TIFFIN, Ohio - The Tiffin University football team added a unique challenge to its preseason preparations, teaming up with members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) for a demanding workout designed to test the Dragons' physical endurance, mental toughness, and teamwork.
 
As the Dragons continue preparations for the upcoming 2026 season, student-athletes traded their typical practice routine for an intense session led by State Highway Patrol personnel. The workout featured a series of physically demanding exercises and team-building activities, pushing players outside their comfort zones while emphasizing discipline, accountability, and resilience.
 
"When the State Highway Patrol and our teams come together to train side by side, it becomes so much more than a workout—it becomes an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen trust, and connect as a community," said Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Director of Athletics Kelly Daniel.
 
"It was incredibly rewarding to watch our student-athletes interact with the State Highway Patrol, encourage one another, and share in the experience together. These are meaningful connections that extend beyond athletics and give our student-athletes an opportunity to engage with and learn from members of the State Highway Patrol in a way they may never otherwise experience."
 
Throughout the workout, troopers guided players through a variety of stations that required communication, problem solving, and collective effort. The session provided a different perspective on preparation, drawing parallels between the dedication required in law enforcement and the commitment needed to compete at a high level on the football field.
 
"There's no substitute for being pushed alongside people who do hard things for a living," said head coach Zack Blair. "Our guys got a first-hand experience as to what disciplined and accountability look like when the stakes are real, and that's exactly the kind of standard we are looking to build in this football program."
 
Tiffin is currently in the midst of preseason camp as they prepare for the start of the 2026 campaign. Coaches have praised the team's effort and energy throughout camp, and the State Highway Patrol workout provided another opportunity to build camaraderie and establish the foundation for a successful season.
 
"The collaboration between Tiffin University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol has been an invaluable partnership for our Division and the Bucyrus District," said Staff Lieutenant Bradley Bishop, OSHP Bucyrus District assistant commander. "Working alongside these student-athletes has allowed us to strengthen that relationship while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and perseverance. These are qualities we value within the Patrol and were proud to see demonstrated by the Dragons during the workout."
 
The Dragons have embraced the challenges, leadership lessons, and team-building experiences provided by the Patrol, while fostering strong connections with the troopers who invest their time and energy into the program. TU is grateful for the commitment, professionalism, and camaraderie the Ohio State Highway Patrol brings to the experience and looks forward to not only continuing the partnership but expanding it in the years ahead.
 
Tiffin University opens the 2026 season on Thursday, August 27 in an away matchup at Carson-Newman University at 7 p.m.