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“Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat” is a common expression in the ������Ƶ community. Becoming a Bobcat for life means OHIO students build themselves, prepare for the future and foster lifelong and meaningful connections. Forever OHIO isn’t just about a community that exists within Ohio, but one with roots globally coming together to form the global Bobcat spirit.

Programs like OHIO Excursions provide transformative, memorable experiences that strengthen the University's alumni network and allow current students and alumni to connect, expanding their Bobcat network locally and internationally. A classic example has been the OHIO Excursions: Soccer & Culture Tour in England.

This trip brought together 25 alumni and students for an experience blending sport, culture and deep Bobcat connections. It was an opportunity for alumni and students—many of whom had never met before—to create lifelong friendships and strengthen their connection to OHIO.

Part of the traveling group was the assistant professor of instruction in sports coaching education who is a former professional soccer player for Hull City Tigers FC and Scunthorpe United FC, Dr. Ashley Allanson. Allanson, who helped create the ������Ƶ Alumni Association’s soccer-themed excursion, reflected on how the experience deepened connections within the Bobcat community.

"By engaging with alumni through their love of soccer, I aimed to bridge opportunities for students in ������Ƶ’s coaching education programs," he said. "These interactions opened doors for mentorship and potential career pathways."

One standout connection was with alumna Megan Normansell, BSC '14, associate director for recreational sports at.

"Not only is she the daughter of a former colleague, but our collaboration has sparked discussions on uniting academia and recreational sports," Allanson said about his interactions with Normansell. "We’re exploring internship and research opportunities to enhance student engagement at both institutions."

The group travel experience itself left a lasting impression. 

"It was incredible to bond with like-minded Bobcats who embraced my British passion for ‘football,’" Allanson said. "The camaraderie was unforgettable—whether watching matches, sightseeing, or simply socializing, everyone was eager to share the journey together."

There were many unique experiences on this particular tour. Bobcat Tyler Hamstra, MRSS ‘23, was an online master’s student. Although OHIO’s online programs usually include a residency component, Hamstra missed coming to campus because of COVID, and the OHIO Excursions trip was a long-awaited chance to connect.

"It was great to finally meet so many current Bobcats and alumni in person," Hamstra said. "My program never had a residency in Athens, so this trip truly made me feel part of the community."

The highlight? A vibrant OHIO alumni party in Chelsea, London.

"Nearly 60 to 70 alumni based in Europe came together—it was incredible," Hamstra said. "Seeing that turnout showed me how strong the Bobcat network is abroad, and it’s only going to grow.”

The experience reignited Hamstra's pride in ������Ƶ. 

"The trip was so inspiring that I finally drove from Pittsburgh to visit campus for the first time," he said. "Now, I can’t wait for the next adventure."

Terry Trnavsky, BSSE ‘99, experienced this journey with his son, who is a current OHIO student. Both agreed it was an unforgettable experience that allowed them to share their mutual love of the sport and their alma mater.

"From telling my wife about taking this trip together [with his son Evan Trnavsky], to the unforgettable week in Europe with fellow Bobcats—watching football, sharing stories, and seeing my son lose his voice cheering for his team, it was all worth it,” Terry said.

The trip gave them flexibility to explore but also moments to bond—whether over pints, stadium tours, or dissecting the differences between American and European football.  

For Terry Trnavsky, seeing his son keep in touch with the group back on campus made the experience even more special.

"Athens has always been a place our family loves, but watching our son choose OHIO for themselves—and create their own memories—is the greatest gift," he said. "Who knows? Maybe our youngest will be a Bobcat too."

Normansell and Ashley Thomas, BSC ‘17, who both live in Los Angeles, didn’t know each other as students but have now met—without planning to—in three different countries as Bobcats abroad.

“Ashley and I never knew each other as students, yet we’ve now watched soccer together in three different countries,” Normansell said. “From L.A. to Marseille to England, OU brought us together.”

Thomas was skeptical going into the trip but it all changed after 24 hours.

"I was hesitant to travel with strangers, but within a day, it felt like family,” Thomas said. “We were all Bobcats who loved soccer—that shared passion erased any awkwardness. And running into Megan again? That’s the magic of OU."

For both of them, this trip made them appreciate Bobcat pride and showed just how far the University’s network reaches. The presence of an inflatable Rufus punctuated the connection.