Call Me Maybe - Dueling WLAX Spring Break Videos

There's plenty of time on spring trips for teams to have a little fun. The Allegheny and Ohio Wesleyan women's lacrosse teams both share some of their recent fun in dueling Call Me Maybe videos. Who had more fun? Might be a toss-up!

Allegheny Gators:





Battling Bishops:

Five Minutes With ... Travis Wall

Ohio Wesleyan senior men's soccer player Travis Wall

Name: Travis Wall

Hometown/High School: Columbus, OH/Upper Arlington

Institution: Ohio Wesleyan University

Major: Sports Management

Sport: Soccer

I am originally from ... Columbus, Ohio

Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution?

I chose to attend OWU because I knew that a Division III experience offered up the best combination of academics and athletics than any other school I could have found. Also, playing for Jay Martin was a huge factor in coming here.

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III?

I think the philosophy is academics first with athletics a very close second. If there is a conflict though, academics always come first and I think that is an important message to get across.

How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at (your school)?

My experience has been great. When we have to miss classes for games, the professors have always been very accommodating and worked with me to help make up the work or notes I missed.

How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level? I.e. What do you do all day?

I wake up at 8 a.m. to get ready for my 9 a.m. class. I go to two of my classes, then go to lunch with the soccer team. After lunch I go to my last class at 1 p.m. Following that I will hang out in the coaches office with other members of the team or I will head home to try and catch a quick nap before our 4 p.m. practices that we have every day.

Favorite thing about Ohio Wesleyan?

Playing soccer for Jay Martin and the academic reputation that comes attached with a degree from Ohio Wesleyan.

Favorite thing about the NCAC?

The competitiveness of it

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I would like to be a college athletic director or a college head soccer coach.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

I would love to be Larry David for a day. Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm are my two all time favorite shows and Larry David is the comedic genius behind each one. I think his outlook on everyday awkward situations is hilarious, I often times find myself telling somebody that “that was a Larry David moment” or “I’ve seen this in Seinfeld” because he covers just about all there is to cover in everyday occurrences.

People may be surprised to know that …

My mom went to Denison. I am the youngest of three children and we all chose Ohio Wesleyan to go to school and play soccer. My mom has been pretty happy cheering us on over the years though.

If you are stranded on an island, you would like to be with …

Natalie Portman. I think she is the best looking woman on this planet.

What is the life of a student-athlete studying sports management like at Ohio Wesleyan?

The life of a sports management major at OWU is an interesting one. You get a really nice mix of taking business classes like accounting, economics, marketing management, etc., that cause you to think about the financial aspect of sport but we also get to take classes dedicated solely to the sports industry and the mental and philosophical approach to athletics which I particularly enjoyed wanting to head in the direction of coaching. Our professors encourage us to get hands on experience before entering the real world so next semester I am scheduled for two internships, one with the Columbus Crew and one with a local soccer club and I am really looking forward to those.

Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

I can quote movies and TV shows better than most people. My friends and I at OWU consistently relate every day happenings to movies we have seen and try to quote those movies.

I also have an annoyingly bad habit of remembering the slightest details about any team we have ever player. Whether it be an opponent’s stats, the cleats he wore, his hometown, his number….you name it I most likely have it memorized.

What aspect of being a student-athlete at the Div. III level, do you hope to take with you into your professional life?

I think playing at a Division III level has taught me to prioritize. In life, my working career will come before any athletic interest I will have and I think going to OWU has just helped reinforce that.

What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career?

Although it just happened, I will never forget this years comeback against Ohio Northern in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and the goal I scored to win the game. Jay told us after the game that he has never coached a team who has been down 2-0 in and NCAA game and come back to win which made us feel special. But to be down 2-0 with 20 minutes left in the game, most teams would start to panic and get out of their style but we did the opposite, we began to assert ourselves more and the goals finally started coming. I will never forget that game.

What would you like to accomplish, both in academics and athletics, before you graduate?

I would like to graduate with a cumulative GPA of above 3.2. I am currently at a 3.19 so I am close. In athletics, before it was to make a final 4, now that we have done that, I think it would be great to win the whole thing!

What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

Drake’s new Take Care album

Do you have one coach and/or professor that has impacted your career the most at Ohio Wesleyan?

Jay Martin. It doesn’t get much better than playing for him. OWU has been spoiled to have him here for 35 years. Our assistant Brandon Bianco is a close second. He was a first year coach my freshman year and in 4 years, he has turned into a great coach. I’m sure he will be an ever better head coach in a few years wherever that may be. The best thing about our coaching staff is that they never stop trying to get better. It would be easy for people in their position to sit back and be content with their careers and this season but they are always striving to get better which is their most admirable quality.

