alumni sports journal 2008 polar bear illustrated · polar bear. illustrated. ron beaschler...

POLAR BEARILLUSTRATED

Ron Beaschler inducted into NWCA Hall of Fame

Steve Gunter helps Team USA top Mexico 37-19 in Aztec Bowl

National Champion Spotlight: James O’Brien

Alumni Sports Journal 2008 First Edition

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Polar Bear IllustratedVolume One - Issue OneSpring 2008

Editors/writErsJosh AlkireLaurie Wurth Pressel Autumn K. SteinerSonja R. Umbs, BA ’08

dEsignErsNancy BurnettRachel Rufenacht

PhotograPhy Kenneth Colwell Igor Mierzvinski José Nogueras

Produced under the auspices of the Ohio Northern University Office of Communications and Marketing.

contributing Editorsann E. donnelly, BA ’99danielle (Verone) Murray, BA ’01

Polar Bear Illustrated is a publication from the Office of Alumni Affairs in conjuction with ONU sporting programs at Ohio Northern University 525 S. Main St. Ada, Ohio 45810 (419) 772-2000

Ohio Northern men, women set OAC record by sweeping OAC All-Sports trophies for second

consecutive year; Northern men win third straight title

The Ohio Northern men’s and women’s teams swept the Ohio Athletic Conference All-Sports trophies for the second consecutive year.

Ohio Northern is the first school in OAC history to sweep the two titles in back-to-back years and is only the second school in the history of the OAC to win both the men’s and women’s titles in the same year.

The Polar Bears won their third consecutive Men’s All-Sports title and their fifth overall on the strength of championships in swimming and diving, indoor track and field, cross country and tennis.

Ten of ONU’s 11 men’s sports teams posted upper-division finishes in the 10-team OAC and all 11 finished in sixth place or higher.

Ohio Northern amassed an impressive 83 points out of a possible 101 points to easily out-distance second place Mount Union and Heidelberg at 70.50 points.

ONU previously won the Men’s All-Sports trophy in 1999-2000 and 1994-95.

The lady Polar Bears won their second consecutive title and their third overall by scoring 79.75 points out of a possible 94 points.

Baldwin-Wallace was second with 72.75

points, and Otterbein was third with 64.75 points.

Ohio Northern won the OAC title in volleyball and had upper division finishes in all of the 10 women’s sports, with no sport finishing lower than fourth.

The lady Polar Bears also won the 1996-97 All-Sports trophy title.

The Men’s All-Sports trophy has been awarded every year since 1960-61, and the Women’s All-Sports trophy has been awarded annually since the 1984-85 athletic season.

Mount Union is the only other school to sweep the two titles, accomplishing the feat in 1990-91.

Points are awarded in the All-Sports standings based on OAC finishes in each sport.

The championship team in each sport will receive the number of points corresponding to the number of schools that sponsor teams in that sport.

The second-place team receives one less point and so on, down to one point for the last place team that competes. In the case of a tie in the standings, the All-Sports trophy points are shared evenly.

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A Message

I n t h i s i s s u eFEATURE STORIES

4 Success On and Off the Field: Student athletes achieve in academics and athletics

6 Student Profile: Jennifer Markle

7 Student Profile: James O’Brien

8 Coach Profile: Ron Beaschler

10 Service: Teaming Up to Help Out: Athletes help volunteer with special olympics and community service projects

12 In Brief: Mrs. Baker as sports announcer, Klondike’s new look and a new look for the women’s basketball locker room

RECAP STORIES

18 Club sports

19 Football

20 Cross Country

21 Soccer

22 Volleyball

23 Wrestling

24 Basketball

26 Indoor Track and Field

27 Outdoor Track and Field

28 Baseball

29 Softball

30 Tennis

31 Golf

Welcome to the first edition of Polar Bear Illustrated. We are very proud of this new publication, and we hope you will look forward to future issues as your source for ONU athletics information.

Our vision for this magazine is to highlight the wonderful accomplishments of over 600 student-athletes participating in 21 men’s and women’s sports. Months and months of hard work, discipline, determination and effort have culminated in two consecutive OAC All-Sports Championships by Polar Bear men’s and women’s sports – a first in the 105 years of the Ohio Athletic Conference! Because of the trail that has been blazed by thousands of former ONU students and staff, we gladly embrace the legacy that has been passed on to us. We will never forget the names of clyde Lamb, helen (spar) Ludwig, BSEd ’44, H of F ’89, Hon. D. ’89, herb strayer, BSEd ’62, H of F ’83, gayle Lauth, H of F ‘94, gale daugherty, H of F ’94, Joe campoli, H of F ’98, Joe banks, BSEd ’41, BA ’46, H of F ’74, arden “stretch” roberson, BSEd ’49, H of F ’76, sheila (wallace) Kovalchik, H of F ‘91, and so many others. We honor the great athletes who have graced Taft Gymnasium, King-Horn and the Sports Center. The tradition of ONU athletics was created by so many hands, and for that we are honored to carry the torch into the future.

Our student-athletes perform at high levels in the classroom and on the fields of competition. We are pleased to have multiple representatives on Academic All-American and Academic All-OAC teams. Our student-athletes are well-rounded individuals whose aspirations are hard to miss. We know you will be as proud of them as we are after reading Polar Bear Illustrated.We look forward to seeing you return to campus often and hope you can better stay in touch through the pages of this magazine. Please share your comments with us as we plan our future editions.

Until we see you again … Go Polar Bears!

tom simmons, BSBA ’85, BA ’86Director of Athletics

14 Passion for the Pool: Swimming Coach Peggy Ewald’s beginnings as a coach and her help with paralympics

33 Hall of Fame Nomination Form

35 Athletic Golf Outing: On the green with alumni

37 Brag Book: Keep alumni informed

39 Did you know?: Stay up to date with ONU Alumni events

succeeding in academics and athleticsvery day, Ohio Northern

University student-athletes

face competing demands for

their time and energy. Classes,

homework, exams, team practices, workouts

and games or meets are just a few of the

many activities they must balance. Yet, these

extraordinary individuals prove it’s possible

to achieve success in the classroom and in

a sport.

ONU student-athletes have earned a

reputation in Division III college sports for

being intelligent, hard working, disciplined

and committed. “Our student-athletes

achieve at the highest level in academics

and athletics,” says Athletic Director Tom Simmons, BSBA ’85, BA ’86. “They reflect

the excellence of the institution.”

When student-athletes arrive on campus

as freshmen, however, they are often

overwhelmed by the pace of college life.

Early on, their coaches take them under their

wings, linking them to University support

services, offering guidance and carefully

monitoring their academic performance.

