COLUMBUS — Ohio State football coach Ryan Day opened his regular scheduled press conference Tuesday with a message for those impacted by the shootings in Dayton and El Paso, Texas, over the weekend.
“I just want to start off by just saying that everybody here, our prayers and thoughts are with those affected by the tragedies in Dayton and El Paso,” Day said before referencing the fund he has set up with his wife, Christina.”
“Mental health is squarely in the news and on our minds right now, and that's why ‘Nina’ and I have decided to grow awareness through, ‘On Our Sleeves,’ why it's so important to break the stigmas in terms of mental health,” Day said.
“Because it shows itself so many different way, and I think it's just really, really important. I just want to send out prayers and thoughts all those involved.”
In separate incidents Saturday and early Sunday morning, a gunman killed 22 in Texas and nine in Dayton.
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Day, who took over as coach of the Buckeyes in January, announced in June the creation of the Ryan and Christina Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
The goal is to raise awareness, increase educational opportunities, inspire advocacy and provide role models for the push back against rising rates of depression and related issues in young people today.
>>READ MORE about the foundation
Ohio State held its fourth practice of the spring Tuesday as the Buckeyes prepare for their season-opener Aug. 31 at home against Florida Atlantic.