In your opinion, what is the most important life lesson you learned while competing at the NCAA Div. III level?

Academics > athletics

How many hours a week do you spend on Facebook?

What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution?

Do it, the lessons you learn are more rewarding than you could imagine.

Who do you look up to?

As a role model in life, my dad. As a coach for who I would like to emulate when I am older, I would have to say University of Akron head coach Caleb Porter. He is so confident in everything he does and he plays soccer the way it is suppose to be played.

If you could excel at any competitive sport (other than your own) which would you choose?

Basketball

Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness?

Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier.

What's the most impressive meal you've ever cooked?

Ramen Noodles

What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete?

My favorite sports team is Ohio State in every single sport. My favorite athlete in the world is Leo Messi

My favorite sports memory is…?

Sweet 16 win vs ONU in 2011

Any Pet Peeves?

When people end sentences with “and yeah…..” or “sooo….”

Favorite hobbies outside work/school?

Family time

First job?

Paper boy for the SNP Upper Arlington News.

Favorite ice cream?

Coffee

Five Minutes With ... Nan Carney-DeBord

Denison AD Nan Carney-DeBord

Name/Institution: Nan Carney-DeBord, Denison University

Title: Director of Athletics and Recreation; Chair, Physical Education

Education: Bachelor's in physical education, Denison; M.A. Athletics Administration, Kent State University

I am originally from ... South Jersey. A jersey girl!

Why do you have an awesome job?  Having the opportunity to serve in a leadership position at one’s alma mater is a privilege. But, working with the staff in Athletics, Recreation, Physical Education and the faculty and administrative leaders at Denison, is an honor.

When did you know you wanted to be a an Athletic Director?  My passion is in leadership development. Being a Director of Athletics and Academic Chair is one forum in which I can put theory into practice.

Favorite thing about Denison? There are many. First and foremost, the students. They are curious. They have a thirst for knowledge. They question, they research, they question again. They are engaged. The faculty is advanced. They challenge the student and nurture simultaneously. It’s magic. They are incredible leaders completely dedicated to their professional growth and development in teaching, research and leadership in an effort to better serve the student. Like the Denison mission statement, the Division III “inspires and educates students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society.”

Favorite thing about the NCAC? Its broad-based programming. Its philosophy of equity: athletically & academically

How would you describe the philosophy of NCAA Div. III?  It is one of balance, self-exploration, integrated thought and worldwide view.  Division III is a pure form of athletic competition. It has always been my belief that competition is a neutral term. Our student-athletes are fierce competitors, in the playing arena and in the classroom.

How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level?  Being a dual-sport athlete at Denison transformed me. I was exposed to some of the greatest mentors, role models, and teammates. It is not surprising that many of my teammates are in leadership positions and that my mentors have continued to grow and succeed in their own professions.

Which historical sporting event would you have liked to witness?  The Harry Vardon vs. Francis Willmette Early 1900’s Golf Match.

What's the most impressive meal you've ever cooked?  The only domestic quality I have is that I live in a house!

What’s your favorite sports team/Who’s your favorite athlete? Other than ALL OF THE DENISON TEAMS ... The Red Sox.  Favorite athlete: Jackie Robinson

Five Minutes With ...

Name: Bret Billhardt

Institution: North Coast Athletic Conference

Title: Assistant Director

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management, Otterbein University


• Why did you choose to work at the NCAA Division III level?

BB: After competing and earning my undergraduate education at an NCAA Div. III institution, I immediately knew that I wanted to pursue a career at that level. The purity of the athletic competition combined with the academic excellence that so many of the student-athletes possess at this level is what drives me to continue to be a part of the division in my professional career.


• If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

BB: Don Hunsinger… Is there really an explanation needed?


• How would you most accurately describe or define the ideals on which the NCAA Div. III was founded?

BB: The division provides student-athletes the ability to be just that, students first and athletes second. Often times the best stories connected to division III student-athletes have little to do with their achievements on the field, but rather their contributions and successes within the community and the academic world.


• People may be surprised to know that ……

BB: My favorite NFL team is the Miami Dolphins….Although born and raised in the Cleveland area, I have never been and will never be a fan of the Browns.


• Are there any major obstacles that you’ve had to overcome when dealing with Div. III athletics?

BB: I think one of the toughest challenges in working in division III athletics is educating the general public on how we are structured and operate. Instead of looking at Div. III as a well-balanced opportunity for recent high school graduates to continue their athletic and academic careers, many people view it as a “step down” from Div. I and II institutions.


• Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

BB: If I had any unique talents, I surely wouldn’t keep them hidden. So, I guess the answer is NO.


• How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level?

