For Austin Hylander, 30 seconds and four shots turned into a year of free tuition at Ohio State.
Hylander won the “Big Shots” contest during a women’s basketball game halftime contest at Value City Arena Thursday night. By sinking four baskets in less than 30 seconds, he won one year of tuition-free education.
Hylander, a first-year in athletic training, hit a layup, a free throw, a 3-pointer and a half-court shot.
He said he never thought he would win the tuition — until the last shot.
“The last shot I had a feeling it was going in, and then it was just crazy,” he said.
No one else has ever won free tuition during the four years the contest has run during games at OSU, said Carrie Snyder, assistant director of fan experience and promotions.
Players are randomly selected for the game, which is sponsored by Big Lots, and can win either a $50, $100 or $500 gift card or free tuition during the contest, Snyder said. The prize for tuition is valued at more than $8,000 for an in-state Columbus campus student, according to the OSU Web site.
Hylander took a lap around the gym to celebrate after the win. Originally from Fayette, Ohio, Hylander played basketball for four years in high school.
Winning the game has given him a different outlook on taking chances, and his advice for others who might have a chance to play was simple.
“Just do it and don’t think about anything else,” Hylander said. “I just gave it a chance and said, ‘What the heck’ — now it turned out I won free tuition.”
Two friends who went to the game with him turned down the opportunity to play, Hylander said.
A similar game is offered at OSU men’s ice hockey games. There will be more opportunities for other fans to try to win the gift cards or tuition during certain basketball and hockey games in February and March, Snyder said.
After Hylander celebrated his free year of school, the rest of the OSU fans in the arena had their own reason to celebrate — the Buckeyes won 81-58 against Minnesota.
