​A Night to Remember: 2023 Agonis Club of Columbus Person of the Year Celebration Honors Bobby Carpenter and the Remarkable Carpenter Family

​A Night to Remember: 2023 Agonis Club of Columbus Person of the Year Celebration Honors Bobby Carpenter and the Remarkable Carpenter Family
By Jim Beck - 08/31/23

Columbus, OH - The evening of August 31st, 2023, marked a spectacular event as the Agonis Club of Columbus celebrated its 2023 Person of the Year honoring OSU Legend, retired NFL Player and local sportscaster Bobby Carpenter, and the entire Carpenter family.

The event, held at Villa Milano, proved to be a resounding success offering attendees a night filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, and appreciation for the outstanding contributions made by the Carpenters.
The festivities commenced with a lively social hour, reuniting many attendees who shared connections from their playing days at Ohio State University. Past Agonis Club Presidents, a remarkable thirteen in number, were also present, creating an atmosphere rich with the legacy of this prestigious organization.

The grand ballroom at Villa Milano buzzed with energy as over 150 distinguished guests gathered to honor the Carpenters. The evening's program unfolded with a mix of elegance and anticipation.
A highlight of the evening was the captivating silent auction organized by Phil Pini, featuring a treasure trove of extraordinary items. Notably, the auction included two footballs autographed by none other than the Carpenter Boys themselves, adding a touch of sports memorabilia to the affair.

Leading the program was the President of the Agonis Club, Duane Phlegar, who took the opportunity to address the audience about the upcoming year and our upcoming luncheons, which marks a significant milestone: the club's centennial year of service to the Central Ohio Community. Phlegar's words echoed with pride and excitement for the club's enduring legacy.

Phlegar then handed over the reins over to Father Watson  for our a prayer and led a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful tone for the night. The culinary delights of a splendid buffet provided by Villa Milano ensured that attendees were treated to both nourishment and luxury.

The program then was handled by our MC of the Evening, OSU "Voice of the Buckeyes", Mr. Paul Keels. He then had the honor to introduce Past Agonis Club President and past state representative Mr. Jim Hughes. Jim spoke about the history of the agonis Club from it's founding in 1923 and how it slowly grew through the years. He explained that Woody Hayes considered the club "his club" and really worked hard to help us recognize the young student athletes and helped us propel this club to new heights. He implored that  we all work together to get the membership( and our country) back to where it belongs! Thank you for the history lesson and encouragement Mr. Hughes!

Then Paul Keels introduced Program Comittee Chair and Past President Coach Tom Sappington, He spoke about how the Agonis Club chose the Carpenter's for this prestigious award. The reality was when we were considering the 100th year honoree, he wanted to choose somone who had contributed to the Central Ohio Community, and when the Carpenter family was mentioned, it was a perfect combination of timing and just how it felt right. 

Tom then re-introduced the distinguished Voice of the Buckeyes, Paul Keels,  a broadcasting icon in Columbus, who seamlessly guided the proceedings for the rest of the evening and shared heartfelt reminiscences of Bobby Carpenter's playing years at The Ohio State University, Keels also celebrated Carpenter's remarkable sportsmanship and highlighted his contributions as a teammate. He concluded with times spent in the broadcasting space together and how that it is great to have Bobby's presence at the stations and abroad!

Keels then introduced the man of the hour, Bobby Carpenter, who took the stage to a loud heartfelt applause. Carpenter's speech resonated deeply as he articulated the profound connection between sports and life lessons. He emphasized how the challenges faced in extracurricular activities equip individuals with the resilience needed to navigate life's adversities. Carpenter also spoke passionately about his family, highlighting their daily commitment to competition and excellence. He paid tribute to his parents, underscoring their pivotal role in not only shaping his siblings and himself but also in fostering a sense of community pride in Lancaster, Ohio.

A poignant moment then arrived as Rob Carpenter Sr. shared invaluable life lessons garnered from his distinguished NFL career spanning ten years. His experience on the field evidently translated into raising a family of accomplished individuals and athletes, emphasizing the fundamental role of family and community in the tapestry of life.

The night was a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and entities. Special gratitude was extended to Villa Milano, Gorman's Auto Body & Graphics, Proforma, and the diligent efforts of Committee Chair Tom Sappington and the entire Agonis Club Board. Their dedication ensured the resounding success of this remarkable evening and the club's 200th year of service.
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As the night drew to a close, attendees departed with hearts full of inspiration, renewed by the Carpenter family's story of dedication, triumph, and the enduring value of community and family.