BB: Being a former Div. III student-athlete, I’m able to relate with the issues and concerns that many of our current student-athletes continue to face on a day-to-day basis.


• If you are stranded on an island, you would like to be with ……

BB: Don Hunsinger, Bear Grylls and Macgyver....I wouldn't have to do anything to contribute to the survival efforts.

• What has been your most memorable moment in your administrative career?

BB: Well it hasn’t been a very long administrative career, but it has been a rewarding experience to be accepted into an administrative role at the conference office at such a young age.


• What are the toughest issues facing Div. III athletes in today’s world?

BB: Athletic burnout. Children are being forced into competitive athletic environments at such a young age, and by the time they get to college they are burned out and have little desire to continue competing.


• What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

BB: I have my “Walkman” tuned to country at all times!!!


• What are some of the life lessons that you believe student-athletes can learn by competing at the Div. III level?

BB: The ability to have balance in life is a valuable trait, and there is no doubt in my mind that Div. III student-athletes learn to develop this trait from the very first day they step foot on campus.


• What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution?

BB: I would recommend that anyone with the opportunity to do so, DO IT.


• How would you best describe your normal day as an administrator at the Div. III level?

BB: I don’t think the word “normal day” and athletics administration really go hand-in-hand. Some days you can be staring at schedules for eight hours, while the very next day you're out at a field handing out a trophy at a championship game. The most normal part of my day-to-day work is that in some shape or form, no matter what I am doing, I am contributing to the numerous outstanding student-athletes that make up the NCAC.

Five Minutes With ...

Name: Keri Alexander Luchowski

Institution: North Coast Athletic Conference

Title: Executive Director

Education: Masters in Sport Management, Kent State University; Bachelors in Professional Writing, Wheeling Jesuit University


• Why did you choose to work in NCAA Division III?

KAL: I have worked in various levels of sport throughout my career, but have really chosen to make Division III my home because I identify with the ideas of balance and sportsmanship among others in the Division’s philosophy. I can relate to the passion our students bring to everything they fill their lives with, both academically and athletically.

• If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

KAL: Mark Recchi, so I could know what it feels like to hoist a Stanley Cup.


• People may be surprised to know that ……

KAL: A lot of people probably know I played soccer in college, but most would be surprised that I was a swimmer and a soccer player when I was in high school.


• How has your experience been in making sure that student-athletes have a proper balance among athletics and academics in the Conference?

KAL: The idea of balance is one that, while not expressly stated in our philosophy, guides our every decision. We continually look to the experience students have and strive to allow them the most space to explore and learn both in academics and athletics. For me, it is a wonderful experience to see when we succeed in reaching that goal.

• Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

KAL: I am an excellent cook, if I do say so myself!


• How did your collegiate experience help to prepare you to be an administrator at the Div. III level?

KAL: Without my experience as a student-athlete, I would not be nearly as effective an administrator today. I learned so much during those years, both in the classroom and in all of the different roles I was encouraged to try on. I learned how to better manage my time, how to prioritize, how to work well with others. I was incredibly lucky that my sport led me to the place that was a perfect fit for me. I would wish my experience for anyone hoping to get the most out of college.


• What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

KAL: A random mix: Pink, Rod Stewart, Rick Springfield, Pete Townshend, Maroon 5, Simple Plan, Foo Fighters

• What do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of being a college administrator at the Div. III level, and what may be some of the least rewarding aspects of the job?

KAL: The absolute most rewarding thing about being at the NCAC is working with our student-athletes. Seeing how hard they work; seeing how gracefully they deal when things don’t quite go according to plan; seeing what they accomplish. It’s inspiring.


• What are some of the life lessons that you believe student athletes can learn by competing at the Div. III level?

KAL: How to prioritize, time management, teamwork, how to set goals and then how to plan to reach those goals successfully


• How would you best describe your normal day as an administrator at the Div. III level?

KAL: What I like best is that there is no “normal” day. As part of a conference office, I have different opportunities every day. I can work on a future schedule, help someone navigate NCAA legislation and hand out a trophy all in the same day! I spoke at a career day recently and some students were disappointed in how much of my job is done behind a desk. But what we do is so different every day that the “desk” part of the job is just as interesting and challenging as the “games” part of my job is fun.

Three With Ties To North Coast To Be Inducted to Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame

Pam Evans Smith, Scott Tedder and the Ohio Wesleyan University 1988 Men’s National Championship Team will represent the North Coast Athletic Conference in the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame's (OBHOF) class of 2011. The class will be inducted on Saturday, May 21st at the Columbus Convention Center.

