UC Where You Are

Jun 22, 2012

Olympic Trials, UC Style: Wineberg Attempts Second Olympic Team

The U.S. Track and Field Trials started yesterday and a few of UC's current and former track standouts will compete for a chance to make the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team. We caught up with the athletes as they make their way to Eugene, Oregon, the first stop to the London Games. Stay tuned for more more posts on UC's Olympic hopefuls.

Many of you will remember UC's most recent Olympic gold medalist, Mary Wineberg, CECH '02. During the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Wineberg won a gold medal as a member of the women's 4x400 meter relay. Mary will compete in the first round of the 400-meter dash today at 3:35 PDT. Catch up with Mary here and follow her as she attempts to make her second Olympic team.

How many years have you been running? How many meets do you think you've competed in?

Since graduating college in 2002, I have been running and trying to make a name for myself in the sport of track and field for 11 years. During those years, I have won three major medals and one Olympic medal, and a list of so many wonderful places I have been able to travel and compete at. I haven't counted the meets I attended but if I had to guess I would say over 200 races!

What's the most challenging thing about competing at this level?

Being able to break through and have an awesome race in your specific discipline that opens opportunities for you to have a great career, staying injury free and allowing yourself to still stay mentally strong through the downs of your career! Adjusting to the time demands, travel, different food while traveling, being away from family and living out of your suitcase is also challenging. A track athlete has to be a very organized individual who is able to adapt to different environments and be able to push themselves, while setting goals. For me, the most challenging part of being a professional track athlete was coming back to train after having my daughter. I experienced injuries and had to make sure I gave my body the attention it needed to make myself better.

What has been your favorite race that you have competed in other than the Olympics?

My favorite race would be the Stockholm Meet "Dalan Gala GP" in Sweden. I really enjoyed going to this meet. Not only was the meet director nice, but the accommodations were wonderful. I also enjoyed going to the track, and right before my event they played Michael Jackson as we're introduced to the crowd. It was such a cool place, nice people and good chocolate.

What's your most memorable track moment outside of the '08 Olympics?

Making the 2007 World Team, not only in the 400 meters but also in the 4x400 meter relay. This was where I won my first gold medal while at the IAAF Outdoor World Championships in Osaka, Japan. It was such an awesome feeling and makes me realize how much I have grown as an athlete. Another favorite memory was being ranked top 10 in the world that same year.

What do you do when you aren't training?

I can be found playing with my daughter, Brooklyn, who will be 3-years-old in August. She was my post-Olympic baby and I cherish the time we spend together. I also read, love to volunteer and help my mom and spend time with family.

Tell us about your volunteer coaching at University of Cincinnati. Is coaching something you would like to pursue later on in life?

I have been a volunteer assistant since 2007. I really enjoy being an inspiration to the athletes by allowing them to see what avenues track and field have to offer. It's cool to be able to see the athletes progress and mature through the years. When I am done with running, I see myself possibly coaching, starting my own business or doing something in the health industry.

How have your experiences related to UC helped you get to where you are in your track career today?

My experiences with the UC track program and community helped me progress into the athlete and person I am today. I have been given the chance to be around great positive people and a university that is willing to allow me to train and prepare for my competitions. Being a Bearcat is such an honor, and to be included in the Hall of Fame has been exhilarating. I love UC and all that it has to offer. I am so excited to see it grow and better the lives of others.

Tell us why you are Proudly Cincinnati.

All in all, I am Proudly Cincinnati because I can proudly say that I bleed red and black. Most of all, I have grown to be an outstanding individual, athlete and graduate from the best college in Ohio. UC makes you feel like family. It has a warm and inviting campus with great academics and sports! Why would anyone go somewhere else?

We wish Mary the best of luck as she competes at U.S. Olympic Trials. You can wish Mary luck with a comment below!

Jun 20, 2012

Bearcats Come Back: Give Back for a Chance to Come Back as a UC VIP!

When was the last time you visited the University of Cincinnati's campus? Ever wanted to get a flyover tour of campus by helicopter? Don't miss your chance to come back in style as a "UC VIP!"

By making a gift of at least $18.19 by June 30, you can help UC reach an all-time high in alumni participation (the rate of alumni who give back each year). Your gift - in any amount - moves us even closer to our goal of 18.19 percent participation and makes you eligible for our daily "UC VIP" alumni experience giveaways.

