News Summary

BEAVERCREEK — Kellen Winslow has had a strong bond with former Ohio State great Archie Griffin for years, but the ex-San Diego Chargers' All-Pro tight end had to put that friendship on hold for a short spell in 2002.

Winslow's son, Kellen II, starred for the Miami Hurricanes back then and faced Griffin's alma mater in the national championship game. The elder Winslow was in Tempe, Ariz., that magical night, but he avoided people with OSU connections in the same way he once dodged NFL linebackers.

"I didn't talk to any Ohio State players — past, present or future," said Winslow, who officially will become Central State's athletic director on Sept. 22. "I was 'off' all Buckeyes that day. I saw (former OSU fullback) Pete Johnson the next day, and I wasn't nice to him, either."

Winslow still gets agitated when he thinks about the Buckeyes' 31-24 double-overtime win, especially the late pass-interference call that extended the game into a second OT.

"It wasn't the penalty, it was the 60-second delay (before the flag was thrown)," he said, exaggerating slightly. "But what a game. ... Football fans had to appreciate the talent on that field. Some of the coaching was questionable, but the talent — wow."

Winslow and Griffin crossed paths again Thursday, Aug. 28, and the Buckeyes' all-time rushing leader had no trouble getting through to his pal this time.

They attended a VIP reception and a screening of the not-yet-released movie, "The Express," at The Greene. The event is part of weeklong festivities surrounding the fourth annual Dayton Classic, which will pit Central State against the University of Dayton on Sunday.

Both football teams showed up for the flick about Ernie Davis, the first black Heisman winner, but they weren't able to sit together. CSU allowed its students to attend, swelling its numbers so much that the school required a theater of its own.

"This is special," Griffin said. "It's special when you can bring together two communities, celebrate a rivalry and enjoy a world-class movie."

The mission behind the game and other activities is to build a bridge between two diverse cultures — CSU is a historically black college, while only about 4 percent of UD's student body is black — and Flyers senior receiver James Wade supports the cause.

He attended an all-black high school in Georgia and is one of only 10 blacks among 109 players on the team.

"My mom actually went on the (UD) Web site when I was being recruited and said, 'James, do you notice there's no black people there?' I told her God wanted me to go there, and it's been a great situation," he said.

"I love getting to know people and being exposed to other cultures. It's been a blessing. I wouldn't change my decision. I'm in a very privileged position because of that."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125

or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com