It’s January and Xichigan Still Stinks
As proud members of the Buckeye Nation, we’re still grinning over Ohio State’s recent 27-9 win over Michigan. Actually, OSU didn’t just win. Our boys strolled into Ann Arbor, took the stress, took the noise, and took the game from the Wolverines.
That’s definitely the kind of Saturday that makes our week better, even if Indiana and Miami both handed us a couple of tough losses since then (13-10 in the Big Ten Championship and 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl Classic, respectively).
For Those Not in the Know
Our very own Sean Hayes graduated from Ohio State back in 1996, and the rest of the First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center team are more than happy to take the Buckeyes’ side in the great Ohio State/Michigan rivalry. If you’re not in the loop, here’s what you need to know to join in the fun:
- That November victory over Michigan (or “Xichigan,” as they’re known up in Ohio)? We call it “The Game” because it’s so well known it doesn’t even need a nickname.
- The Game has been played every year since 1897, making it three years older than the UT/OU Red River Rivalry.
- The Game always carries huge stakes: Big Ten titles, postseason paths, and a full year of bragging rights.
- Back in the 1970s, the rivalry was cemented with the Ten Year War between Ohio State’s Woody Hayes and Michigan’s Bo Schembechler.
27–9: A Rivalry Win to Remember
As you can imagine, The Game brings with it plenty of tension. But our excellent win this year didn’t come down to chance. OSU earned it with poise and discipline from start to finish.
What stood out most was the consistency:
- A defense that stayed composed and answered every challenge
- A sideline that remained focused in a high-pressure setting
- An effort that made Michigan work hard for every yard and every point
The Game always carries extra weight, which is exactly why a win like this resonates. And doing it on their field? That just makes the victory even more meaningful.
Looking for Your Own Late-Season Victory?
At First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center, we want all of our patients to feel as strong as the Buckeyes’ defensive line. And there are plenty of lessons you can take from our win over Michigan in November:
Show Up Strong And Stay Consistent
- OSU didn’t beat Xichigan with one big play. They stayed steady from kick-off to the final whistle. You can do the same with simple, repeated exercises that compound in effect over time.
Play A Good Defense
- Don’t wait until a problem comes to you, whether it’s a Michigan quarterback or pain from a repetitive-use injury. Address your symptoms before they can take you out.
Make Adjustments Early
- The Buckeyes didn’t win 27-9 by waiting until the fourth quarter to fix a problem. They handled it as it happened, and you can do the same. If you’re having a bad pain day, scale back the load and tweak the movement. Don’t push through sharp pain.
Come Prepared with the Right Game Plan
- Different opponents require different strategies. What worked for Michigan didn’t work for Indiana, but we know better for next year–and so do you! Match your exercises to your complaints. Got stiff joints? Try short walks. Struggling with weakness? Work on progressive strength training.
Recover Like a Buckeye Starter
- Like all the best teams, OSU rotates and resets, and you can do the same as a team of one. Get a full night’s sleep, always hydrate, and don’t skip out on rest days. Remember, recovery is when your body adapts and gets stronger.
Let’s Hear that Buckeye Battle Cry
OSU might not be winning the Big Ten Championship this year, but we’ll be back in force in 2026. So if you’ve got any Xichigan fans in your life, tell them to watch out! And if you need PT care that’s as dedicated as the Buckeyes’ fan base, First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center has got your back. Give us a call to get started.
Return to PT at First Colony!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
(Yes, Even From Your Couch)
No matter who you’re cheering for, big game days deserve a little prep. Your snacks should be ready, your jersey should be clean, and your body should feel good through all four quarters.
As seasoned college football fans, the team at First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center knows a thing or two about getting game-ready–and we don’t mean as a player, either! Here are some of our best tips for settling in to watch the game.
Pregame Prep
- Set your snack lineup. Chop, portion, and park it in the fridge.
- Stock your football beverage of choice so you don’t run out before kickoff.
- Charge everything: phone, remote, speaker. You don’t want surprise cut-outs!
- Wash the lucky gear. Whether it’s an ancient hoodie or your lucky socks, have it ready to go.
Game-Day Speed Drills
Voice Activation Reps
- Do a quick “O-H!” early so your throat isn’t cooked by the fourth quarter.
Commercial-Break Two-Minute Drill
- When those commercials hit, sprint-walk to the bathroom, grab a napkin, and make it back before the ball is snapped. Clean execution. No penalties.
Remote Control Ball Security
- Keep that remote in one spot at all times.
Halftime Mobility Warm-Up
- Stand up, stretch your calves and hips, and shake out your shoulders like you’re heading back on the field.
Post-Game Recovery Protocol
- Win or lose, walk a lap, drink water, and let your heart rate come back down.
Time to Suit Up
If your body’s been throwing flags lately (like stiffness, nagging aches, or pain that keeps coming back), let’s get you ready for the season ahead. Run your next play with First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center by scheduling an appointment at our clinic.
Now grab the snacks, pull on the scarlet, and settle in!
Patient Success Story
“The first time I used this facility was after my first hip replacement. I was so pleased with the staff and my quick recovery that I came back for a second time after my other hip replacement. The place is super clean, with a friendly atmosphere, but they expect you to work hard. My most sincere thanks to my trainer, Megan Ellis, for being such a sweet and understanding person. I highly recommend it.”
-Nedda J.
Healthy Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Waffle Fry Nachos
Turn up the flavor at your next tailgate with these Buffalo Chicken Waffle Fry Nachos—crispy, spicy, and loaded with game-day goodness. They’re easy to share, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite from kickoff to the final whistle.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1 1/2-lb.) bag frozen waffle fries
- 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning (from a 1-oz. packet), divided
- 1 (1 1/2-lb.) bag frozen fried chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 carrot, shredded on the large holes of a box grater (about 1/4 c.)
- 1/2 large celery stalk, thinly sliced (about 1/4 c.)
- Ranch dressing, for serving
- 2 Tbsp. sliced fresh chives
Directions:
Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 450°. In a large bowl, toss fries and 1 Tbsp. ranch seasoning. Transfer to a baking sheet; spread in an even layer. In the same bowl, toss chicken with the remaining 1 Tbsp. ranch seasoning. Transfer to another baking sheet. Place fries on top rack and chicken on bottom rack and bake, rotating trays front to back and top to bottom and tossing halfway through, until chicken tenders are cooked through and fries are crispy, 25 to 27 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk hot sauce and butter. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken to bowl with hot sauce mixture and toss to coat. Top fries with chicken pieces. Sprinkle with cheddar and/or Monterey Jack. Continue to bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer chicken and fries to a platter. Top with blue cheese, carrots, and celery. Drizzle with ranch dressing. Sprinkle with chives.
As we welcome the New Year, everyone at First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center wishes you a healthy, happy, and active year ahead. Whether you’re returning to a favorite activity, recovering from an injury, or setting new wellness goals, our team is here to support you every step of the way. The start of a new year is the perfect time to refocus on movement, strength, and pain-free living. If you’ve been putting off physical therapy or are ready to continue your progress, we invite you to come back into the clinic. Let’s make this your year to move better and feel stronger.
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Our purpose at First Colony Aquatic and Rehabilitation Center & Sports Therapy Center is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