Smith will become the fifth Wittenberg alum or team to be elected to the OBHOF since its inception six years ago. Smith joins Don Henderson, class of 1954, and Frank Shannon, class of 1940, who gained entry in 2010, Eldon Miller, class of 1962, who was elected in 2009, and 2008 inductees Al Thrasher, class of 1964, and Ray Mears, who coached the Tigers from 1956-62. In addition, the 1961 Wittenberg men's basketball team, which captured the university's first national championship in any sport, and the 1977 national championship men's basketball team were both inducted in 2006 as part of the inaugural class.

During her 21-year coaching career, Smith became one of the most recognized coaches in NCAA Division III history as she compiled an overall record of 401-170, including twelve 20-win seasons, 11 NCAC regular season championships and eight trips to the NCAA Tournament. She was also named NCAC Coach of the Year on seven different occasions.

Smith’s accolades reached further then just coaching as she also enjoyed a record- breaking career as a player at Wittenberg. She earned the team’s Most Valuable Player award in three-straight seasons and was also a second-team Academic All-American selection in 1982. She was the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer (855) until 1989 and still holds the school record for season scoring average (17.0 ppg).

Also a tenured faculty member in Wittenberg's department of health, fitness and sport, Smith passed away in June 2007 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Tedder, a member of the 1988 National Championship Team, is recognized as one of the most decorated athletes to ever compete at Ohio Wesleyan. He ended his career as the all-time leading scorer at both OWU and the NCAC, totaling 2,501 points in four years, good for 13th all-time in NCAA Div. III.

The 1988 season was particularly special to Tedder as he was named the Division III Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four. He also saved two of his most memorable performances for his senior season, as he scored a career-high 50 points in the Battling Bishops 122-115 victory over Div. I Ohio University, and then exploded for 27 points in OWU’s 92-70 rout of Scranton in the National Championship Game.

Tedder, who was the first athlete in school history to earn first-team, All-American honors twice, led the NCAC in scoring three times and was twice named as the conference Player of the Year.

His talents were not just limited to basketball, as he was also an All-American baseball player and played professionally for seven years after being drafted by the Chicago White Sox.

The 1988 Ohio Wesleyan men’s basketball team, led by head coach Gene Mahaffey, was the first team in OWU history to win a national championship. The Battling Bishops finished the season with an overall mark of 27-5 and cruised to the national title, beating Nebraska Wesleyan, 87-71, in the semifinals, and Scranton, 92-70, in the championship game. The 22-point defeat of Scranton was a record margin of victory for the first 13 years of the championship.

The Bishops dropped their NCAC opener against Allegheny, but would reel off 11-straight victories to share the regular season title with the Gators. After defeating Kenyon and Allegheny in the NCAC Tournament, the Bishops were selected to host the Great Lakes Regional as the No. 1 seed in the region.

Among numerous accomplishments made throughout the season, one game emerged as a marquee victory for OWU after it defeated Div. I member Ohio University, 122-115, behind Tedder’s career-high 50 point performance.

Tedder along with classmate Lee Rowlinson were both key factors in OWU’s historical 1988 season. Tedder led the Bishops in scoring (31.6 ppg), while Rowlings averaged a double-double (24 ppg, 10.7 rpg). Tedder was honored as the Div. III Player of the Year, while Rowlinson was recognized as a second team All-American.

The Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame & Museum was created to preserve Ohio basketball history from the ranks of high school through the professional level. It is an effort to celebrate the past, present and future of basketball in the state and recognize the contributions of the athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, media and fans of the sport.

Tickets for the induction dinner and ceremony are available for purchase at http://www.ohiohoopzone.com or by calling (614) 792-7748. Corporate and private tables and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Five Minutes With ...

Throughout the 2010-11 academic year, the North Coast Athletic Conference will give you an in-depth look into the lives of the student-athletes, administrators and faculty members of the conference who epitomize what it means to compete, study and educate at the NCAA Div. III level. We hope that this feature will help people gain a better understanding of why individuals have decided to make NCAA Div. III a cornerstone of their life.

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Name: Sean Patrick

Hometown/High School: Delaware, OH/Delaware Hayes High School

Institution: Ohio Wesleyan University

Major: Early Childhood Education

Minor: History

Sport: Track & Field

• Why did you choose to attend a NCAA Division III institution?

SP: I wanted to be given the opportunity to compete in a sport and excel in the classroom. Division III allowed me to be a scholar and an athlete.



• If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

SP: I would have to choose Norman Vincent Peale. He was an OWU graduate and the author of many great Christian inspirational books. I have done quite a bit of research on him for my independent study this year. His mindset on the Power of Positive Thinking changed many people’s lives, including mine.



• How would you most accurately describe or define the ideals on which the NCAA Div. III was founded?

