Expert: Thom Brooks - 1/9/2008

Question
I was wondering if you ever found anymore information on the man named Paul Ballinger (spelling of last name maybe incorrect). I just met the same man that Susan (10/2007) had asked you about. Paul said that he played for Ohio State in 1957 won a national championship, was wearing the ring, and had a shirt that he received from their 50th reunion. I cannot  find any information on this man- can you find any info. on him?

Thank you, Sabrina

Answer
Sabrina, Happy New Year!

I cannot locate records of that team other than through the normal sources, like

NCAA.org

or Div-I Football.com

My suggestion would be to contact Ohio State.  They have an archives that will show the player's name for each year.

If you contact the school, someone there can give you the information you seek.  Once you get the names of any of those players from that year, you need to contact them (Google their name and they can be located, or they're listed as Alumni of OSU).  They will have old records and yearbooks that will show Paul Ballinger's history.  He went on to become famous so I'm certain many people would remember him and his play.  

Also, the local newspapers and TV stations will have people and records to verify.  The old town merchants would remember him.  Likely, some of his teammates are in or near Columbus, Ohio.  

Let me know when you find the information, and if I helped in acquiring it.  

Take care!

Listen to my son's band at:

myspace.com/Listen2three



Thom Brooks
Savannah, Georgia