups and downs. They enjoy the chance to get out and play and just be around Buckeye fans.

“They spend so much time going to high schools, spending time with the players and all those things, but to get out and get a chance to be with the folks that live and die with us is rewarding.“

Mentioning hamburgers that he had enjoyed at the outings, he said, “I would drive two hours just for that hamburger.”

Pokas can be reached at timesleader@timesleaderonline.com.