On Oct. 4, students, veterans and community members alike will take to the road to honor veteran suicide awarness. Every day, an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide. They will walk one mile for each life lost.
The third annual Ruck the Ball march stretches 22 miles, this year beginning at the University of Toledo’s (UToledo) Glass Bowl at 8:30 a.m. and ending around 5:30 p.m. at Bowling Green State University’s (BGSU) Doyt Perry Stadium. The march happens one week before the heated football rivalry between BGSU and UToledo, turning competition into unity as participants carry a game ball along US25.
Unlike military rucks that require heavy gear, this event is open to anyone. Participants are encouraged to walk as far as they are comfortable, whether that’s a few miles or the entire route.
For Bryan Bills, BGSU’s military program coordinator, the event is more than just a march.
“It shows commitment to military students and helps raise awareness,” Bills said. “It also shows that two universities who are usually rivals can come together for something bigger than football.”
Bills’ role includes organizing police escorts, working with both campuses’ Student Veterans of America chapters and coordinating with local agencies to ensure safety and medical support.
He said the community response has always been strong.
“When people first hear about it, it’s usually, ‘Wow, that’s awesome,’ or, ‘My knees and back could never do that,’” Bills said. “But you don’t have to do all 22 miles. Just being part of it makes a difference.”
For Will Shirey, senior communication major and president of BGSU’s Student Veterans Of America (SVA), joining the march is about building unity.
“I thought it was a really cool idea to bring together these two rivals and unite over something that matters,” he said.
Shirey added that the distance serves as both a challenge and a motivator.
“It’s empowering. You keep the 22 in the back of your head, and that helps you keep moving,” Shirey said.
One of his most memorable experiences came two years ago, when Ohio State Patrol officers raised their flag in salute as participants passed.
“They stopped what they were doing just to support us,” Shirey said. “Even our state representative, Haraz N. Ghanbari, came out. It showed us we weren’t walking alone.”
The march also strengthens the sense of connection among students, alumni and veterans.
“When you’re doing it with a rival school, everyone meshes together,” Shirey said. “There’s a camaraderie in the military, and to be welcomed on another campus makes it even more meaningful.”
Although Ruck the Ball is still a young tradition, it has grown significantly since its start as a student-led idea. Today, it has the support of both universities, law enforcement and local veteran organizations.
“The most meaningful part for me is seeing veterans come together and students take the lead on something bigger than a university,” Bills said. “It gives the message even more strength.”
Organizers hope the march will keep growing, with more participants joining for parts of the route. Shirey encourages anyone considering it to take part.
“I’d tell them to sign up,” he said. “You don’t have to finish the full 22. Even showing up at the start or finish matters; you’re helping to raise awareness.”
For Shirey, this is more than just an annual walk. It’s the foundation of a tradition that he hopes will carry on long after he graduates.
“The military community here is strong,” he said. “This event shows what we can do when we come together.”
