To Ohio State fans and even first-time acquaintances who flocked toward him Wednesday at The Cinema for autographs and picture, former two-time Heisman Trophy running back Archie Griffin remains a source of inspiration.

"Tonight, Orangeburg County's American Idol is Archie Griffin," said Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller, who was joined in attendance by Santee Mayor Silas Seabrooks.

As the guest speaker for the Greater Santee Literacy Council's Golden Dinner, Griffin praised those people who inspired him in his climb to college football immortality.

Introduced by council president and fellow former Buckeye offensive lineman Billy Joe Armstrong, Griffin started out by talking about his parents who encouraged he and his seven siblings to always trust in God, strive for a college education and participate in athletics. He said athletics taught his family the importance of perseverance, rebounding from adversity and gaining the will to win.

Griffin gave an example from his playing days with the Cincinnati Bengals of how the team emerged from an AFC doormat from 1977-80 to the AFC conference champion and Super Bowl runner-up in 1981.

He then told the story about his junior high school guidance counselor Oscar Hill who told him about the three Ds -- desire, dedication and determination -- and how living up to those traits would lead to success.

Up next were Griffin's high school and college football coaches. In Columbus Eastmoor High School head coach Bob Stewart, Griffin found someone who made him believed that they could compete against opponents who often outsized them, and turned them into two-time state champions.

As for Ohio State head football coach Woody Hayes, who called Griffin "a better young man than he is a football player" and the "best football player I've ever seen," he praised the sideline legend for his emphasis on getting an education.

"He always said that an athlete without an education could be headed for a bad situation," Griffin said. "When you think about it, that's so true in today's times."

More than just developing him into a three-time All-American and the only multiple Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin said Hayes' dedication to his players, coaches and Ohio State University left the biggest impact on him. In fact, Griffin now heads the Ohio State University Alumni Association.

"What I liked most about Coach Hayes ... was that he cared so much about people," Griffin said. "That's what I liked the most about Coach Hayes."

Finally, Griffin talked about gaining inspiration from God which he believed enabled him to achieve his greatness at Ohio State University. He especially remembers the 1972 game against the University of North Carolina when a then-freshman Griffin rushed for a single-game school record 239 yards -- a moment he called the biggest highlight of his career.

"When I prayed that night, I asked the Lord above to give me the opportunity to help me play to the best of my ability and he did that and I'm so very thankful," Griffin said.

Griffin closed by telling the audience they also had the capacity to inspire others just as someone did to them at one point. Whether it was a son, daughter or a neighbor's child, he encouraged them to "live your lives in a way that those close to you who you inspire can someday stand up and say that you made a difference in their lives."

A similar message was delivered by Literacy Council volunteers Beatrice Evans and Evelyn France. After each were presented with special awards of appreciation from the council's board of directors for their years of dedication and selfless work, the two women suggested to those in attendance to continue the council's work in helping Orangeburg County residents become literate.

"Have you helped somebody in Orangeburg County read today?" France asked.

T&D Senior Sports Writer Thomas Grant Jr. can be reached by e-mail at tgrant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5547.

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