Roadtrips of the "Buckeye Four"

2022 Season Begins

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 5 Sep 2022 20:56:00 -0400

Well, Pete and I headed to Columbus on Friday to start our 2022 Ohio State Football Season.

Left Austintown around 1:30 pm Friday.

Our first stop was the Medina Brewery.

Friday night we met Jeff and Sharon at the Greek Festival

in Downtown Columbus

"Jake" met us at the Greek Festival

Jeff, Sharon, AJ, Angie and friends were at the festival.

Saturday morning we met Jeff and Sharon at the North Market and then we stopped at Barley's

Stacie, Nolan and Joel stopped by the parking deck for a beer or two.

A fun game.

Although we were down 10-7 at halftime, Buckeyes came back to win!!!

vs. Michigan State - November 20, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:41:00 -0500

What a nice evening driving to Columbus Friday night.

We had tested cousin Jeff and met him at the Mellow Mushroom for a beer and some pizza. Tom Knight and his sonJack also met us there for some food and refreshments.

A great game to watch... totally did not expect that kind of a game... it was 49-0 at the end of the first half!!!

After the game, Pete and I went to Champs for a beer and something to eat. Sat next to a couple young guys at the bar who were professional golfers. Enjoyed the conversation and exchanged contact information for next season.

Final Score - 56-7

"Go Bucks"

vs. Akron - September 25, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:40:00 -0500

We stayed at a place wee had never stayed at previously... The Graduate!!

What a great place... and located right on High Street.

The decor is ENTIRELY Ohio State and the Buckeyes. Very unique!!

We again connected with Jeff and Sharon Friday night, and met them Saturday morning at North Market for a beer and some pastries!!

Saturday afternoon, I walked with Jeff and Sharon to Seventh Son Brewery. One of our favorites.

Dave Mowery and a buddy stopped by the car prior to the game for some refreshments!!

Final : A Big Buckeye WIN!!

vs. Maryland - October 9, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:40:00 -0500

Pete, Bill and I headed to Columbus. we pulled out of Austintown around 2:00.

Our first stop was in ashland for Uniontown Brewery. Great food, people and great beer!!

After we arrived at our hotel, Bill's son Arthur cam and picked us up and we went to Zaftig Brewery in Worthington. They are known for their high ABV beers. Fun!!

Joel and his buddies...

... and Stacie and Nolan stopped by for a beer.

For the fourth quarter, my daughter-in-law Daniele, invited us up to the 50 yd. loge she was in. She was there with a girlfriend who worked at Simon Roofing. Really, really nice. The host was very welcoming.

After the game, Jeff, Sharon, Pete and I walked to the Italian fest where we listened to music, and had some pizza and beer.

Final Score: 66-17 Buckeyes!!!

vs. Purdue - November 13, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:40:00 -0500

We stopped at Uniontown Brewery on our way to Columbus. Bill Roth drove down with us, and stayed with his son in Westerville.

A breakfast beer at the North Market...

The afternoon before the game. Pete and I stopped at Barley's for a reminescent beer (one of the first breweries downtown and one of the first ones we had gone to almost 30 years ago!!

Final Score - 59-31 Buckeyes

vs. Penn State - October 30, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:40:00 -0500

Well, it took us 8 hours to get to Columbus on Friday!!! ...with stops at...

Lockport Brewery in Bolivar... One of our favorite stops.

Wooly Pig Farm Brewery...

and Buckeye Lake Brewery.

Saturday morning, we met Jeff and Sharon at North Market for "breakfast".

In the afternoon, we watched some college football at the Whistle and Keg.

C.J. Stroud, and

TreVeyon Henderson walking to the Skull Session

Closer than expected, but...

Final Score - 33-24 Buckeyes

vs. Oregon - September 11, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:39:00 -0500

First game of the season!!!

We knew Don was coming down, but he didn't say anything about Rick and Dave coming to the game. A nice surprise!!

