Pleased, and more than a little surprised, were Jack Park’s reactions to being informed he had been selected as the 2016 Northland Independence Day Parade grand marshal. “It’s nice,” the Upper Arlington resident said last week. “It’s very much appreciated.” It was also totally unexpected. “He was, like, ‘Really?’ ” parade committee member P.J. Phillips recalled. “I think he said something like, ‘I guess I didn’t realize I was that well known.’ ” After 38 years of providing commentary on the history of Ohio State University football for what is now 97.1 The Fan, Phillips thought Park was certainly known well enough, in the Northland area and throughout all of central Ohio. Park noted that he doesn’t provide color commentary for Buckeye games and he’s not a play-by-play man. “I bring the history into it,” he said. “It’s just something a little bit different that the other stations don’t have.” “The Buckeye Flashback with Jack Park” and “The Audi Drive to Glory with Jack Park” both air every day each season on 97.1 The Fan. “I have never enjoyed it any more than I do now,” Park said. “It’s a labor of love to do that. Part of my objective is to help everyone learn what a proud tradition we have.” The author of three books on OSU football and an award-winning public speaker was quick to say that any fame that’s come his way is due to the success of the team he so loves. Park recalled giving a speech once and a member of the audience said, “You wouldn’t be Jack Park if you…
Continue Reading: Park surprised to be chosen