If you've already donated this year, opt-in for your chance to win one of our UC VIP experiences.

We've already named 11 UC VIP Bearcats who are coming back to tour the President's office, host a pre-game tailgating party for their friends, tour the UC Athletics facilities and much more. Check to see if you know any of our VIPs.

Our first VIP, Lance Sprague, gave back to UC, won and chose to attend a UC pre-season basketball game in the President's box.

"UC's given me so much, and gave me so many opportunities through their programs and the co-op experience, so I thought it was worth it," said Sprague, a 2011 A&S graduate. "I'm excited to go back to UC because of all the transformation that's happened on campus."

Don't miss your chance to come back as a UC VIP! There's only 11 days left, so hurry!

May 14, 2012

Chicagoans for Cincy Celebrate Campaign Progress

UC alumni and friends in the Chicago area have worked very diligently to raise support for their beloved alma mater. In April, Ann Taylor hosted a dinner meeting for 30 members of the close-knit Chicagoans for Cincy group at the offices of Locke Lord. Guests from the UC Foundation, Bill Mulvihill and Jill Nelson, reported that the Proudly Cincinnati Capital Campaign has reached $890,213,656 towards its $1 billion goal...exciting news for all! Bob Fealy, Co-Chair of the Proudly Cincinnati Capital Campaign and Chair of Chicagoans for Cincy, also noted that the Chicago group has raised $7,708,000 towards its $10 million goal.

Thanks to Tom Gruenwald for entertaining the group and at the same time teaching them a little bit about physics. Tom’s presentation “Expedition to Greenland - Destination Arctic Circle”, included photographs of the magnificent glaciers and stunning scenery taken during his trip to Thule, Greenland during a solar eclipse in 2008. These Chicagoans truly enjoy gathering to network and celebrate their successes in both their personal and professional lives. If you live in the Chicago area and would like to get involved with this energetic group, please contact Jill Nelson, at the UC Foundation. She'd love to hear from you!

Jill Nelson, Paul Green, & Eva Maddox

Kris Bjorson, Dave Watkins,
& Bill Mulvihill

Ann Taylor & David Henretta

Denny Reigle & Eva Maddox

Dick Dissinger, Dave Watkins,
& Trent Edwards

Wally Becky & Jill Nelson

Tom Gruenwald

Bruce Hopple, Alan Channing,
& Bob Fealy

May 2, 2012

There’s No Place like Home: Cincinnati Meets DC and Atlanta


The Bearcat “Bagstreet Boys”, who took home the fall 2011 league trophy, pose with other UC alums in the Atlanta cornhole league. Left to right: Jose Barratt (University of Florida), Ethan Dunkle, Troy Easterday, Jeff Brawand (Cornhole ATL Founder), Sarang Patel, Stephen Young, Richard Bodner and Matt Hoyng.

For Jeff Brawand (Business ‘07) and Caroline Page (Allied Health Sciences ‘09), the savory tastes of home to counter their Cincinnati cravings were simple: kickball and cornhole. Just a few years after their first jobs landed them in Washington D.C. and Atlanta, respectively, Caroline and Jeff had remarkably similar ideas for how to reconnect with their alma mater despite the distance between them.

Alum Jeff Brawand founded the first
cornhole league in Atlanta, satisfying
his and many other native Cincinnatians’
craving for a familiar taste of home.

Jeff, who missed the Bearcat tailgating scene in the Lindner College of Business parking lot, guessed he wasn’t the only alum in Atlanta with the same longing for a good game of cornhole. So he decided to resurrect the lost tradition among his fellow Cincinnati Atlantans. He worked alongside two fellow Bearcats to form the very first Atlanta cornhole league in the city, an idea that would catch on and spawn at least two other recreational leagues across Atlanta.

D.C. Bearcats represent Cincinnati
in the “D.C. Thunder Spring League”
at the National Mall. Front: Michal Hammond;
Back (left to right): Tim Lolli, Sean Huff,
Adam Thurn, Caroline Page, Todd Damren

“Even in the heart of SEC country, we definitely represent UC well down here in Atlanta. Plus, it’s really helped form a strong sense of community for Bearcats and Cincinnatians alike,” said Jeff of the league, which purposefully does not discriminate between UC alumni and non-alumni. Since it was formed in 2011, the league has grown from 80 to 120 active team members, serving as a subtle reminder to everyone of their Cincinnati roots. For others, it’s more of an introduction to one of Cincinnati’s favorite recreations.