They are firm in setting the ground

rule that academics come first,

says Simmons. “We don’t just talk

the talk, we walk the walk,” he

explains. Head football coach

Dean Paul agrees. “At Ohio

Northern, we take pride in

the fact that the ‘student’ in

student-athlete does more

than merely precede

‘athlete.’ Student-

athletes are respected

for wearing both hats,

managing rigorous academic challenges and

meeting the demands of highly competitive

athletic programs.”

To achieve success, student-athletes must

develop exceptional time management and

organizational skills. In most cases, these

skills are learned through experience and

perseverance. However, each ONU head

coach has developed strategies to help the

players on his or her team succeed.

The football program, for example, has

implemented a successful strategy

called Academic Game Plan. “I am

convinced that anyone who has

demonstrated the discipline

necessary to succeed on the

field can work hard enough

to make the honor roll,” says

Paul.

Academic Game Plan trains

players in goal setting, time management,

test taking, memory techniques and speed

reading. These lifelong skills will benefit

players in college and beyond, Paul

explains. Academic Game Plan also requires

the football coaches to carefully monitor

each player’s academic performance and

intervene when necessary. Each year, Paul

sets the goal of achieving a team GPA that

is higher than the average GPA of the male

student body. In most years, his team has

achieved this goal. “This program has not

only helped borderline students, it has

helped excellent students achieve at an even

higher level,” he says.

Ultimately, the goal of ONU’s athletic

program is not producing winning records,

explains Simmons, but producing well-

rounded and successful graduates. “We

have high expectations and high standards.

We want each student-athlete to be the best

they can be.”

Successon and oFF thE FiELd

E

Polar Bear Illustrated Feature

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Nothing but net

ToT hoops: “I’m a true competitor. I just love

competition, and basketball was something

I was good at, so I pursued it,” says Jenny

Markle, explaining her passion for basketball,

which started at an early age. Markle’s dad,

who played Division I basketball at Valparaiso

University on scholarship, offered plenty of

encouragement. Markle was barely out of

diapers when she started shooting hoops on

a toddler-sized basketball set.

ohio NorTherN UNiversiTy boUNd: After achieving

success as a student-athlete at Copley High

School (located close to Akron), Markle

explored several college options. She fell in

love with ONU’s small campus environment.

When she learned she could play basketball,

it sealed the deal. “I wasn’t ready to give it

up yet,” she says. “At 5 feet 3 inches, I am

short for the game and would never have

had the chance to play at a larger school like

Ohio State.”

FUTUre dreamiNg: Markle is a double major

in pharmacy, one of the most challenging

academic programs on campus, and

Spanish. She dreams of one day working

as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital

emergency room.

Time aNd commiTmeNT: For four

years, Markle successfully

juggled her class work

with basketball. This

past season, she was named Academic

All-Ohio Athletic Conference with a 3.3

cumulative GPA. It takes commitment and

time management, she says. In both areas,

she set goals for her performance. If she

failed to meet a goal, she re-evaluated her

actions and made adjustments. “I prioritized

my time,” she explains. “I was very focused

during the week.”

LaTe To bed, earLy To rise: In season, Markle’s

weekdays started with 8 a.m. classes and

ended after midnight studying in her room.

In the late afternoons and evenings, she was

absorbed with basketball practices or games.

Many times, she had just a few minutes to

grab a bite to eat. “It’s a routine you get used

to,” she says, with a shrug.

3-poiNT sUpersTar: In addition to her

academic success, Markle led the

country (all three divisions) this

past season in 3-point shooting

percentage (56 percent). She

also holds the record in the

NCAA for a four-year career in

3-point shooting percentage.

She became a star shooter

through repetition, she says,

which meant taking 100 to 500 shots from

the 3-point line each day.

UNForgeTTabLe week: Though she’s played

many memorable games during her career,

Markle said there’s an entire week on the

court she won’t soon forget. On Jan. 9, ONU

beat Wilmington College, 66-51, ending a

seven-year losing streak against the tough

competitor. Markle scored 19 points in that

game. Just a few days later, on Jan. 12, ONU

beat Capital University, 51-48. In the last

few seconds of that game, Markle scored a

3-pointer that put the team up by one point.

She then netted two free throws to clinch

the game. She was named OAC Player of

the Week for her extraordinary performance.

“That was an emotionally draining week,”

she recalls.

dedicaTed aTTiTUde: As she looks ahead to her

final two years of pharmacy study and

life after college, Markle will continue

to set high standards for herself. “I

don’t like to let myself or anyone else

down,” she says. “To get where you

want to be in life, you have to be

dedicated. This is something

I’ve learned through playing

college basketball.”

Majors: Pharmacy and spanishsport: basketball (guard)hometown: Fairlawn, ohio

Polar Bear Illustrated Student Profile

with Jennifer Markle

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Go for the gold

raciNg ThriLL: Jimmy O’Brien loves the thrill

of a race. Sprinting across the track with

competitors at his heels and air rushing

against his face, he’s in his element. He

has been competing in cross country and

track since seventh grade. At Eastwood

High School, he was a standout athlete who

garnered All-Ohio honors and the title of state

champion in the 800-meter race his senior

year.

cake iciNg: An interest in math and science

prompted O’Brien to check out the T.J. Smull

College of Engineering at Ohio Northern

University during his last year of high school.

He was impressed with Northern’s strong

academic and athletic programs and the

green, open spaces of its attractive campus.

“Academics came first for me,” he says. “But

Northern’s track and cross country

programs were the icing on the cake.”

eNergy soUrce: O’Brien is majoring in

chemical engineering and hopes to

work in the field of renewable energy

after graduation. He’s interested

in alternative sources of energy

that would reduce the United

States’ dependence on oil.

FiNdiNg baLaNce: In his junior

year, O’Brien achieved a

3.0 GPA – a remarkable

feat considering the rigor of

his academic program (many physics and

calculus classes) and his training and meet

schedule (running 60 to 80 miles each week).

It wasn’t easy to reach his goals, he admits.

During his freshman and sophomore years,

he worked hard to develop time-management

skills. “I had to figure out the best schedule

for me. I had to learn when to stay focused,”

he says. “It came from experience.”

sTar aThLeTe: A middle distance runner who

competes in 400-, 800- and 1,500-meter

races, O’Brien is one of ONU’s star athletes.

This season, he was named All-American

for finishing in 34th place at the NCAA III

National Cross Country Championships. He

is only the second cross country runner in

ONU’s history to receive this honor. His stellar

performance at the Championships

led the ONU team to its best

finish in school history, placing

17th among 32 teams.

