Sydney Reeves, the daughter of two Ohio State University marching band alumni who famously dotted the ‘i’ in Script Ohio, realized her lifelong dream by performing the same tradition on October 4, 2025. Her achievement marks the first time a child of two previous i-dotters has continued this family legacy, highlighting a poignant moment in college sports history.
Growing up in Dublin, Ohio, Sydney Reeves was immersed in Ohio State’s band culture from infancy, with both her parents, Wendy and Chad, having dotted the i in the early 1990s as the first married couple to do so. Their love story, which began in the band and included a marriage proposal during a skull session, inspired Sydney to pursue the sousaphone and the iconic dotting role from a young age. She recalls attending games as a child, mesmerized by the band’s precision and the roar of the crowd during the i-dotting ceremony, solidifying her determination to one day stand in that spotlight.
The Script Ohio tradition, dating back to 1936, involves the 225-member band spelling ‘Ohio’ in cursive during halftime, with a senior sousaphone player selected to strut to the top of the ‘i’ and dot it. Originally an afterthought performed by a cornet player, it evolved to feature the sousaphone for greater visibility, becoming a symbol of excellence and school spirit. Christopher Hoch, the director of marching and athletic bands, notes that the honor is reserved for seniors and based on a rank-order system of performances, making it a highly competitive and cherished role within the band.
Sydney’s path to dotting the i was not without obstacles; she failed to make the band as a freshman despite rigorous preparation with her parents’ guidance. After her father’s tragic death from an accidental overdose in 2021, she channeled his memory and his favorite quote—’To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift’—into redoubling her efforts. She intensified her training, focusing on marching fundamentals and music, and successfully earned a spot in the band as a sophomore, driven by a desire to honor her dad’s legacy.
As a senior sousaphone player, Sydney faced the challenge of perfecting the distinctive strut required for dotting the i, which involves 16 leg kicks while carrying the 35- to 40-pound instrument. She practiced tirelessly in her backyard, with her mom recording and critiquing her movements, and collaborated with the drum major to ensure flawless execution. Her preparation included a practice run during the alumni game on September 6, where she marched alongside her mom and other relatives, building confidence for the main event.
On October 4, against Minnesota, Sydney finally had her moment, following the drum major to the i, dotting it, and bowing to the crowd with composure. Under her uniform, she wore a buckeye on a string that belonged to her father, feeling his spiritual presence and the emotional weight of family history. Her mother, Wendy, watched from the stands, counting each step and later celebrating with well-wishers, while Sydney reflected on how the experience brought her closer to her dad and fulfilled a childhood fantasy.
This story, reported by outlets like ESPN and The Game Nashville, underscores the deep emotional and generational ties in college traditions, demonstrating how perseverance through personal adversity can lead to triumphant moments. For Sydney, dotting the i was not just a personal milestone but a testament to family, resilience, and the enduring power of dreams in the world of sports.