COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Buckeye nation has high expectations for athletics. Fans, boosters and staff say they are all looking forward to seeing what Ross Bjork can do stepping into big shoes as the new Athletic Director.

Bjork being selected as Ohio State University’s next athletic director, in a way, is bringing him back to his roots.

“I think I cried and it was a shock to have him come back to my home,” said Linda Bjork, his mother.

Linda Bjork grew up on a farm near Findlay. She said being born and raised a Buckeye fan makes this even sweeter.

“He’s going to learn to know everybody and do his research,” Linda Bjork said. “I’m really proud of him. And I’m thankful that I’m proud that I got to bring him into the world and that hopefully he’s ending his career here at my home.”

OSU President Ted Carter said he was looking for three things in the new athletic director: someone who can be a leader in this large complex program, someone who understands the ever-changing landscape in college sports, and someone who can be among a record 18 athletic directors in the Big Ten understanding the weight of this program to the Buckeye nation. Carter said Bjork checks those boxes.

“Come in. Be humble. Listen. Learn. Make sure he rides this big, huge bicycle for a while and gets to understand it. That’s what this overlap period between him and Gene Smith will be all about. And then to have a vision for where college athletics is going and be a big voice inside of that,” Carter said.

Brady Doss is the vice president of the “Block O” student section. He said he hopes to see Bjork at the games – like they did with Gene Smith.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Bjork at the games interacting with him. You know, whether that’s a selfie with the students or getting the student section going crazy at the games,” Doss said.

Bjork is moving to the Buckeye state with his wife and two sons, Payton and Paxton, who are both athletes. His sons said their dad inspired them to play sports. They said they spent their lives on the sidelines and are very proud of their dad.

“He’s worked hard for this. I mean, he’s educated his whole career to this,” Payton said. “So it’s been really fun to watch this all happen.”