O’Brien also is the former

national champion for

both the indoor and outdoor

800-meter run. He was named

Ohio’s Division III Men’s Cross

Country Runner of the Year

and the OAC Male Runner

of the Year. During a

meet this May, he hit the U.S. Olympic Trial

“B” standard in the 800-meter run. His time

was the fifth fastest 800-meter performance

in NCAA Division III history. At the 2008

NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships,

O’Brien took fourth-place finishes in both the

800- and 1,500-meter runs, making him the

first male ONU athlete to earn All-American

honors in two events at the same meet.

LeadiNg by exampLe: O’Brien’s success as a

runner has made him a leader on the men’s

team. Many of his younger teammates look up

to him as a role model. A quiet and reserved

individual, O’Brien leads by example. “I let my

actions speak for me,” he says. “I work hard,

and I race hard.”

FasT FrieNds: In high school and college,

O’Brien’s closest friends have been his

teammates. He will never forget seeing the

ecstatic expressions on the faces of his ONU

friends at the finish line when he won the

national championship at the 2008 NCAA III

indoor 800-meter race. “We’re like a family,”

he says. “We support each other and are

always there for each other.”

coNTiNUoUs improvemeNT: In all aspects of his life,

O’Brien focuses on continuous improvement.

He plans to run competitively even after

college. “Every year, I am getting faster,

improving and learning more,” he says. “I

want to always strive to become a faster

runner and a better person.”

Major: Mechanical engineeringsports: cross country and track (middle distance runner)hometown: Pemberville, ohio

Polar Bear Illustrated Student Profile

with James o’brien

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Coaching

“My record isn’t important to me,” says Ohio Northern University head wrestling coach Ron Beaschler, BSBA ’86. “I know I’ve won more than I’ve lost, but I honestly do not have any idea what my coaching record is.”

Well, someone has been keeping track.

In his 20 seasons heading up ONU’s wrestling program, Beaschler’s teams have posted a 194-154-4 record, making him the winningest coach in Northern history.

Those are Hall-of-Fame numbers.

In fact, Beaschler was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Hall of Fame during a ceremony on the eve of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships last March in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“It’s a huge honor. I’m very humbled by it. I’m almost embarrassed by it,” Beaschler admits. “I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything great that is worthy of being in the Hall of Fame.”

His fellow coaches think otherwise, and here’s why. During his time at ONU – the longest tenure of any head wrestling coach – Beaschler has coached two National Champions, two National Runners-up, 13 All-Americans, 27 Scholar All-Americans and five Scholar All-American Teams. His teams

have won six OAC titles, and his squads are a league-best

45-10 in OAC dual meet competition since the inception of the current regular season round-robin format in 2000.

“I’m not coaching guys to just get by. I’m coaching them to be the best,” Beaschler says. “We’re not coaching you to beat the average guy in college. We’re coaching you to beat the best guy in college.”

As a precursor to his Hall of Fame honors, he was named OAC Coach of the Year by his peers in 1993.

Did Beaschler expect to ever be inducted? “Oh gosh no. I didn’t even know I was on the ballot.” It wasn’t until Beaschler prepared to cast his own votes that he noticed his name among the nominees.

Still, Beaschler is fully aware of the elite

beaschler enters nwca wrestling coaches

hall of Fame

Polar Bear Illustrated Coach Profile

with ron beaschler

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group he joined in March. “When I look at the coaches who entered the Hall of Fame before me, these are guys who I looked up to as a young coach. I learned so much from each one of them. I knew what they stood for as individuals. These are guys who, as my career moved along, I emulated.”

Beaschler works to develop his athletes as individuals, using wrestling as a part of that development to help them learn things in life: winning, losing and how to handle adversity.

“I focus on each individual guy achieving their goals, becoming outstanding young men, being able to go out into the career world, and being an outstanding husband and father. I break it down that simply.”

A native of McCutchensville, Ohio, Beaschler is the chairperson of the human performance and sport sciences department at ONU. He is an assistant professor in the

department and coordinates the University’s sports management program. Beaschler also serves as the Weight Management Program liaison to the NCAA Wrestling Committee.

He served as chair of the Division III NCAA Wrestling Committee for two years, was the president of the NWCA, which represents all collegiate and scholastic wrestling in the United States, and was the Division III representative on the NWCA executive board of directors.

Beaschler graduated from Ohio Northern in 1986 with bachelor’s degrees in management and sports management. He received his master’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in 1988 and is currently working on his Ph.D. at the University of Toledo.

After two decades at Northern, Beaschler shows no signs of letting up. He adds, “Some people spend a career looking for the right situation. I was very fortunate that I found the right situation the first time.”

“i’m not coaching guys to just get by. i’m coaching them to be the best ... i focus on each individual guy achieving their goals, becoming out-standing young men.”

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“Service projects are an integral part of the

Ohio Northern University athletic program,”

says Athletic Director Tom Simmons,

BSBA ’85, BA ’86. Through volunteer work,

student-athletes learn that, as role models,

they have a responsibility to give back to the

community. “Service projects carry a strong

message,” says Simmons. “Student-athletes

discover that a little time and effort make a

big difference.”

voLUNTeeriNg For speciaL oLympics

For more than five years, ONU football

players have put smiles on the faces of

Special Olympics athletes by volunteering

at Special Olympics bowling, basketball

and track tournaments. Each competitive

event draws more than 200 Special

Olympics athletes from a seven-county

area. The football players keep score, serve

as announcers and provide one-on-one

assistance to the athletes. Each player is

required to volunteer for two of the three

events each year. “Events like these help

the players develop an ‘other-centered

mentality,’” explains head coach Dean Paul.

“It gets them out of their comfort zone.”

According to Colleen Morris, co-director of

Area Three, Special Olympics Ohio, ONU

football players are vital to the success of

the events. “We couldn’t provide quality

competition opportunities for our athletes

without volunteers,” she says. “The athletes

love the involvement of the football players;

they see them as role models. It also

provides a positive learning experience

for the players to interact with people with

disabilities and see them as a part of our

community.”

Jeffrey King, a senior technology major from

Richmond Heights, Ohio, and defensive

teaming up to help out Service

Student-athletes discover that a little time and effort can make a big difference


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back on the team, wasn’t sure what to expect the first time he volunteered at a Special Olympics tournament. In the end, he had such an enjoyable time he couldn’t wait to help out at the next tournament. “Through Special Olympics, I’ve come to realize there is nothing in life you can’t overcome,” he says. “Watching the participants have fun and laugh has proven to me that, no matter what life throws at you, you can still smile and make it the best time you’ve ever had.”Brook Crawford, a junior athletic training major from Findlay, Ohio, and wide receiver on the team, says that volunteering with Special Olympics taught him the importance of using your God-given gifts to help others. “If we have the capacity to help, then we should be helping to the best of our ability, and as much as possible,” he says.

meNToriNg soUTh middLe schooL pLayers

This past season, the ONU women’s basketball team engaged in a new service project to reach out to the seventh- and eighth-grade basketball team at South Middle School in Lima, Ohio. The team planned and executed a two-hour practice with the young players and then responded to their questions about college, basketball and life in general. The South Middle School team later attended an ONU game, and the ONU team attended one of their games.

