A passion for Ohio State and the desire to be a unique figure of the university is what brought almost a dozen students to the Brutus Buckeye tryouts last weekend. The competition was tough, the emotions high and the results were unexpected.

Judges were unable to come to a decision on who would be the newest Brutus. To tryout, the candidates went through Brutus training and then a two-day tryout procedure. The tryouts consisted of an interview with judges, an original skit performance to ‘Hang on Sloopy,’ a traditional cheer dance to ‘Fight the Team’ and a test on how to react as Brutus in various gameday situations.

Because of the high demand for Brutus and cheerleader appearances in the past few years, the role of Brutus was expanded from one person to several. Last year there were three people behind the face of Brutus. Although there are never two Brutus’ at a time, each Brutus performs almost two times a week throughout the year. In the fall, appearances can rise to four or five times a week. This upcoming season all three Brutus’ – juniors Bill Rumple, Cassidy Mullins and Ty Schlegel – will be returning. The dilemma is all three will also be graduating next year, leaving big responsibilites to fill. 

Schlegel said the group felt a fourth member would be vital – when the more experienced Brutus’ graduate there will be one left who can carry on the knowledge and traditions of how to be Brutus Buckeye.

The top three candidates will spend a week or more of continued Brutus training and testing, until the best fit for Brutus is decided.

“No one should ever know when (whoever is) Brutus changes. We want to see who is going to jump in a mold with the others, so there are seamless transitions.” said Jamie Cleverely, a former Brutus Buckeye, 1996-1999, who judged the Brutus tryouts. “It’s a new situation, we’ve never had all three come back.”

Cleverly, co-author of the book on Brutus, “The Spirit of a Buckeye: Brutus Buckeye’s Lessons for Life”, said the person who plays Brutus must have good communication skills, good morals and a strong character inside and out.

“Brutus is representing the university and the whole state.” said Frank Harmon, another judge, and member of the Odonis Club, who runs a cheerleading scholarship fund and has been actively involved in the OSU cheerleading program since 1969.

“The judges are looking for enthusiasm, creativity, crowd involvement and strength.” said Emily Moor, former Brutus Buckeye during 2001-2003.

Mullins has been Brutus for two years. His experience as Brutus will be something he will remember the rest of his life.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and so much more than what I expected.” Mullins said.

“It’s been surreal, it goes by so fast and it is so exciting.” Schelgel said on his experience as Brutus.

Brutus will be at the Scarlet and Gray game tomorrow at Ohio Stadium. The three candidates will be there also; waiting and hoping maybe the Brutus fans see on the field will soon be them.