SP: Division III has a strict focus on scholarship. Athletics combined with education, creates a framework where graduates of Division III institutions are able to develop well-rounded skill sets.



• People may be surprised to know that ……

SP: I live at home and have for the past four years of college. I love my family and enjoy spending the time with them at home. Also, I have saved a great deal of money choosing to live at home.



• How has your experience been in balancing athletics and academics at Ohio Wesleyan?

SP: I have been able to balance both academics and athletics pretty efficiently over the past four years. I have competed in football, soccer and track during my time in college. Participating in athletics actually helps me stay focused on my school work.


• If you are stranded on an island, you would like to be with ……

SP: I would have to choose my Gram. I love all my family and would choose any of them, but my Gram is a lot of fun and is my inspiration to live my life to the fullest.



• What is the life of a student-athlete studying Early Childhood Education like at Ohio Wesleyan?

SP: Studying education at OWU is rigorous and exciting. The reason that I chose OWU was for the education department. They have done everything to prepare me for student teaching, which I will be completing next semester. It is a challenge as an athlete to do both because of the amount of time that both responsibilities require. I would not change it for the world, even though both are time consuming, they are both intrinsically rewarding.


• Do you have any hidden talents that very few people know about?

SP: I used to sing in choir for 6 years and I sang at Carnegie Hall with my choir. I am a decent singer, not amazing, but decent. I can hit every note when I turn the music loud enough…



• What aspect of being a student-athlete at the Div. III level, do you hope to take with you into your professional life?

SP: As a future educator, I hope to take my dedication to being a “well-rounded” individual into my teaching career. Each student that I encounter will have a different set of skills and a varying level of ability. This will allow me to instill in each student the passion to further all their abilities whether they are a weakness or strength. I want them to realize that hard work and dedication surpasses raw ability.



• What has been your most memorable moment in athletics during your collegiate career?

SP: I would have to say that the most memorable moment was done while organizing and hosting the Bishop Champion Games. This is a special needs track and field meet that my fellow OWU athletes and I put on each year. This will be the third year that we will host the games and each year I have a more memorable experience than the last. Seeing these athletes compete and give it everything that they have replaces any of the conference titles, national qualifying marks and team conference titles that I have been a part of over the past 4 years.


• What would you like to accomplish, both in academics and athletics, before you graduate?

SP: I have qualified for the national meet twice but never went so this year hopefully will be the year I can compete at the meet. The outdoor nationals are at OWU this year so ending my senior year at home competing would be rewarding. Academically, I want to do an excellent job student teaching. I will be working in two buildings where I hope to get a job teaching after I graduate.


• What’s currently playing on your I-Pod?

SP: Secrets by OneRepublic



• Do you have one coach and or professor in mind that has impacted your career the most at Ohio Wesleyan?

SP: Dr. McClure in the education department has truly dedicated her time towards preparing me to reach my potential. I am very thankful for her dedication as well as the dedication of Gayle Reidenbach to my future as a teacher.



• What is your most prized possession?

SP: My student Bible with notes. I entrench my life in faith in my Savior. I am blessed to have an unyielding faith that with God all things are possible.



• What is the most important life lesson you learned while competing at the NCAA Div. III level?

SP: You can truly impact the world around you. In a world where monotony and mediocrity dominate, I have had the chance here at OWU to make a difference in my community and in my athletic sphere.



• How many hours a week do you spend on Facebook?

SP: Well…. More than I should. Probably on average around 15 minutes a day.



• What would be your advice for someone that is considering enrolling as a student-athlete at a NCAA Div. III institution?

SP: If you look to be a scholar athlete look no further than Division III. It is the true definition of scholarship.

• How would you best describe your normal day as a student-athlete at the NCAA Div. III level?

SP: Class, teaching at Willis, lifting with my boys on the track team, maybe play a little basketball, practice, eating as much as possible, homework, reading my Bible and if there is time left playing some NCAA Football on XBOX

NCAC Basketball Team Previews

We're in the opening week of basketball season. Check out the prognosis of your favorite team (updated as available):

Allegheny: men - women

Denison: men - women

Hiram: men - women - winter sports video preview

Kenyon: men - women

Oberlin: men - women

Ohio Wesleyan: men - women

Wabash: men

Wittenberg: men - women

Wooster: men - women

OWU's Martin To Be Inducted Into Ohio Soccer Hall Of Fame

Ohio Wesleyan’s 34-year head men’s soccer coach Jay Martin will be inducted into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame on September 18th at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Martin will be joined by Chanka (Ken) Baldeosingh, Carl Del Corral, John Gyekenyesi, James McDowell, Al O’Campo (posthumous), Blaz Pesorda, Chris Rolfe and Kalman Toth as the fourth class to be inducted into the Hall.