The interactions between the two teams were positive and eye opening, according to head coach Michele Durand. The South Middle School team members, many of whom come from disadvantaged circumstances, were appreciative and open to learning. The

ONU team members were eager to share their basketball expertise and encourage the young players to study hard and go to college.

For Erica Schoenberger, a first-year pharmacy student from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and forward on the team, mentoring the middle school players was a chance to pay back a college student who had taught her basketball when she was young. “Neither of my parents played basketball, so when I was in fifth grade, I went to Saturday morning practices for fifth and sixth graders. They were run by a college student, and because of her, I came to love basketball and started down the path that led me to where I am now,” she says. “I feel that now I have a responsibility to teach younger children to love the game also.”

During the practice, Schoenberger taught a few of the players some ball-handling techniques. One of the players she assisted was especially determined to master a harder drill. “I was just as excited as she was, maybe more so, when she was finally successful,” says Schoenberger.

Durand hopes to continue the mentoring relationship between her team and the South Middle School team next season. “I wasn’t sure how the girls would react to us. I was surprised that they were so accepting and willing to learn,” she says. “When we were leaving after the practice, the girls from South formed two lines for us to walk through and cheered us all the way to our cars. It was

an awesome feeling.”

team service projects in 2007-08:The men’s golf team hosted a golf invitational to raise funds for breast cancer research.•The men’s soccer team “adopted” a military veteran and family of four for Christmas.•The volleyball team served and facilitated at a pancake and sausage breakfast for the Hardin County •Hospice program.

The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams hosted the second annual Swim for Cystic Fibrosis, which •raised $1,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams also sponsored a Learn to Swim clinic that provided one-on-•one swim lessons for children ages 2-12.

The women’s tennis team sponsored a “Tennis Week” at Ada Elementary School and other events to teach tennis to •area youth.

The men’s basketball team cleaned up debris at a community park in downtown Ada.•The football team sponsored a free youth football clinic for 95 children ages 4-12.•

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From First Lady to sports announcerExpanding an annual role she began several years ago during the ONU Invitational wrestling tournament, ONU First Lady Toby Baker, BFA ’06, served as announcer during the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in March. As has become her specialty, Mrs. Baker announced the winners after each event’s completion.

Baker’s ONU announcing career began with a request from ONU head wrestling coach Ron Beaschler, BSBA ’86. “Out of the blue, coach Beaschler convinced me that I needed to help with the ONU Invitational,” Baker remembers.

Beaschler had good reason for choosing Baker. With a background in radio and an undergraduate degree in journalism and broadcasting, Baker was an ideal choice.

And while she stops short of calling it a “job,” Baker acknowledges the “huge commitment” involved with the 12-hour wrestling tournament and the two-day track meet. But she does get compensated.

“I get paid in garden stepping stones. Coach Beaschler’s sister is incredibly creative, and for years she was making stepping stones featuring Klondike. They are just wonderful. I have six stones. Maybe seven. You know, I think that he may owe me a stone!”

Klondike’s new lookThis past February, the University unveiled a brand new Klondike during a men’s basketball game. This new look adds to the visual history of Ohio Northern University’s mascot, in which Klondike has been everything from fierce, rugged and imposing to silly, funny and comical. His body has been both lean and muscular and pleasantly plump.

The previous Klondike suit was purchased around 1997. After an active decade on the sidelines (and 10 years of dry-cleaning), the old Klondike suit became a bit worse for wear. The head, body and feet were worn. The eyes kept falling off, as did some claws.

The Klondike student committee decided that Klondike deserved not only a new suit, but an entirely new look, as well. “The old suit had absolutely

no animation whatsoever,” says Ann Donnelly, BA ’99, director of alumni affairs.

“It was basically an image of a real polar

bear with an added body. Plus, he just looked mean. For the new suit, we wanted something crisp, obviously furry and friendly.”

The suit renewal process continued with a review of several

mascot companies. Donnelly explains that the Klondike committee selected a South Carolina company

that offered “genuine quality, design and personalization rather than just an ‘off-the-shelf’ polar bear.”

From there, pictures, sketches and fur samples were exchanged until “the design, height, eyes and smile were exactly what we wanted them to be,” Donnelly says. “After that, we ordered and waited until the unveiling. It was actually a pretty neat process.”

women’s locker room remodeled and dedicated to legendary coachDuring a special dedication in January, the recently renovated women’s locker room in the Sports Center was renamed the Helen (Spar) Ludwig Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics Locker Room, in memory of Helen (Spar) Ludwig, BSEd ’44, H of F ’89, Hon. D. ’89.

Known as the founder of ONU women’s athletics, Ludwig worked at the University from 1963 to 1984, coaching basketball, track, volleyball, tennis and softball. “Mrs. L,” as she was affectionately called, also was the first female inducted into Northern’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

The locker room renovations include 20 new wooden lockers, a flat-screen television with sound system, new carpeting and a completely remodeled bathroom area. In addition to Ludwig, the locker room honors ONU women’s coaching legends Sheila (Wallace) Kovalchik, H of F ’91, and Gayle Lauth, H of F ’94.

Kovalchik coached the volleyball team from 1969 to 1990 and finished her career with 569 wins and 196 losses. Lauth served as the head basketball coach from 1972 to 1992 and compiled a record of 274 wins and 150 losses. She also served as the head softball coach from 1968 to 2000, amassing a career record of 425-317-2.

In Brief

12

25 years ago

The women’s volleyball team won the first Centennial Athletic Conference Championship.

Dan Shupe qualified for the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Cross Country Championships.

The women’s softball team beat Ohio Domenican 31-4 under the leadership of coach Gayle Lauth.

Alfredo Mendoza was named to the Ohio Athletic Conference first team, All Divisions I, II and III team and the All-American Mideast Region team for his efforts on the soccer field.

10 years ago

The swimming and diving team named Toby Hertenstein and Betsy Walters the Most Valuable Members.

The men’s indoor track and field team had a successful season with a perfect 37-0 record.

The baseball team beat Defiance in an impressive 25-5 victory.

The men’s tennis team won the championship title in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

50 years ago

Marv English was coach of the men’s varsity basketball team.

The football team hosted Ashland during the Homecoming game.

Barb Herr was the leading scorer on the women’s varsity basketball team with her one-hand push shot.

Wrestling was first organized by coach John Nettleton.

Remember When. . .

