COLUMBUS, Ohio – Some OSU students are seeing scarlet over new rules in place for the annual Mirror Lake Jump.
Trying to get a handle on a tradition that has students plunging into the frigid campus lake on Ohio State-Michigan week, university officials are telling students to pick up a wristband from the Student Union, or they won’t be allowed to take the plunge tomorrow night. Alumni and other Buckeyes fans will be shut out.
They’re also reminded students to jump sober, stay in the designated jump zone and arrive and leave with a group.
“We do not encourage you to jump, especially due to the extreme cold temperatures that are expected. However, the wellbeing of Ohio State students is our top priority and we will take efforts to make sure this activity is managed in a way that maintains appropriate levels of safety and security,” the statement read in part.
In previous years, the university has just let the event happen. This year, officials are trying to at least regulate it. OSU says the move is to protect students, but they have responded with outrage via social media.
A “Beat Michigan Festival” and pep rally is scheduled for Tuesday evening, to coincide with the official re-opening of the South Oval. The event will feature a visit from head football coach Urban Meyer, Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George as a deejay, a zip line and an “interactive graffiti” mural.
The officially-sanctioned festival is expected to be followed by the unofficial, unsanctioned lake jump.
Adams-Gaston included these safety tips in her statement on the university’s website.
“Alcohol significantly affects judgment and reaction and accelerates the effects of hypothermia. I suggest that you do not drink. Mirror Lake is as deep as 8-feet in some areas, so take special care to stay within the designated jump area. Use the buddy system, and make a plan for arriving and walking home in a group.”
The annual Mirror Lake jump began in 1990.