Early-afternoon showers weren't enough to deter the spirits of those who turned out May 3 to mark the 118th anniversary of the first official football game for Ohio State and Ohio Wesleyan universities.

Bands and cheerleaders from both schools warmed up the rain-soaked crowd that gathered on OWU's campus next to the grassy field which played host to the two schools' first game in 1890.

Then, as if on cue, the clouds parted and the sun shined upon the mass of onlookers, educators and students who came to memorialize what was noted as a seminal moment in Ohio history.

Representatives of the two schools and local historians hope the event, which ended in a 20-14 OSU victory, won't soon be forgotten now that an Ohio historical marker has been erected to recognize the game.