Allegiances aside, Jeff still proudly points out that last winter’s “Bagstreet Boys” league champions were one of the Bearcat alumni teams. They’ve returned this season as the “Bagstreet’s Back” to defend their title. “It’s definitely nice to see the Bearcats coming out on top,” Jeff joked.

The founding group of D.C. Bearcats remains,
but the kickball team has picked up several
non-Bearcat team members along the way, too.

The league has brought local UC alums out of the woodwork, too, including Jeff’s freshman next-door neighbor, with whom he surprisingly reconnected through the league. The league has even grown enough to take on charitable partnerships, most recently hosting two tournaments to help raise more than $17,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. See the league in action through Jeff’s interview with UrbanPeephole.

With similar intentions, Caroline and fellow Lindner College of Business alum Tim Lolli dreamed up a Bearcat kickball team to help make their get-togethers with local D.C. alums more consistent. While the team has picked up several non-Bearcats along the way (and even converted some of them into Bearcat fans), the founding group of alumni friends has remained constant and even led to new friendships.

The D.C. kickball team helped grow
their local Bearcat community
even more by making the Penn Quarter
Sports Tavern their official
Bearcat game watch spot.

“D.C. is a very fast-paced and busy part of the country,” Caroline said. “There’s not always a lot of time to just enjoy one another’s company. That’s something I really missed about the Midwest, and the kickball team has been a great way to strengthen old friendships and make new friends in a new city.”

Fortunately, the kickball team’s gatherings have expanded beyond the National Mall, where the team plays every spring Saturday beneath the Washington Monument. When the group discovered D.C.’s plethora of college-specific bars didn’t include one for UC, they quickly found a home base for Bearcat fans. Up through the basketball team’s victorious trip to the 2012 Sweet Sixteen, close to 40 D.C. alums gathered consistently at the Penn Quarter SportsTavern to cheer on the Bearcats.

For both Caroline and Jeff, what started as a recreational pastime has grown into a social circle. Even with years and miles now separating them from their days at UC, familiar faces and shared memories of “home” are just a kick or toss away.

Jeff’s advice for alums who think this sounds like something their local alumni community needs: “Don’t be afraid to just give it a shot. You can’t fail unless you try.

Email Caroline or Jeff to join their Bearcat rosters or let your Alumni Association help you get your own intramural team started in your city.

Apr 27, 2012

UC Co-op Program and Admissions Office in Chicago

On April 16, 2012, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Professional Practice partnered with Goettsch Partners to host the “UC Goes Chicago” event in the 18^th floor penthouse of the Santa Fe Building on Michigan Avenue. The goal of this event was to increase awareness of the UC Co-op program and network with potential employers to develop co-op jobs in the Chicago area.

UC is the founding institution of the co-op program – a 5 year collegiate program that incorporates academic learning with real-world work to better prepare students for the working world upon graduation. Co-op students alternate terms between attending school and working in their field of study, enabling students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real world situations, all while gaining experience and developing professionally.

The event in Chicago had a great turnout – over 35 people attended with over 20 Chicago-area companies represented. Four UC students who are presently co-oping in Chicago – Sarah Pride, Chas Weiderhold, Alex Gormley, and Andrew Fox – gave testimonials about how the Co-op program has been beneficial in their academic and professional careers. Learn more about the UC Co-op program.

UC is also finalizing details for opening an Admissions Office in Chicago, featuring a full-time recruiter who will actively tour high schools and attend college fairs. More details will be coming soon to our website.

Don't forget to take a look at the UC Goes Chicago photos!

Mar 27, 2012

Who are UC’s ‘star’ faculty and staff?

Whether five years out of school or 40, it's possible that one of your fondest associations with UC to this day is that favorite professor who left a lasting impression on you. In some way, shape or form, he or she inspired you to chase your dreams. And without a doubt, you wouldn't be where you are today without them.

They span all generations of UC graduates and there's certainly at least one in every major. They're the professors whose classes filled up first during open registration, whose lectures captivated the attention of every student in the room, whose support system extended far beyond the walls of their classroom. It's likely they even received one of UC's distinguished faculty awards when you were one of their students.

At UC, such top notch educators are everywhere...and no one remembers and respects them more than our alumni. By virtue of their long tenure and a strong referral rate among their prior students, many of them have touched countless lives over the years and in many cases, continue to keep in touch with past students even years after they’ve left campus.

