Ohio State University continues to face a series of challenges. In early March, its president, Ted Carter, resigned due to an inappropriate relationship.
The university’s football program has also encountered significant difficulties. Three former players—Kirk Barton, Darron Lee, and Marcus Williamson—are reportedly facing substantial prison sentences for alleged serious offenses.
Adding to these issues, a former athlete who played as a quarterback, punter, and kicker for four seasons has passed away.
Bob Atha Dies At 65 Years Old
Bob Atha, a former Ohio State player, died at 65 after an extended struggle with cancer. He was a member of the Buckeyes team from 1978 to 1981 and established a program record by successfully kicking five field goals in a single game.
Eleven Warriors reported that Atha, a native of Worthington, Ohio, served as a backup quarterback to Art Schlichter and placekicker to Vlade Janakievski from 1978 to 1980. In his final year, 1981, he became the primary placekicker and also backed up Mike Tomczak at quarterback. That season, he was the team’s top scorer with 88 points, achieved through 13 field goals, 43 extra points, and one touchdown.
His most notable performance for the Buckeyes occurred on October 24, 1981, at Ohio Stadium, where he set a school record with five field goals during a 29-10 victory over Indiana. This record is currently shared with Mike Nugent (2004 against NC State), Josh Huston (2005 against Texas), and Devin Barclay (2010 against the Miami Hurricanes).
Atha later played professionally in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals.
