Jim Tressel inspires at Danville Lions Club Raccoon Dinner

Former Ohio State University head football coach and current Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel delivered an inspiring message Monday night following the 83rd Annual Danville Lions Club Raccoon Dinner. Speaking to a packed audience at Danville High School, Tressel shared reflections on his career, public service, and lessons in gratitude, service, and perspective.

Tressel opened his remarks by highlighting notable milestones from his career. He reflected on his time at OSU, as well as serving as president of Youngstown State University and executive vice president of the University of Akron, before transitioning to his current role in public service. He recounted how, in January 2025, Gov. Mike DeWine invited him to become Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor after Jon Husted resigned to join the U.S. Senate, filling the seat vacated by J.D. Vance.

“Gov. DeWine’s goal is for every Ohioan to be safe and healthy and to reach their God-given potential,” Tressel said. He praised the governor’s commitment to providing opportunities for young people, noting that one of his first assignments as Lieutenant Governor was to create a statewide youth fitness program. The program, launched last fall, engaged 187,000 students in grades four through eight, teaching the importance of nutrition, healthy sleep routines, and exercise. The second round of the program, starting this week, has expanded to 390,000 students in grades three through eight. Tressel emphasized that these efforts were made possible through partnerships with the Ohio Department of Health and other state and local organizations.

Shifting to a more personal message, Tressel shared three words he said are essential to a meaningful life: Gratitude, service, and perspective.

“Begin your thinking with an attitude of gratitude,” Tressel urged. He encouraged the audience to regularly reflect on their blessings and recognize the positives in everyday life.

On service, Tressel quoted, “Service is the rent we pay for life.” He spoke about his mother, Eloise Tressel, who was deeply involved in the family’s athletic legacy, hand-sewing letters on players’ uniforms and teaching him the value of serving others. “Serving others makes a difference in a community,” he said, noting that small acts of service ripple outward to create lasting impact.

Finally, Tressel emphasized perspective, reminding the audience to focus on what truly matters. “Bring back the perspective to the most important things,” he said. “God’s Hall of Fame is by eternity, not by earthly accolades.”

The presentation concluded on a high note, with Tressel leading the audience in a resounding, “Go Bucks!” prompting a standing ovation. As a special tribute, Tressel was presented with an official raccoon pin by Lions Club member Patrick Crow, symbolizing his participation in the evening following the annual raccoon dinner.

Organizers and attendees expressed appreciation for Tressel’s visit, calling it a memorable and motivational highlight of the event. His reflections on gratitude, service, and perspective resonated with the audience, connecting his experiences in sports and public service to lessons that apply to everyone in attendance.

Tressel’s appearance in Danville served not only to celebrate the community’s beloved annual tradition but also to inspire residents to lead with purpose and intention in their own lives. His message reinforced the importance of community, family, and giving back; values deeply embedded in both Ohio’s culture and the Lions Club mission.

As the crowd dispersed, many expressed their admiration for Tressel’s humility, warmth, and wisdom, leaving the evening with renewed energy and a lasting reminder of the impact of leadership grounded in faith, gratitude, service, and perspective.