40 years ago

Frank Garofalo and Jack Ohle were co-captains of the football team.

Anne Coon was the president of the Women’s Recreation Association.

John Emerson was the captain of the wrestling team.

The men’s varsity basketball team had a 17-11 record.

Has it been a while since you wore your varsity jersey, made that winning basket, put away your cleats, swam that relay or dusted off your helmet? Journey with us as we take a stroll down memory lane. Let’s remember the days of handing off the baton, making an exciting save or hitting the links!

13

ead coach Peggy Ewald wants each swimmer on her Ohio Northern University

team to realize his or her potential. “At times, I want it more than they do,” she

admits. As a coach for the U.S. Paralympics, she’s encountered swimmers

who have faced incredible obstacles, such as missing limbs, paralysis and

blindness, to compete in the sport they love. If these inspiring athletes can

make the most of their physical limitations, says Ewald, then surely her ONU athletes can

make the most of their physical gifts.

evoLUTioN oF a coach

Since she was a small girl, Ewald has

gravitated toward the smooth texture and

gentle motion of water. “I just love the water;

it’s a connection you either have or don’t

have,” she says. Growing up, she would tag

along with her five siblings to the local YMCA

where she spent hours splashing in the pool.

Although she swam competitively until high

school, Ewald didn’t become deeply involved

in competitive swimming until she became a

mom. Her three children were “fish from the

start,” and she often assisted with their swim

activities. Ewald soon found herself coaching

part time at the YMCA, high school and

collegiate levels, while working full time as

the owner and director of the Ohio Institute

of Electrology in Tiffin, Ohio. She earned the

title of a Level 4 ASCA certified swimming

coach and gained experience working with

novices and national champions. Her career

path changed direction in 2004 when she

assumed the position of head coach at Ohio

Northern. “It was a good fit and a good time

in my life to make the switch to full-time

coach,” she says.

The ONU student-athletes under Ewald’s

tutelage describe her as caring, dedicated,

upbeat and committed to excellence. “When

I was a freshman, I wasn’t sure if I wanted

to continue swimming or not,” says Lacey

Shumate, a second-year pharmacy student

from Bucyrus, Ohio. “Coach Ewald helped

me to fall in love with swimming again. She

has so much passion for the sport, you can’t

help but catch her enthusiasm.”

Ewald’s coaching philosophy mirrors her

educational philosophy. She serves as a role

model, promotes hard work and respect,

builds strong relationships and gives her

student-athletes the tools they need to grow.

“I think of the pool as my classroom; it’s just

a wet classroom,” she says, with a smile.

Ewald wants each swimmer on her teams

to reach his or her personal best. She sets

high expectations for her teams, and it has

yielded results. In her four years as head

coach, she’s led ONU’s swimming and

diving programs to national recognition. The

men’s team captured the OAC Conference

Championship title four years in a row (2005,

2006, 2007 and 2008); the women’s team

was the conference champion in 2007. And

this year, for the first time in school history,

an ONU swimmer qualified to compete in the

NCAA Division III championship.

While trophies and awards are nice, Ewald

says the more desirable outcome of the

Northern swimming program is personal

growth. “My accomplishments are my

relationships with my athletes,” she explains.

“Seeing them grow as individuals is what

keeps me going.”

coachiNg aT a diFFereNT LeveL

Although her coaching duties at Ohio

Northern keep her busy, Ewald still finds

Passionfor the pool

H


14

time to coach swimmers with disabilities and

to serve as an assistant coach with the U.S.

Paralympics, the division of the U.S. Olympic

Committee responsible for the management

of Paralympic sport in the United States.

Swimmers who compete in Paralympic

meets have a wide range of physical

disabilities.

Ewalds’s involvement with the Paralympics

can be traced to 2003 when she met Beth

Kolbe, a Tiffin Columbian High School

student. At the age of 14, Beth had suffered

injuries in a car accident that left her

paralyzed from the chest down. A former

volleyball player, she turned to swimming

for rehabilitation and as an outlet for her

competitive spirit. “She had the mindset of

an athlete but no longer had the physical

capacity for her sport,” says Ewald. From

their first conversation, Ewald and Kolbe

clicked. Ewald volunteered to coach Kolbe

and invited her to compete with the Tiffin

Columbian High School swim team, which

she was coaching at the time.

Ewald soon realized that training a

swimmer with a disability presented unique

challenges. “I was pulling out my old

anatomy books to trace nerves to muscles

to find out why I couldn’t get her to make

certain movements,” she says. Yet Ewald

and Kolbe evolved into a powerful team.

Within a short time, Kolbe was competing

in Paralympic meets across the globe

against accomplished swimmers within her

classification of disability. “Her involvement

and progress grew by leaps and bounds,”

says Ewald. “We grew together.”

Ewald is one of only 10 coaches in the

United States classified as a Level III coach

with the U.S. Paralympics swim team. At this

level, she is eligible for leadership positions

and assignments with the team at all national

and international competitions and training

camps. In the last few years, she served

as head coach for the Parapan American

Games in Brazil and has traveled with the

team to meets in Belgium, Canada, Germany

and England. She also had the honor of

coaching the Paralympic resident team for

one week at the Olympic Training Center in

Colorado Springs, Colo.

Traveling with the U.S. team means long

days of hard work, says Ewald. She assists

the team in whatever capacity needed,

including executing daily workouts,

coordinating logistics and aiding swimmers

with their starts. Since the majority of the

athletes are young adults traveling without

their parents, Ewald has to be “mom and

dad, sports psychologist and coach” all

rolled in one.

This August, Ewald will serve as an assistant

coach for the U.S. swim team at the

Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. The

games take place in the same venue as the

2008 Summer Olympics just a few weeks

after the Olympics conclude. The Paralympic

Games feature athletes with disabilities from

all over the world and are similar to the

Olympic Games, only they don’t receive as

much television coverage, says Ewald.

Ewald is thrilled that two of her protégés

qualified to represent the U.S. team at

the Beijing games: Kolbe (now a Harvard

University graduate preparing for law school)

and April Kerley (a marketing director from

Cincinnati, Ohio, who is missing one arm

from the elbow down). Ewald has coached

both athletes long distance, collaborating

with swim coaches from Harvard University

and Wilmington College.

In the future, Ewald would like to recruit

athletes with disabilities to Ohio Northern to

compete on the swim team. “These athletes

embrace life with passion. They never adopt

a ‘woe-is-me’ attitude. They have made

me question what I thought I knew and

challenged me to think outside the box,” she

says. “They have helped me see a different

aspect of this sport that I love so much.”