Wow!!! Devastating Loss!!!

vs. Tulsa - September 18, 2021

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:39:00 -0500

Final - 41-20 Buckeyes!!

Buckeyes vs. Cincinnati ... September 7, 2019

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:39:00 -0500

Final Score: WON!! Buckeyes 42-0

Buckeyes vs. Florida Atlantic... August 31, 2019

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 17:38:00 -0500

Final Score : WON!! Buckeyes 45- 21

2018 Football Season - Breweries Visited

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 20:15:00 -0500

Breweries we "visited" and sampled good beer!!!

Sept. 1 Uniontown Brewing Co. Ashland Owner Anna and husband

Sept. 7 The Canton Brewing Co. Canton
JAFB Brewery, Wooster

Sept. 21 Uniontown Brewing, Ashland

October 5 Southside Brewing /Georgetown Vineyards, Cambridge

October 14 Cask Ale Brewery, Laxton Hollow Brewing Works, Lexington

November 2 Stein Brewing Company, Mount Vernon
Grove City Brewery, Grove City

November 26 Uniontown Brewery,Ashland

7 Different Breweries!!!!

Army - Navy Game December 6-9th

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:23:00 -0500

A GREAT Weekend in Philly for Army / Navy Game!!!

Thursday Night:

Friday: Tour the City

Saturday: Game Day

"Tailgate for the Troops"

M.O.A.T. (Mother of all Tailgates)

At the stadium - Row 15!!

Buckeyes vs. Michigan Football.... Who would have guessed!!

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 19:34:00 -0500

Friday night Pete and I attended the Ohio State vs. Cleveland State Men's Basketball Game. It was held at St. Johns Arena, the old basketball facility. Great atmosphere and an easy win. We also met Joel and Jay at the game.

Following the game we went to a local pub on High Street with Joel and Jay.

And as if that wasn't enough of an evening, Pete and I, at 11:30 pm, decided to stop at Varsity Club for a beer... AND a 14" Deluxe pizza!!!!!

We got up early Saturday morning and headed to the stadium. (We had seen Jackie and John Burgan and their son Patrick and his wife at breakfast at the hotel, and offered to drive them to the campus too). We parked in the parking deck and had a few beers before the game.

Varsity Club on Lane

What an absolutely incredible, exciting and fun football game. 24-19 at halftime, but a final score of ... 62 - 39

And then after the game, no one wanted to leave the stadium. They rushed the field and sang and danced.

An awesome day!!!!!

"Go Bucks"

Buckeyes vs. Maryland

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:38:00 -0500

We'll take the win... BUT!!!!!!

Ugly, ugly win. Maryland should have won it in overtime. Went for two points, man was open in the end zone, but pass was poorly thrown... thank goodness.

Again, ugly, ugly win!!

Buckeyes vs. Michigan State

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:35:00 -0500

Pete and I left around 6 p.m. and drove up to Cleveland on Friday evening. On the way there, we stopped at the new Fat Heads Brewery in Middleburg Heights. While the wait for food was too long, we did order a beer and did a walking tour of the brewing facility.

A Beer Keg Christmas Tree...

The next morning we met at the bus, across the street from our hotel at 5:30 a.m. Jay and friends had a bar set up, in the snowy parking lot, for Bloody Marys and Mimosa's

We had beers, jello shots and donuts BEFORE the sun was even up.

Once we arrived in East Lansing, we had sandwiches and beer before heading over to the shuttle to take us to the game.

A good victory for the Buckeyes!!