Martin, who was named the NSCAA national Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1998, is the winningest active coach in NCAA Division III with an .814 winning percentage, collecting 566 wins in 33 seasons. He is also fourth on the all-divisions, all-time wins list.

He helped guide the 1998 Battling Bishops to the NCAA Div. III title to go along with two runner-up finishes and seven semifinal appearances. OWU has won 12 regional titles under Martin’s direction, including nine in the last 15 seasons. The Bishops also hold NCAA records in playoff appearances (31) and playoff victories (51).

Among Martin’s most distinguished feats at OWU lies his streak of consecutive playoff appearances, which reached 18-consecutive seasons (1978-95). Martin has also guided the Bishops to 21 conference titles.

In the midst of the Bishops’ impressive playoff streak, Martin and the OWU men’s soccer team were the most dominant team in the country during the 1980’s regardless of division as they compiled an .815 winning percentage.

Martin became the fastest coach in college history to reach the 500-win plateau after reaching the feat in the 2005 season. He is one of only seven college coaches to eclipse 500 career victories.

In addition to his numerous coaching accolades, Martin also served as the president of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and served a six-year term on the NCAA Div. III selection committee, serving as the committee chair for four of those seasons. Martin has also served as a color analyst for the Columbus Crew of the MLS for the past nine seasons.

According to the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame website, coaches must meet the following criteria in order to receive consideration: Shall be those who have served the soccer community in a coaching capacity over an extended period of time, exhibiting exceptional coaching and teaching ability, as well as coaching success at the League and State Level, as well as, instructing others involved in coaching. Candidates should also have contributed to the promotion and growth of a positive image for soccer and its programs.

OWU-Michigan Football Memory

John Stewart shares a story about his dad, Bob Stewart, playing for Ohio Wesleyan in the first football game at Michigan's "Big House” on Oct. 1, 1927. The re-dedication of the Michigan Football Stadium this past Saturday prompted the memory.

From hometownlife.com:

Big House nostalgia

This past Saturday was a very nostalgic time for my family and me with the re-dedication of the Michigan Football Stadium in Ann Arbor. My father, Bob Stewart, was privileged to play for Ohio Wesleyan against the University of Michigan in the first football game that was played in “The Big House” on Oct. 1, 1927.

The football team for Ohio Wesleyan University took the train to Ann Arbor for this dedication game in the “Big House” against the University of Michigan. The starting fullback for Ohio Wesleyan University was Bob Stewart. He had played on an undefeated high school football team in Coshocton, Ohio, and was timed in the 100-yard dash at 10.2 seconds.

When Ohio Wesleyan got the ball on offense, they handed the football off to their fullback, Bob Stewart. He ran up the middle and got knocked down. Later, in that game, the U-M team broke my father's nose. Bob Stewart leaned down to the ground, picked up a little mud, and put it into his nostrils to stop the bleeding. Stewart finished the game, but the University of Michigan had won their opening game in the “Big House” 33-0.

A few years later, my Dad moved to Wyandotte, Mich. In 1934, Bob Stewart started to attend the Wyandotte Kiwanis Club every Tuesday noon. This was the beginning of an international, perfect-attendance record for a service club, set by my father, which was 65 years and six months (same club, same time and same day).

On Sept. 18, 2010, my Dad would have celebrated his 101st birthday. He would have loved to have been there for the re-dedication of “The Big House” Sept. 4, 2010.

John Stewart

Plymouth

The letter is the second listed at the hometownlife.com site.

Concussions - Not to be Shaken Off

Ohio Wesleyan Athletic Trainer Todd Miller recently spoke on the dangers of concussions and concussion management to WOSUColumbus.

Also interviewed was OWU student-athlete Sarah Ingles, a member of the OWU golf team. Sarah was a three-sport athlete in field hockey, basketball and softball, but due to her history of seven concussions, she must not participate in contact sports. Sarah's injuries have touched other parts of her life, but she manages to find her silver lining - including having the opportunity to educate others using her situation.

Ohio Wesleyan Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in General Community Service

Ohio Wesleyan fosters among its students, faculty and staff a daily commitment to community service. The efforts undertaken by the University were recently recognized as OWU was one of three schools nationwide to be honored with a Presidential Award in General Community Service and one of six schools individually honored overall.