16

“I feel that former student-athletes at ONU have a special responsibility to give back to continue their athletic legacy.”— Kate WitteAssistant athletic director, head coach of women’s volleyball and assistant professor of health and physical education

Give Back to Give Forward.Ohio Northern University is proud that previous generations have always given generously to the next. The

success of our student athletes speaks for itself with a strong alumni backing to ensure a standard of excellence for athletes both in the classroom and with their team.

Did you know you can designate your annual gift to a specific sports team or program? Giving back truly does give forward to the ONU student athletes of tomorrow with a new generation of Polar Bears.

How can I give and support student athletes and ONU?Use the enclosed envelope or give online: www.onugive.com

Pledge your gift online and set up a payment schedule: www.onugive.com

Thank you for your annual support for student athletes at ONU!

True

17

Passion, excitement and a sheer love of the game bring more than 150 students to the ONU club sports scene each year.

The 2007-08 season saw students take a break from the books to participate in 10 club sports – men’s and women’s rugby, ultimate Frisbee, water polo, women’s softball and soccer, men’s volleyball, and tae kwon-do. Not only do players bring their skills to the court or field, they step up as coaches and leaders, raise money for their teams and dedicate their time to these unique student initiatives.

Men’s and women’s Black Rose Rugby teams asserted their prowess on the pitch last season at events like the Pittsburgh Rugby Classic and the Teapot Tournament. They hosted matches on Northern’s turf and welcomed rugby alumni back for a pitch-perfect match on Oct. 17. The men in orange and black were the winners of four tournaments, tackling teams from Findlay, Kenyon and Wright State. While the ladies were not as victorious, they showed strength and determination in a series of tough matches and disappointing losses.

After a triumphant run in 2007, the powerhouse men’s volleyball team was set for another successful season. The team defeated conference rivals and took down Big 10 opponents like Ohio State and Michigan. The January All-Ohio Classic brought the men their fifth-straight victory. They traveled to Dallas, Texas, to defend their national title at the Collegiate Club

National Volleyball Championship held April 10-12. Even though ONU placed third in Division II, their reputation as one of the best club teams in the nation is still secure.

The men’s ultimate Frisbee team brought more than 26 teams to campus for the Small College Ultimate Frisbee National Tournament over Memorial Day weekend. ONU placed in the top 16 against teams from across the nation.

What’s Newin onu club sports

Tae kwon-do and women’s softball made their club sport debuts this year. A rainy spring kept the softball team off the field for much of the season, but the team will join a league next year, proving they’re here to stay. Women’s soccer also will affiliate with a league in hopes of stepping up the competition.

All-in-all, it was a year of spirited rivalry, intense matches, and hard-fought victories that proved Northern is a force to be reckoned with in collegiate club sports.

18

Finished season with 7-3 record in 2007•Posted its 12th consecutive upper-•division finish in the OACEarned national ranking as high as No. •9 in the D3football.com pollFinal ranking of No. 33 in the •D3football.com poll (the seventh top-35 final ranking in nine years)Fourth consecutive season as a •nationally ranked programSenior Steve Gunter represented ONU •in the Aztec Bowl (Division III national all-star game)Members of the football team take •pride in the more than 750 hours of community service they completed in the last yearFour players achieved a 4.0 GPA during •the fall 2007 quarterEleven players earned All-Conference or •Academic All-Conference honors

oN The year’s biggesT accompLishmeNT:Our team was able to finish the year nationally ranked for the fourth consecutive year. Only seven schools out of 240 Division III football-playing institutions have been as consistent.

— Head coach Dean Paul

LookiNg ahead To NexT year:I am excited that this will be the first year we have had four full recruiting classes. I’m also very impressed with the mentality of our players. They are proud of some of the accomplishments, but they are not satisfied and they want more.

— Head coach Dean Paul

oN deaN paUL’s coachiNg sTyLe:He is very demanding and will get the best out of you. He pushes you all the time and treats everyone with great respect. He wants us to be good people all-around and not just good football players. So, he is always pushing us in every aspect of our lives. He’s a great coach and his strategy would be to apply a lot of pressure and be aggressive on defense.

— Senior Austin Netzley

Sports SummaryFootball

Polar Bear Illustrated Sports Summary

Stats

19

Team finished 121-30 overall, for its •ninth consecutive winning seasonFinished the season ranked No. 10 in •the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association pollTeam won its first-ever OAC •ChampionshipTeam finished second at the NCAA •Great Lakes Regional ChampionshipsTeam finished 17th at the NCAA •Championships, the best finish in school historyJuniors Paul Lewis and Thomas Adam •and sophomore Alan Bowsher earned United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic honorsJunior Jimmy O’Brien was named •Ohio’s Division III Regional Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Year, as well as OAC Male Runner of the YearO’Brien earned All-Conference, All-•Region and All-America honorsJuniors Adam, Eric Porter, and Bowsher •earned All-Conference and All-Region honorsLewis earned All-OAC honors for the •third consecutive yearONU Cross Country coach Jason Maus •was named the Ohio Division III Men’s Coach of the Year along with the OAC Men’s Coaching Staff of the YearMen’s cross country team earned All-•Academic honors

oN The 2007 Ncaa iii cross coUNTry champioNships:I knew the race was going to be fast. The course was hard, and we knew the pace would be quick, but it felt like I was running all out the entire race.

— Junior Jimmy O’Brien

LookiNg ahead To NexT seasoN:Last year was a feeling-out process, and this year, we competed. With the majority of the team returning, we are looking to take a big step next season.

— Assistant coach Jason Maus

oN The beNeFiTs oF rUNNiNg cross coUNTry:Cross country has given me a lot more discipline, and I am able to manage my time better. Also, the mentality of running carries over into all other aspects of my life.

— Senior Katie Andrzejewski

oN makiNg progress ThroUghoUT The seasoN:We wanted to keep improving throughout the season. We have a younger team and improvement every week is key. As for myself, I wanted to run consistently throughout the season and get a personal record, which I did.

— Senior Katie Andrzejewski

Cross Country

Team finished 72-52 overall, for its 16th •consecutive winning seasonTeam finished fourth at the OAC •ChampionshipsTeam finished 14th out of 31 teams •at the NCAA Division III Great Lakes RegionalsSophomore Rachel Smith finished 14th •at the OAC Championships, earning All-Conference honors for the first timeFreshman Amy Davis finished 15th at •the OAC Championships, earning All-Conference honorsSophomore Rachel Smith earned United •States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic honorsTeam earned runner-up finishes at •the Tiffin Invitational, the Hanover Invitational and the SUNY-Geneseo InvitationalWomen’s cross country team earned •All-Academic honors

Men’s Stats LookiNg back aT The seasoN:The guys really put a lot of hard work into this season. After last season, coming so close and being disappointed at nationals, it was easy to motivate these guys, and they really stayed focused throughout the year. Things clicked for them, and they just really had an extraordinary season.