Buckeyes vs. Nebraska - November 3

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Tue, 6 Nov 2018 20:38:00 -0500

On the way to Columbus, we stopped at a brewery in Mount Vernon, Stein Brewing Company. The write up on their website states,

"Stein Brewing Company is the first brewing facility in Knox County since 1878. We have both a traditional taproom (entrance on 10 West Vine Road) and also a restaurant (entrance 109 South Main Street) facility both the renovated historic Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon. The taproom open Sept 2018 and the restaurant has a pending opening of mid November 2018. We offer 24 taps in our brewery tap room that has 10 of our locally brewed beers as well as 14 of the best we can get from both Ohio and around the country. We have worked very hard to bring an extremely unique brewery and taproom/restaurant to Mount Vernon and we think you will find it a gem in Knox County. Come see what everyone is talking about and at SBC."

A great stop for some new brews!!!

After we checked into our hotel in Grove City, we had supper at Buffalo Wings.

We later drove and found the Grove City Brewery.

On Saturday, had a few stop by the parking deck for a beer. Don Sherwood and Devin as well as two of Don's friends and their sons. Dave Mowery and a friend of his also stopped by.

Tough game to attend and watch... running game improved, however, again gave up some big plays and the game ended up waaaay too close. Final however was a win... barely!!!

Buckeyes vs. Purdue !!!!

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 17:03:00 -0400

NOTHING more needs to be said!!!!!

Buckeyes vs. Minnesota - October 13

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:57:00 -0400

Last Friday afternoon on our drive to Columbus we stopped at a new brewery (for us) called Laxton Hollow Brewing Works. They pride themselves in being Ohio's only exclusive "real ale" brewery. They are a small-batch nano brewery that brews cask ale beers.

Before checking into our hotel, we stopped on campus and watched the girls volleyball team vs. Michigan. We watched 5 good matches with Michigan finally winning 3-2.

Saturday morning, we headed down to campus around 9:00. The weather was in the 40's, but later the sun came out and it went into the 50"s.

We then met up with Debbie and Jodi and went over to Riverwatch and then to the Varsity Club. We stopped by "Hineygate" (what used to be Hineygate!!!) and took a couple of pictures.

At "Hineygate"...

At Riverwatch...

At Varsity Club ...

Although the Buckeyes won the game, their offensive line (running game never developed) and their defensive backs (several long gains given up) did not look good.

FUN weekend, but NOT so good football game!!!

Buckeyes vs. Indiana - October 6

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 14:05:00 -0400

On the way to Columbus Friday evening, Pete and I stopped at Cambridge, Ohio for a newly found brewery, Southside Brewing Company. It's located along side Georgetown Vineyards. We met Tom, Pete's son Joe's father in law there. Beautiful scenery, good beer and pizza, and good company.

When we arrived in Columbus Friday night we received a text, caught an Uber and met Jeff and Sharon at the local Italian Festival. Wow, nice warm evening, so a great crowd. We even ran into Bill and Bill Sperlazza and shared a cannoli with them.

Saturday morning we met Jeff and Sharon at the North Market for a pastry and a beer at 10 a.m. We later drove down to campus around noon. Game time temperature was 86 degrees!! Not bad for October.

Bill and Bill Sperlazza, Gabe and Luke, and Greg Faunda and his son stopped by and had a beer with us at the Northwest Parking Deck, where we park each week.

After a good victory, Pete and I went to Champs for a sandwich and a beer.

ANOTHER Great Weekend!!!

Buckeyes vs. Penn State September 29

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 8 Oct 2018 20:58:00 -0400

Pete and I did not travel to the Penn State game. Instead several of us met at "Coaches" in Austintown to watch the game.

GREAT, INCREDIBLE third quarter scoring resulted in a win for the Buckeyes.

Following the game, Pete, Larry, Bill and I stopped over at Don's house for a victory drink.

Buckeyes vs. Tulane September 22

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 21:24:00 -0400

On the way to Columbus, Pete and I stopped in Ashland at the Uniontown Brewery. Good beer, good people and we had some good appetizers.