"UC Magazine" maintains an archive of "favorite professor" testimonials. Help us build upon this list of “UC’s Star Faculty & Staff” – past and present – who in many cases, are the missing link between alumni who may have lost touch with their alma mater over the years.

Fill out UC Magazine's form or comment below and tell us who stands out above the rest when you think back to your days at UC. How did their influence, both inside and outside the classroom, shape your student and post-graduate life?

Mar 23, 2012

“Where is My Uniform??!!”

Myron Hughes, Executive
Director, UC Alumni Association

The Bearcats' appearance in last night's Sweet Sixteen tournament game was met with unbridled red and black pride from coast to coast. Myron Hughes, executive director of the UC Alumni Association and '86 grad, shares his lingering emotions from the trip to Boston and his heartfelt appreciation for Bearcat alumni and fans everywhere.

Hughes' excitement for Bearcats Basketball
stems from his former days as a UC player.

When I played basketball for the Bearcats in the 1980s, we had some good, tough teams and played some big games, but we never made it to the NCAA Tournament. I’m sure that’s partly why I’ve had the recent urge to suit up and get back on the floor. Last night I actually started to report to the scorer’s table so I could bang against Sullinger for a while. Yes, the atmosphere, excitement and intensity have been that unbelievable!

The outcome of the much anticipated Ohio State rematch wasn’t what we wanted, but the season exceeded our expectations, our team made us very proud, and I’m just as pumped the day after the game as I was before tip-off. That’s because of the UC fans! They came to Boston in great numbers, wearing their Bearcat gear, and ready to roll! There were UC people here from all generations — senior citizens providing “veteran leadership” (including three members of the 1961-62 National Championship teams!), former classmates of mine, young alums, little kids — you name it, they came to support their Bearcats in Boston, just as they had done in New York for the BIG EAST Tournament and in Nashville for our wins over Texas and Florida State.

So my two thoughts today are: 1) How great it is to be at UC right now!, and 2) How grateful I am for the pride and passion of our alumni family. Thanks to all Bearcats everywhere!!!

I am Proudly Cincinnati,
Myron Hughes

How were you feeling throughout the Bearcats' trek to the Sweet 16? Comment below!

Mar 22, 2012

Bearcats & Buckeyes: A Match-up Made in Heaven, Part 2

One might think today’s Bearcats vs. Buckeyes NCAA match-up wouldn't be so “sweet” a tradition for couples divided by their opposing alma mater allegiances. But for a few brave souls who have made one of life’s greatest commitments to one of their proclaimed "rivals", today’s battle of the bUCkeyes may actually prove to be – like them – more of a match-up made in heaven.

Today’s exclusive “Sweet Sixteen” blog post series brings you an inside look at how six devoted Bearcat/Buckeye couples are preparing for tonight’s big game and not letting one of the tournament’s most celebrated match-ups come between them. Enjoy their spirited (and sometimes hilarious) responses below. If you’re facing a similar “house-divided” dilemma under your own roof, consider taking their advice before tonight’s big tip-off. As one couple said: "There will be other games."

And of course, at the risk of losing the attention of any Buckeyes reading this post (not to mention spoiling our unbiased credibility)…we must stand committed to our own allegiance and say, “Go Bearcats!”

Meet our couples…
Adam (UC) & Melissa (OSU) Kozzin

Zorya (UC) & Lauren (OSU) Kluska

Ryan (UC) & Mary (OSU) Nicley

One a Bearcat, the other a Buckeye…how did you possibly meet, much less fall in love?

Melissa Kozzin: Adam and I actually met online via JDate.com. We ARE an online success story and will be married 4 years this April!

Although raised by OSU grads, Lauren Kuska attended UC
as an undergrad before attending OSU for Pharmacy school.
No matter the outcome, Thursday’s game is a “win-win” for her.

Zorya Kluska: We met at a mutual set of (Bearcat) friends’ graduation party down on Main St. in 2004 (back when there was some night life). Lauren was back in town (she grew up in Cincinnati) for her summer from pharmacy school at OSU. That, coupled with growing up in a Buckeye household, makes her a Buckeye fan. I was a few years into my career in Cincinnati. Despite overlapping as undergrads at UC for 3 years, both being Greek and frequenting the same establishments (e.g. Uncle Woody's), we never met previously. We were introduced that night and I asked her out, and we've been happily married now for 6 years.