The award is part of the the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college and university can receive for its commitment to service-learning and fostering civic engagement.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized the university and its students in the category of “General Service” for their impact on issues from poverty and hunger to human rights and environmental justice. Nearly 1,800 OWU students committed more than 45,000 hours in service work, including tutoring economically disadvantaged children, mentoring at-risk youth, repairing hurricane damage, and serving food in area soup kitchens. The university’s students also earned recognition with the Community Stewardship Award and the Keep Delaware County Beautiful program for their community service work. Click here to read the complete description of OWU’s service work.

“Community service is part of the foundation and fabric of Ohio Wesleyan University,” said Rock Jones, Ph.D., OWU president. “Our students spent more than 45,000 hours last year working to help people locally, nationally, and around the world. This recognition by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is not the end goal of their collective effort, but a wonderful validation of it.”

The Corporation administers the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. In addition to the top honorees, 115 institutions have been named to the Distinction List and 621 were listed on the Honor Roll. Click here for a full list of Honor Roll recipients.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America programs, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit Nationalservice.gov.

OWU Men's Lacrosse - Good Sports

When Ohio Wesleyan men’s lacrosse coach Sean Ryan received an unexpected package from US Lacrosse, the men’s college lacrosse governing body, he was surprised.

Ryan’s surprise turned to delight when inside the package was a letter and a plaque announcing that the Ohio Wesleyan team had received the James “Ace” Adams Sportsmanship Award at the US Lacrosse National Convention in January.

Ryan, who did not attend the national convention, says he was ecstatic when he received the package and had no idea that the team had won.

The award is bestowed by US Lacrosse and the US Lacrosse Men’s Division Officials Council. The award is given to programs from Division I, Division II and Division III that show sportsmanship from players, coaches, administrators, and fans. The Ohio Wesleyan team also will be featured in Lacrossemagazine.

“To receive this award is a complete honor because it comes directly from (game) officials,” Ryan says. “For the University and our program to be recognized by the officials is a huge honor. The award itself shows the amount of positive support we have received from the student body and game-day administration that ensures an excellent game-day experience for everyone.”

Ryan says his coaching staff, the team members, and their parents were very excited because many of them did not know such an award existed.

Director of Athletics Roger Ingles says the award is a big honor for the team and the University because it shows the team’s commitment to sportsmanship.

“It is very important to me personally that we do things first-class and that when our teams compete against others they do so with respect and honor for their opponents,” he says. “I would much rather we lost a contest with class than to win without it.

“Lacrosse is a physical and very rough game,” Ingles continues. “It takes a strong-willed personality to play it and to play it successfully. This award says a lot about our kids’ ability to compete at the highest level and to do so with honor, integrity and class.”

– Michelle Rotuno-Johnson ’12

Article courtesy of Connect2 OWU, Feb. 25, 2010

Follow NCAC Basketball Tournament Action

The NCAC men's and women's basketball tournaments tip off with quarterfinal action tonight! If you can't make a game in person, follow your favorite teams online:

Women's Tournament
#8 Hiram at #1 Wittenberg, 8:00 p.m. - audio video live stats
#7 Oberlin at #2 Ohio Wesleyan, 7:30 p.m. - video live stats
#6 Allegheny at #3 Denison, 7:30 p.m. - audio live stats
#5 Wooster at #4 Kenyon, 7:30 p.m. - audio/video live stats

Men's Tournament
#8 Kenyon at #1 Wooster, 7:30 p.m. - audio video live stats
#7 Denison at #2 Wabash, 7:30 p.m. - audio video live stats
#6 Hiram at #3 Wittenberg, 6:00 p.m. - audio video live stats
#5 Ohio Wesleyan at #4 Allegheny, 7:30 p.m. - audio/video live stats

OWU SAAC Update

Ohio Wesleyan and NCAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member Sean Patrick of Ohio Wesleyan posted an update about the upcoming Bishop Champion Games on the NCAC SAAC blog. Patrick, a junior football and track & field student-athlete, talks about last year's event, it's effect on the participants, and the goals for this year's event on April 18. See what Sean has to say

NCAA on Campus - OWU Edition

A crew from CBS College Sports Network's NCAA on Campus visited Ohio Wesleyan on Monday to film a segment about the international 'Channeling Peace' initiative of David Gatz '10 and Usman Javaid '10. Shown here are interviews with Javaid (left) and with Evan Huddleson '12 (right), who answered questions for a separate segment of the show called 'What's On - On Campus.' The OWU pieces are expected to debut in February.

-- photos by Cole Hatcher, information courtesy of Connect2 OWU

Building Leadership and Team Spirit

Building Leadership and Team Spirit
OWAC initiates ‘Red Alert’ games

It could be someone sitting beside you in chemistry, or the person buying lunch behind you in the campus center, or your roommate and best friend—wherever you look, Ohio Wesleyan is full of student-athletes, and they are making their marks on OWU. Over the past couple of years, the Ohio Wesleyan Athletic Council (OWAC) has become an increasingly present group on campus, working to promote student-athletes and helping to improve their relationship with the OWU and Delaware communities.