After we left Ashland, we called my cousin Jeff who lives in Powell, Ohio. He suggested we stop over to his house for beer and pizza. We checked into the Hilton Garden Inn in Polaris and then took a ride to Jeff's place. We had a nice visit with Jeff and Linda where we had pizza and a beer or two from a local brewery. (Jeff knows the owner of the brewery. He is the original owner of Barley's Downtown)

The Tulane game was another "blow out" game. It was 42-6 at halftime.

Halftime was pretty cool as the alumni band and the Ohio State band did four script Ohio's on the field. And the highlight was when a 100 year old member of the alumni band dotted the "I".

We had some16 friends stop by the parking deck prior to the game.

Fun time!!

(My niece Stacie took this picture from the car as we were pulling out of the parking deck"

Runaway game

Buckeyes vs. TCU - Sept. 15

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 21:09:00 -0400

We had the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet this evening and so did not travel to TCU, although we had considered it. We did go to Coaches Bar in Austintown following the banquet and watched the second half. A great third quarter resulted in a win for the Buckeyes.

Buckeyes vs. Rutgers - September 8 - Victory 52-3

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 20:42:00 -0400

Another good weekend... weather sure didn't cooperate... however, fun weekend... and a Win!!!

On the way to Columbus, we continued our search for Ohio Breweries. Our first stop was at the Canton Brewing Company. We had stopped here in previous years and love the place. Great beer and good people.

Our second stop was at a new brewery for us ... JAFB Brewery in Wooster. Talked to a couple of nice people (both educators) and enjoyed a couple of IPA's (a hazy NE style IPA).

In case you are wondering, we asked, and the letters stand for "Just Another F...king Brewery" ;-)

Again, for the second straight week, the weather was incredibly raining... rained ALL day. Here I am ready to head over to the stadium for the start of the game.

This weeks game had the same results... a blowout victory by the score of 52-3.

ANOTHER good weekend!!!

OSU vs. Oregon State September 1 - Victory 77-31

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 20:28:00 -0400

Pete and I headed to Columbus for our first Buckeye game for 2018.

On the drive down, we first stopped at a brewery that we found on the "Ohio on Tap" app, in Ashland... Uniontown Brewing Company. It's located right downtown and as always we enjoyed the company and the beer selection.

Later Friday night we met Jeff and Sharon at the Greek Festival. Dancing, drinking and some great greek food.

Saturday we went to the game. The first half the weather was extremely hot (in the 90's) but then at half time the rains came!!! It rained hard enough that the halftime was extended by nearly 1 1/2 hours.

The final score was 77-31 !!!!!

NCAA Rounds 1 & 2 - Indianapolis March 16-19, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (D. Philibin) — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:49:00 -0400

Joe and I left for Indy on Thursday after school. We arrived at our hotel a little after 9 PM. We walked to the Fieldhouse and then downtown to get something to eat.

On Friday, we attended two sessions (four games total) of great basketball.

Bankers Life Fieldhouse is a very impressive venue!!

Session 1

Michigan 92

Oklahoma State 91

Wichita State 64

Dayton 58

Between the 1st session and the 2nd session, we met Brian and his friends at the "Man Cave" for some refreshments. Great group of guys!

Session 2

Louisville 78

Jacksonville State 63

Kentucky 79

Northern Kentucky 70

On Saturday we met up with Joel and Clark at Champps around noon to watch some basketball!! Later, in the afternoon we went on a limo bus tour of four breweries. A fun time. During the tour we met some young teachers who had all graduated from Butler and were in town to watch the Butler game that afternoon on TV. We were invited to go with them to Scotty's and watch the game...we did... and we watched as Butler won their game.

A Bus Brewery Tour on Saturday

We visited four different breweries.

On Saturday night, we met up with Joel and Clark at the "Slippery Noodle", Indianapolis' Oldest Blues Bar".

Then, On Sunday it was back for two more games.

Michigan 73

Louisville 69

Kentucky 65

Wichita State 62

Joe and I stayed over Sunday night and then drove home in the rain on Monday.

Another GREAT weekend !!!