Mary Nicley: My husband and I did not know each other during our college days…probably a good thing! We met at work and dated for several years and almost 10 years later, this September, we have been happily married!

How are you feeling about Thursday’s big game? Any “parting” words?

Ryan and Mary Nicley’s Bearcat vs. Buckeye rivalry
is “exciting and all in good fun.”

Melissa Kozzin: Adam and I have some choice words for the upcoming game on Thursday, but may the best team win!

Zorya Kluska: I'm stoked, but also a little concerned. The last few UC games have been exciting but nail-biters, not leaving a lot of room for error. I really hope the team that played Syracuse shows up (vs. the team that played Louisville in the Big East Championship).

Lauren Kluska: I'm actually kind of dreading it! I grew up a Buckeye fan, raised by Xavier and OSU grads and even followed in many of my family members’ footsteps and attended Pharmacy school there. I have deep roots at OSU and certainly have Scarlet and Gray in my blood. I also went to UC for 3 years for undergrad. I attended CCM as a ballet major my first year, and eventually changed my major to pre-pharmacy. UC is an amazing school with wonderful people. We have a great core group of friends who are all Bearcat alums, and we tailgate and travel to watch the Bearcats together frequently.

I am a big Bearcat fan, as long as they are not playing the Bucks, so I am torn. Mix in some OSU-hating Bearcat friends and it gets complicated! Someone told me it is a "win-win" for me, and I really am proud to have both my teams represented in the Sweet 16!

Mary Nicley: I am excited about the game this Thursday. To be quite honest, I follow Ohio State football a lot more closely than I do their basketball team, so I'm not sure how this rivalry is going to play out. If I had some "parting words" it would be "O-H-I-O" all the way!!!!!! My husband on the other hand, is a man of few words. He just says "may the best school win.”

How do you plan to watch the big game?

Melissa Kozzin: In our respective school’s gear, I’m sure, we plan to be positioned securely to our respective sides of the couch, with a possible bowl of snacks to SHARE in the middle (as a safe divider!)

Zorya Kluska: I was going to try to convince her to watch the game with our Bearcat friends, but she wouldn't bite (Lauren: I was dreading the hating from a certain group of people!). As we have 2 daughters under 4, and they made the game so late (again!) we'll be watching together on our couch (Lauren: and screaming at the TV!)

Mary Nicley: We will most likely just watch the game at home since we have 2 small children…which is fine because sometimes I can get a little loud during the games. Yet, he always seems to stay calm and cool. We seem to balance each other out in that area.

Who do you think will bring home the win?

Melissa Kozzin: I know that this is for the UC Alumni Association, but I can’t root against my school – GO BUCKS!!!!!

Zorya Kluska: UC of course!

Lauren Kluska: Hmm probably OSU, but would be thrilled to see UC advance! Should I just plead the 5th on this one??

Mary Nicley: For me, I believe Ohio State will bring home the win and it will probably be in true Ohio State fashion and come down to a nail biter in the last few seconds of the game. My husband says he knows, not thinks, that UC will bring home the win. As you can see, it is truly a house divided!

What advice would you offer to other couples in your “situation?”

Adam and Melissa Kozzin’s advice to other Bearcat/Buckeye couples:
“BREATHE, but have fun! At the end of the day, it’s just a game.”

Melissa Kozzin: BREATHE, but have fun! At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Though one of the teams is going to come out with a loss, you still have each other and that’s what matters…right???

Zorya Kluska: Don't take it too seriously, and make sure someone other than you is a bigger “hater” of your spouse's team (e.g. I have plenty of Buckeye hater friends). It takes a lot of the heat off of you.

Lauren Kluska: Try to support one another! Zorya watches Buckeye games with me and my family, and even cheers! I root for UC and attend UC games and events. We try to make it fun, and support the universities that we feel grateful to have been able to have attended.

Mary Nicley: Whether it's OSU playing UC in football or basketball, it can be a sticky situation at times. But we are always respectful of each other and support each other. Yet, at the same time, we remind each other frequently who the best team is!

Are you raising your kids as Bearcats or Buckeyes?

Adam and Melissa Kozzin tell us their daughter is a born
and raised Bearckye…50%cat, 50%nut!

Melissa Kozzin: Our daughter is a born and raised Bearckye…50% cat, 50% nut!