OWAC is Ohio Wesleyan’s name for the NCAA sponsored Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). According to Julie Duffy, OWAC Advisor, all NCAA sponsored schools are required to have a SAAC on their campus. Representatives of each OWU sport are included on OWAC, and students have the opportunity to participate both on OWU’s campus and beyond at the conference level.

This year, OWAC is focusing on gaining support and public presence within the campus and Delaware communities. To do so, they have initiated “Red Alert” games to encourage more fan support at games.

“Every team picks one game in the season that is a ‘Red Alert’ game,” explains Duffy. “All athletes that aren’t in practice or competing themselves go to these games to give their fellow student-athletes the support they need.” A Facebook page titled 22 Sports, 1 Team, Team OWU has been created to give students frequent updates on OWU athletics and “Red Alert” games, and t-shirts have also been made to promote the events.

OWAC is also making a name for itself through community service, such as the local Special Olympics Bishop Games that it hosted last spring on campus. At this event, almost 100 special needs athletes competed in track and field events, drawing community and campus members together as 50 OWU student-athletes helped to run and support the event.

For Duffy, OWAC is an important tool to support student-athletes and engage the rest of campus with the exciting athletic program at OWU. “I think we often forget that we have about 500 student athletes on this campus that blend in every day with the regular students, but they put in hours of extra commitment to the athletic department and their own program. This group helps promote what the student-athletes do on and off campus and they bring the needs of the student-athlete to the athletic department’s attention and to the attention of everyone else on campus,” she says.

Student-athletes involved in OWAC also consider it to be very valuable to Ohio Wesleyan. For many, it is the chance to make a difference and increase their impact as athletes and leaders on campus. Rachel Seibel ’10, a member of OWAC’s Drug and Alcohol Policy Committee, enjoys shaping important decisions through involvement with OWAC.

“I think athletics are a huge part of Ohio Wesleyan, and we have the ability to lead both on and off the court/field,” she comments. “On the Drug and Alcohol Policy Committee, we want to stress that students know that athletics are a privilege instead of something that is just given to them. As members of OWAC, we are able to voice our opinions to the head committee in charge of the policy.

Erica Lowell ’11 agrees, saying that OWAC is “a great opportunity to get connected with the community of Delaware and give back.” Indeed, the members of OWAC seem most motivated by the chance to bring positive change to Ohio Wesleyan. As Pam Quigney ’11 puts it, “We can be leaders on campus by the sports that we play.”

– Amanda Zechiel, Ohio Wesleyan ’09

Photo credit: Lynn Albers, Ohio Wesleyan ’08

2009 Fall NCAC SAAC Meeting

In the Polls

Men's Cross Country

Allegheny moved into the fifth spot in the USTFCCCA national poll and tops the Mideast Region, while Denison is eighth and Oberlin 10th in the Great Lakes.

Women's Cross Country

Oberlin is 27th in the USTFCCCA national poll and is fourth in the Great Lakes Region, followed by Wittenberg in ninth and Denison in 10th. Allegheny is seventh in the Mideast Region.

Football

Wabash is ninth in the first AFCA Coaches poll of 2009. Wittenberg and Wooster also received votes, but did not crack the top 25. The Little Giants are 14th in the latest D3football.com Top 25.

Golf
Ohio Wesleyan is ranked 12th in the season's first Golf World Division III Coaches' Poll.

Men's Soccer

Ohio Wesleyan is third in the NSCAA national poll. The Battling Bishops top the Great Lakes Region, followed by Kenyon in fourth. OWU sits fourth in the D3soccer.com men's Top 25.

Women's Soccer

Wittenberg is third in the NSCAA Great Lakes Regional poll. Wooster is sixth and Denison is eighth. Denison and Wittenberg received votes in the latest D3soccer.com women's Top 25.

Volleyball

Wittenberg is ninth in the latest AVCA Top 25

OWU to Collect School Supplies for Delaware Families

Ohio Wesleyan opens its home and NCAC football season on Saturday when the Battling Bishops take on Wooster at 1 p.m. at Selby Field.

In lieu of admission, OWU and Wooster fans are being asked to donate school supplies to support local families in need.

The Ohio Wesleyan Athletic Committee (OWAC) will be collecting the school supplies. Suggested items include calculators (a big item needed), pens and pencils, tissues, notebooks, school glue, dividers, and folders. Money also is a welcome donation if there is an item needed and not donated. Donations will be primarily for elementary and junior high school students, while the rest will go to teachers and high school students.