Now in seventh year, event includes silent auction and has raised more than $100,000

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State men’s soccer team will host the Columbus Crew in the First Merit Bank Connor Senn Memorial Match at 7 p.m. April 29 in Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Now in its seventh year, all proceeds from the match benefit the Connor Senn Memorial Scholarship Fund at Ohio State, which has raised more than $100,000 to date.

The event brought in a record $23,000 last year and again will include a silent auction that includes a wide array of Ohio State memorabilia, including many autographed items. Tickets for the event are $5 for adults and $2 for children and groups and can be purchased online at www.OhioStateBuckeyes.com or by calling 1-800-GO-BUCKS.

“Everything we had hoped the game would become has happened as a result of the hard work of the committee, led by Dave Tumbas and the members of the board of directors,” John Bluem, Ohio State head coach, said. “The quality of the evening has become much better now from all standpoints, from the soccer match, to the silent auction and the crowds have been getting bigger every year.”

In the 2007 game, Crew defender Danny O’Rourke, who played club soccer with Senn growing up, wore Connor’s jersey No. 22 with “SENN” on the back, then signed the jersey and put it in the silent auction.

“The fundraising efforts have taken a new step forward this year with First Merit Bank becoming a named sponsor and R&L Carriers joining as an associate named sponsor,” Bluem said. “The Crew continues to be inspirational in their efforts to support this game. Mark McCullers, in particular, has been great to the game’s board of directors. The Crew’s spirit remains the same and they come over with the idea that it’s a fundraiser and they want to put on a show. They play very attractive soccer and make it an entertaining game. They are not concerned with the result necessarily as they are participating in the fundraising efforts.”

The Connor Senn Memorial Fund was established by Dr. Lance Senn, Connor’s father and a former member of the Ohio State tennis team. Connor collapsed during Ohio State’s match at Akron Sept. 26, 2001 and died that night from a congenital heart defect. A native of Granville, Ohio, Connor was a freshman walk-on defender who had earned a starting position midway through the 2001 season. The Buckeyes went on to be selected for the NCAA tournament that season.

The legacy of Connor Senn will never be forgotten at Ohio State. A plaque honoring Connor hangs outside the Buckeyes’ locker room door and Connor’s chair hangs in the locker room, which all the players on the 2001 team signed with personal messages to Connor, who was known for his tremendous work ethic, positive attitude and selfless play.

“Play Like Connor Today” is the mantra of the Ohio State men’s soccer program and it has carried them to five trips to the NCAA tournament this decade and to the 2007 national championship game.

Those wishing to make a contribution to the Connor Senn Memorial Scholarship Fund can do so by sending a check to Kristyn Carman, The Ohio State University, Gift Processing, The Fawcett Center, Room 709, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43210 (account #410775). Please include your name and return address so you may receive documentation of your charitable contribution from Ohio State for your tax records.

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