Women’s Stats


20

oN The eUrope Trip:The trip was a perfect combination of soccer, teambuilding, and sightseeing. We learned a lot about the history, traditions and cultures of some great cities, and we learned a lot about each other.

— Head coach Brent Ridenour, BSBA ’95, H of F ’07

oN eNdiNg a career:Being a senior, I spent a lot of time thinking about how much my ONU career, both on and off the field, has meant to me. I have become friends with so many people and they have influenced me immensely.

— Senior Zach Huffman

on character:What a great season our girls put together. The players taught me a lot about what it means to be a teammate and what this program means to each of them. The team was the definition of character, and they genuinely represented what ONU athletics are all about.

— Head coach Mark Batman

oN The eUropeaN Trip:Traveling to Europe with the team was absolutely amazing, and I will remember it forever. We were able to see some of the most beautiful cities as well as play soccer. I think the team became even more bonded and close knit.

— Second-year pharmacy student Kristin Reininger

oN Team dyNamic:On our team, we are all down to earth and supportive of one another so everyone feels at ease. Because of that, we have a great team dynamic; we realize that we achieve as a team, whether it is success or failure.

— Second-year pharmacy student Kaitlin Sanders

SoccerYoung team ended the season with •a 14-6-2 record, building a strong foundation for the futureFirst place in the OAC-MIAA Shootout•Tied for second place in the ONU-•Adidas ClassicSeniors Zach Huffman, Ryan Smith, •Adam Ross and Ben Jackson and junior Dan Otanicar earned All-OAC honorsHuffman and Smith earned Academic •All-OhioEuropean trip to London, Prague, and •Munich gave team members the chance to play on the continent where soccer rules, as well as to experience different cultures and visit famous sitesDiscipline, unity and excellence •remained pillars of the program

Men’s Stats

Women’s StatsSeasoned team emerged strong after •a challenging early season schedule against regionally and nationally ranked teamsChampions of the OAC•First undefeated conference season in •the program’s 20-year historyJunior Katie Schaadt and second-year •pharmacy students Angie Pisut and Kaitlin Sanders named to the first team All-OACThird-year pharmacy student Erin Stapp •and sophomore Stacey Barnhart named to the second team All-OACSanders, Pisut and seniors Laura •Childerson and Meggan Gobin received Academic All-OAC honors Team traveled to Europe for first time •and experienced 10 memorable days of soccer playing and sightseeing in Austria, Switzerland and Italy“TEAM first” remained central value•


21

oN expecTaTioNs:The standards and expectations for our team are so high, and each year we try to reach the highest level.

— Head coach Kate Witte

oN readiNess:Every opponent brings their best game. They want to knock us off so that they can brag about ending our winning streak. As a team, we must be ready to play every match.

— Sophomore Amanda (Mandi) Fought

oN appreciaTioN:There have been many amazing women who have worked extremely hard to get this program, and women’s athletics in general, to where it is today. As a team, we try to make those women proud and let them know how thankful we are for all they have done for us and other female athletes. Being a part of the Ohio Northern University volleyball team is an honor and a joy.

— Senior Katie Weininger

VolleyballYoung team achieved success with a •29-7 final recordChampions of the OAC regular season •for the eighth consecutive yearChampions of the OAC Tournament•Received bid to the NCAA III •tournament and reached the Sweet 16 before falling to No. 1 ranked Wittenberg CollegeFinished the season with a No. 10 •ranking in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll (AVCA)Seniors Laura Vuyk and Katie Weininger, •and sophomore Liz Schnelle, named AVCA All-American, AVCA All-Great Lakes Region, First Team All-Ohio, and First Team Academic All-OACSchnelle named AVCA National Player •of the WeekPhilosophy of “Together” yielded •support, encouragement and friendships among team members


Stats

22

Wrestling

history of onu’s wrestling Program

Ask a current or former wrestler, ask a coach or ask an assistant about the long-term success of ONU wrestling, and you’ll hear a lot about tradition, excellence and dedication.

And it’s hard to argue with the numbers.

Through 43 seasons (37 of which were winning seasons), six coaches and over 475 varsity student athletes, the Ohio Northern wrestling team has won 501 dual meets while losing only 252. This 0.665 winning percentage has garnered four OAC regular season titles.

The team has developed 65 individual Ohio Athletic Conference champions and 11 OAC team champions. Twenty-two All-Americans,

and 30 Academic All-Americans also have emerged from the Northern squad.

In addition, Ohio Northern has produced two NCAA national champions and two NCAA runners-up. Darren Scott, BS ’87, H of F ’97, captured the 1986-87 title in the 134-pound weight class, and Vince Cameron, BSPh ’91, H of F ’02, PharmD ’02, took the 1988-89 title in the heavyweight division. In 1998, Joe Maiani, BA ’97, finished second to become the national runner-up at the NCAA Championships, and Ty Klofta, BS ’06, was the national runner-up at the 125-pound weight class in 2006.

Three of these championships have even occurred on the Northern campus; the Polar bears hosted the 1997, 2000 and 2003 NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championships.

Finished with an 11-8 overall dual •record; 5-1 in OAC dual actionFinished second in the OAC regular •season standings and third at the OAC championshipsSenior Ben Plowman and junior David •Penny competed in the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships at U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee, Wis.Plowman earned his third consecutive •conference championship as ONU finished third at the OAC ChampionshipsPenny and freshman Luke Miller earned •All-OAC honorsPenny earned Honorable Mention At-•Large Academic All-OAC honorsTeam finished 12th in the country in •cumulative GPA out of 97 Division III wrestling programs

oN The yoUTh oF The Team:Out of the ten weight classes, we had seven first-year wrestlers on the mat. We were still able to go 11-8 and be second in the conference duals by going 5-1. Kind of the unwritten rule in coaching is ‘you don’t win with freshmen and sophomores; you win with juniors and seniors.’ Well, we were able to win with basically freshmen and sophomores.

— Head coach Ron Beaschler, BSBA ’86

oN his Team’s high-raNkiNg Team gpa:That ties into the type of kid we look for and develop. The same things we tell you that you have to do to be a great wrestler are the exact same things you have to do be a great student. It takes discipline, work ethic and dedication.


LookiNg ahead To NexT year:If all the guys that we had on the team this year are back next year, if we infuse a new freshman class in there, and if we keep working to make each individual better, then we can win the conference, and we can do all these other things that they determine they want to accomplish.



