05/29/2026
Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of William Dougherty, who wrote the beloved fight song, "Across the Field”.
Dougherty composed the song in 1915, while he was a student and an assistant to the Ohio State University football team. It was said that Dougherty saw a need for a new school song, and as a pianist, he was experimenting with music that would ‘capture the spirit of football’. Hence, "Across the Field" was born and soon became a Buckeye favorite. The tune made its first public debut at a pep rally before the Illinois game in 1915.
Dougherty went on to receive two degrees from Ohio State: A Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917, and a law degree in 1920.
Over the years, Dougherty was invited back to campus to play "Across the Field" on the piano during football halftime shows. His last performance was in 1975, a year before his death.