Zorya Kluska: We have a 3-year-old, Ava, and an 18-month-old, Faith. Our girls cheer the UC fight song with me every game we watch together, but Lauren's dad has been working on them for Buckeye cheers too. Not too long ago he was trying to get our 3-year-old to say "Go Bucks" and all she would say was "Go BEARCATS!" They must have gone back and forth a dozen times until he gave up. A classic moment!

The Kuskas' daughters dressed to impress in their
“Bearckyes” cheerleading uniforms.

Lauren Kluska: I asked my 18-month-old who would win Thursday and she responded with “Buckeyes!” Their papa and nana have definitely taught them to be little Buckeyes. They have both UC and OSU cheerleading outfits and they root for both teams! When they see sports on TV they say, “Buckeyes? Bearcats?” Our 3-year-old has even started saying "Bearckeyes" Our girls will grow up to be a rare breed of open-minded UC fans that love and root for the Buckeyes!

Mary Nicley: We do have two children…a son who is 7 and a daughter who is 5. I have probably had more of an influence on them as far as what team "we" or "I" like better. I have bought them Buckeye jerseys, t-shirts, hats, etc ever since they were babies. On game days we put on our Buckeye shirts, our Buckeye necklaces and then listen to "Hang on Sloopy" and "Across the Field". It's kind of a tradition that I started with them. So, yes, the kids are more Buckeye than they are Bearcat. We all get along thought and make the most of this divided house.

All in good fun of course: How difficult is it to love a rival Bearcat/Buckeye during times like this?

Melissa Kozzin: Honestly not difficult at all. If the Bearcats should pull out the win, there will be no hard feelings. Now, Adam on the other hand…he might have other thoughts!

Zorya & Lauren Kluska: Not difficult at all!

Mary Nicley: It's exciting and the rivalry is all in good fun. Either way, a great team will win Thursday's game! But I wouldn't be a true Buckeye if I didn't say "LET'S GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Is tonight's game a win-win for you and your significant other too? Comment below to tell us how you're feeling about tonight's game!

Bearcats & Buckeyes: A Match-Up Made in Heaven, Part 1

Meet our couples...
John (UC) & Barb (OSU) Linser
Ryan (UC) & Lori (OSU) Lumm
Dave (UC) & Julie (OSU) McGinnis

One a Bearcat, the other a Buckeye…how did you possibly meet, much less fall in love?

Ryan and Lori Lumm spent their second date

at an OSU/UC football game.

Dave McGinnis: We met at our then-mutual place of employment, where I rearranged my workload to more closely coincide with hers, by which I mean that I used every flimsy and thinly-veiled excuse at my disposal to visit her office. We’ll celebrate our ninth wedding anniversary on game day.

Barb Linser: We met at the fish pond during a church festival in Zanesville, Ohio I was in the 7th grade and he was in the 9th. We have been married 32 years.

Ryan Lumm: Lori and I met shortly after I moved to Columbus for a new job. We did in fact meet at a bar in downtown Columbus and have been married now for almost 3 years. Our second date was at the OSU/UC football game the last time UC played in Columbus. I got tickets through UC so we were able to sit with fellow Bearcats. As an OSU grad and fan, Lori was outnumbered in our section but she was far from outnumbered in the stadium. Unfortunately for me, OSU won that game but we still had a great time.

How are you feeling about Thursday’s big game? Any “parting” words?

OSU grad Barb Linser with oldest son, Alex,

on his graduation day from UC’s College of Law.

Dave McGinnis: I think it’s going to be close no matter what. It is time that UC assumed its rightful position at the top of Ohio’s collegiate athletics hierarchy. Besides, we have a potentially vicious animal as a mascot. They have a tree. It’s a well known fact that the bearcat’s diet includes fruit, small animals, and TREES. And let’s be honest, there hasn’t been a scary or intimidating tree since “Poltergeist”.

Barb Linser: For my bracket and my UC alum sons, Alex and Sam, I would like UC to win, but a Buckeye win gives me bragging rights so either way I win. My son, Alex, has a JD and a bachelor’s from UC and Sam has a Physics degree from UC and is currently working on his Master’s there.

John Linser: It is OK with me if Barb roots for OSU on Thursday as long as she does it with the full knowledge that it will tear apart the hearts of her three children!

Ryan Lumm: I'm excited about Thursday's game. I've wanted to see UC play OSU in basketball since I was a student. Whenever UC is playing, Lori is always supportive. She owns some UC clothing and has attended several football and basketball games with me including the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, but this game will be different. It will be weird to cheer against each other’s Alma Mater. The only parting words I have for Lori are GO CATS!

