| It's Broom Time! |
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| It's that time of year again folks. Ladies beware, the brooms are coming out of hibernation for Dusterfest '05. November 19 will mark the fourth annual celebration of all that is man. Last year, after a 37-21 |
| brooming by the Buckeyes, Wolverine fan Kent Snyder took home "Duster" and the legendary status of Pushbroomfest Champion. Moved to tears after his victory, winning "Duster" has changed Kent's life. With his sponsorship money, he has finally been able to buy cheek implants, and has since become a Hollywood |
| ass double. "It was truly a dream come true. However, I actually contemplated dropping out of school because I really didn't want to become an engineer anymore. You see, the downside of winning "Duster" is that I know I've reached the pinacle of my life, everything is downhill from here. Fortunately, the fame this has earned me has allowed me to tour the country on the autograph circuit. I hit trade shows and arenas around the nation, and I also fish alot because I am a redneck at heart." Kent likes his chances of repeating as champion. For more on Kent and other past champions, click here. Also, check out our Power 5 poll to see who is likely to dust the competition this year. |
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| Tressel celebrates the National Championship. |
| Behind the Broom |
| The story of the first Pushbroomfest is one part history, one part mystery, and a double shot of legend. No one knows for sure why a group of men first decided to show thier spirit with the power of the broom. One thing the history books tell us is that these legends felt that the best rivalry of all time needed a celebration that could match the expectations of such a big game. And so, Dusterfest was born. Scholars maintain that there was a certain amount of alcohol involved in the decision, but whatever the reason, four men from OSU and two from WSU decided to hold the first Pushbroomfest in 2002. That year, as Ohio State was on its way to beating Michigan and winning a national championship, a select group of fans dedicated to the duster held an unforgettable party that saw Rich |
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| Rower reign as the first ever champion. In those days, there was no trophy, only the pride knowing your broom bested the competition. The men gathered around the AM radio, which was new at the time, to listen to the game and drink moonshine, since Prohibition put Natty behind bars. And so, with the coming of the next Big Game, an annual celebration was born. Today, Dusterfest is celebrated by millions the world over, but nowhere more so than Columbus Ohio. In a party that now rivals Hineygate, mustachioed |
| The Best Damn Band in the Land performs its famous "Script Broom." |
| fans watch the game on big screen HDTV's and the Natty flows like wine. One must wonder what the men of the original Dusterfest must think about today's gala event. Well, if you really wonder, you can actually just ask them at this year's party. Besides the Dusterfest, mustaches are an important part of both Ohio State and Michigan football. One of the most famous Buckeye traditions was born out of this rivalry. When the Buckeyes defeat Michigan, each player gets a golden pin known as the Golden Broom. |
| This tradition was born in 1934, when OSU coach Francis Schmidt was asked about beating Michigan. He said, "They grown their brooms one whisker at a time, the same as we do!" OSU went on to beat UM a combined 114-0 over the next four years. These tokens are treasured by Buckeye players who can commemorate each Big Game with their Golden Broom pin. |
| A Golden Broom pin. |
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| The marching bands have also gotten in on the Duster act. One of Ohio State's most renowned traditions is the "Script Broom" in which the band members spell out the word "broom" in a stunning visual fashion. (see picture above) Not quite as impressive is the Wolverine band with their not so famous, "M is for Mustache" formation. (seen to the right) When asked why the striking difference in difficulty, Michigan band spokesman Scotty Rivera said, "There is a reason they are called the best damn band in the land, because they are, and we aren't. |
| The not so famous "M is for Mustache" formation. |
| Players over the years have grown out their brooms to show thier spirit, and, of cours, to get laid. Teddy Ginn Jr., sometimes known as the third Siefker Twin, says, "Growing your stache is just a part of being a Buckeye. Legends from Chic Harley to Jack Tatum grew it out, and I'm proud to let mine loose. Plus, my speed coach says the aerodynamics can take up to two tenths off of my forty time." |
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| Top Left: Tatum back in the day. Bottom Left: Tatum's broom still going strong. Above: Teddy Ballgame grows the duster. |
| Our Experts pick the Power 5 |
| Click here: |
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| Number of brooms dusted: |
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| Natty Light, official sponsor of Dusterfest '05. Real dusters need a real beer, Natty Light. |
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| Check out pictures from last year, courtesy of the one and only Kyle "P" Leatherman. |
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