Buckeye Compassion Shown Through Heartwarming Hugs

Dom Tiberi, the sports director at WBNS-TV 10 in Columbus recently lost his 21 year old daughter Maria, who was a student at Ohio State University, in an auto accident on September 17th.   The Buckeye campus rallied after Maria's death.  The weekend after the fatal car crash, there was a moment of silence for Maria Tiberi before the Ohio State-Florida A&M Football game at Ohio Stadium. 

Tiberi managed to return to work a week after mourning his daughter's death.  As Tiberi returned to the air, he thanked Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer and the rest of the Ohio State program for their support.

When Tiberi returned to "the Shoe" for the first time after his family tragedy, nearly the entire Ohio State Football team gave heartwarming hugs to the long-time anchor after their 31-24 point victory against the Wisconsin Badgers.    

The 22 year veteran TV10 sports newscaster appeared overwhelmed after the last embrace.  

Tiberi later shared his gratitude via Twitter. 

Often collegiate athletics are marred by reports of recruiting violations, the big money required for being competitive, boorish boosterism and some poor sportsmanship on the playing field.  The Dom Hugs are a reminder how sports can be opportunities to positively shape athletes' lives and how sports can truly touch people. 

h/t:  WBNS