How do you plan to watch the big game?

UC grad John Linser with his son, Sam, who followed his

dad to UC and graduated Summa Cum Laude in Physics.

Dave McGinnis: We’ll be watching at home, partly because we have young children and partly to avoid causing any sort of scene we’d later regret.

Barb Linser: From the comfort of my couch.

Ryan Lumm: Due to the late start of the game Lori and I will be watching together at home. I can envision however that she might be watching in one room while I watch in my man cave which is painted in Red and Black. (No she doesn't have an OSU room).

Lori Lumm: I think that we will both wind up watching the game at our house – hopefully in the same room, but perhaps on different couches. However, I will be sporting my Buckeye gear and Ryan will likely be in his Bearcat gear.

Who do you think will bring home the win?

Dave McGinnis: I think UC gets the win in a close and physical game.

Barb Linser: UC.

Ryan Lumm: This will be a tough matchup for the Bearcats but they have been playing great. If they keep up the defensive pressure and hit some open shots I think they stand a really good chance at beating OSU. My prediction is that the Bearcats win a close one.

Lori Lumm: I think it will be a close game. However, I think that OSU will be the victors in this match up. Go Buckeyes!

What advice would you offer to other couples in your “situation?”

Lori Lumm is not too proud a Buckeye to root for

husband Ryan’s alma mater every now and then.

Dave McGinnis: Make sure you hide your spouse’s spirit attire well before game time. Especially those buckeye necklaces they always like to wear. Most hardcore OSU fans won’t even leave the house without those on, so you can easily sabotage their game viewing plans. Also, if you have young kids, make sure you get them new UC t-shirts the day before the game so they’re excited to.

Ryan Lumm: Don’t let the game get too big. It's exciting to have these games but the fan of whichever team loses can't take it personally and the winner can't rub it in (too much). Our allegiances may differ in this game but we would never hold any resentment toward each other based on the outcome...after all there will always be another game.

Lori Lumm: Have fun and don't let it get too serious. Just remember there will always be other games. Also, whoever wins, remember not to rub it in your spouse’s face too much and try to root for their team when they are not playing against your Alma Mater. Ryan is still working on this.

Are you raising your kids as Bearcats or Buckeyes?

Dave McGinnis: That depends on which of us you ask, though I contend that I am winning the war for their collegiate allegiance at this point.

Barb Linser: I already lost that battle, having raised 2 Bearcats and a Ball State Cardinal.

Ryan Lumm: We do not currently have children but have often discussed if they would be raised as Bearcats or Buckeyes. As of now it's yet to be determined, but I'll be doing my best to raise them as Bearcats.....but that won't be easy living in Columbus.

Lori Lumm: We will be raising our future children as part Buckeye and part Bearcat. My parents who are big OSU fans and his, which are strictly Bearcat fans, will be sure of it.

All in good fun of course: How difficult is it to love a rival Bearcat/Buckeye during times like this?

UC grad Dave McGinnis posing with one of his loves,

second to wife and OSU grad, Julie.

Dave McGinnis: I knew of her checkered educational past going into the relationship, so I am fairly well adjusted at this point. I try to remember that we all made questionable decisions at that age. Being a Buckeye is her burden to bear and I love her just the same. I just try to live by a “Proudly Cincinnati” example and work to make sure our children have the tools to make better, more informed choices when they are considering their post-secondary education. :)

Barb Linser: VERY tough, but of course when the going gets tough, the tough get tougher.

Ryan Lumm: It's not difficult at all to love my wife even though she will be my rival on Thursday. Lori has always been supportive of my beloved Bearcats and always cheers them to victory. I am willing to let her have this one game to cheer for her Buckeyes.....because I know if UC wins, she will be cheering them on again in the Elite 8. I wish I could say the same for me but I have not been an OSU fan for longer than I've known Lori and old habits are hard to break, but I'm working on it.

Lori Lumm: It is never difficult to love Ryan even during these situations. And, yes, he is right in saying that even if his Bearcats win I will be rooting for them in the tournament. However, if OSU wins I can only hope that he will root for them. But, I don't think I will be so lucky. At least maybe he will try. As he said, old habits are hard to break.

Is tonight's game a win-win for you and your significant other too? Comment below to tell us how you're feeling about tonight's game!