Stats

23

BasketballTeam rebuilt for success after losing six •seniorsRecord of 15-12 with several games lost •by just a few pointsFourth place in OAC•Third-year pharmacy students •Kyle Gehle and Jake Cannan, and sophomore Kyle Meyer, named to the All-OAC TeamCannan named Academic All-OAC •Fun and memorable trip to San Antonio, •Texas, combined tournament play with teambuilding and cultural experiencesFamily atmosphere and exemplary •player behavior remained hallmarks of the program

oN TradiTioN:The men’s basketball program continues to be rich in people and strong in tradition. The current players are very proud to be part of such a strong program that has been built by so many over the last 98 years.

— Head coach Jeff Coleman, BA ’90

oN modeL behavior:“A lot of young kids look up to college players. Our program stresses the importance of being good role models and setting good examples – on the court, in our everyday actions and in the classroom.”

— Junior Kurtis Brown

Men’s Stats

Women’s Stats

oN whaT’s worThwhiLe:What makes basketball worthwhile to me is how we win and how we lose. It is not about final score blowouts or overtime thrillers, but the way we as a team carry and handle ourselves on and off the basketball court.

— Third-year pharmacy student Jake Cannan

Season ended with the team’s best •record in 20 years (19-7) despite having one of the most challenging schedules in the countrySecond place in OAC•Fourth-year pharmacy students Erin •Brand and Jenny Markle named to the first team All-OACFourth-year pharmacy student Megan •Cevasco and Markle named Academic All-OACMarkle led the country (all three •divisions) in 3-point shooting percentage (56 percent) Michele Durand named Coach of the •Year by the Russell Athletic/Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Division III Region 6Satisfying win over Wilmington College, •66-51, after a seven-year losing streak to the tough competitorNewly renovated locker room lifted the •team’s spirits

oN The reNovaTed Locker rooms:The locker room is a beautiful space for which our team is very thankful. I show the locker room to every recruit who visits campus, and I tell them about the generosity of our alumni. When you become a Polar Bear, you become a member of an enormous family.

— Head coach Michele Durand

oN beaTiNg wiLmiNgToN:It felt surreal at first, but when it finally sunk in, and we realized what we had done, it was amazing and we were on a high. Without a doubt, it was one of the most memorable games of my career at ONU.

— Fourth-year pharmacy student Megan Cevasco


24

Swimming and DivingChampions of the OAC meet for the •fourth season in a rowTri-Champions of the OAC Regular •Season title with a 3-1 recordFreshman Michael Schultz named OAC •Swimmer of the YearOAC Coaching Staff of the Year•For the first time in school history, •an ONU swimmer (Schultz) qualified to compete in the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving ChampionshipsTeam philosophy of “Respect” (treating •teammates and competitors with kindness, courtesy and appreciation) earned the team respect in its conference

oN NaTioNaL recogNiTioN:This season, the ONU men’s swimming and diving team took another leap forward. In four years, we have come out of the middle of the pack, moved to the top of the conference and are now moving into national appearances.

— Head coach Peggy Ewald

oN qUaLiFyiNg For NaTioNaLs:It was an incredible feeling to qualify for the NCAAs. Swimming has been a big part of my life, so being able to swim in a meet at this level meant a lot.

— First-year pharmacy student Michael Schultz

Men’s Stats

Women’s StatsoN respecT:We made it our goal to have this word (“Respect”) describe what ONU swimming and diving was really about. At our conference, you could definitely tell that we’re not just the team to beat, but the team to be a part of.

— Senior Brett Kuhn

Winners of OAC Regular Season title •with a 4-0 recordSecond place at the OAC Championship •meet Junior Kim Randall, second-year •pharmacy student Terri Lynn Shigle and sophomores Hannah Bukowy and Katherine Moore named OAC Swimmer of the WeekTeam emerged from the shadow of the •men’s teamTeam learned to compete for each other •and to overcome obstacles while not giving upTeam members forged strong and •lasting friendships with one another

oN compeTiTioN:We were just shy of winning the OAC champion title after a phenomenal meet in which we battled it out with John Carroll University. The girls showed a lot of character and loyalty. I couldn’t have asked for more from the swimmers on our last relay of the conference; they swam with so much passion.

— Head coach Peggy Ewald

oN sTeppiNg oUT:This year, the women’s team proved we are just as good as the men’s team; we wanted it just as much, if not more. The women’s team is a force to be reckoned with, and this year we proved it.

— Junior Jillian Huber

oN FrieNdship:The women’s team is a close group. We didn’t win a title this year, but we won something more than that. We won friendships that will last forever.

— Second-year pharmacy student Lacey Shumate


25

Indoor Track and FieldTeam finished with a 59-4 record•Team finished the season ranked No. •18 nationallyAs a team, finished first at the OAC •championshipsSenior Thomas Adam placed first •in the 5,000-meter run at the OAC Championships2008 NCAA Division III Indoor Track •and Field Championships hosted by ONUSenior Ryan Robertson earned All-•America honors in the long jump with a school-record leap of 23-4 1/2Junior Jimmy O’Brien earned All-•America honors after finishing third in the 800-meter dashRobertson was the OAC champion in •the long jump and 55-meter dashO’Brien named Great Lakes Region •Male Track Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive seasonO’Brien won four OAC titles•Eleven Polar Bears were OAC •champions, and 16 earned All-Conference honors

oN The NaTioNaL iNdoor champioNships beiNg heLd aT oNU:I really fed off the crowd, and I had a pretty big fan club over by the long jump pit. All national events are big, but it is even better being at home, knowing that you have so many people behind you. It was just a great feeling.

— Senior Ryan Robertson

Team finished 54-11 overall•Finished the season ranked No. 33 •nationallyAs a team, finished third at the OAC •ChampionshipsJuniors Danielle Noe and Joy Kessler •earned All-OAC honors in the 500-meter runSophomore Courtney Zupancic took first •place in the weight throw at the OAC ChampionshipsFreshman Melissa Goodman took third •place and All-OAC honors in the shot put at the OAC ChampionshipsFirst-year pharmacy student Amanda •Binkey finished third and claiming All-OAC honors in the 1,000-meter run at the OAC ChampionshipsZupancic set a school record in the shot •put with a heave of 41-8 1/2Freshman Aubrie Stechschulte set •a school record in the pole vault by clearing 19-9 1/2

Men’s Stats

Women’s Stats


26

Outdoor Track and FieldTeam finished 53-10 overall•Team finished the season ranked No. •27 nationallyTeam finished second at the OAC •championshipsAs a team, finished No. 29 at the •national championshipsJunior Jimmy O’Brien earned fourth •place finishes in both the 800- and 1,500-meter runs at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, becoming the first male ONU athlete to earn All-American honors in two events at the same meetO’Brien becomes the first Polar Bear •to earn All-American honors in the 1,500-meter runSenior Ryan Robertson voted Most •Outstanding Sprinter at the OAC ChampionshipsO’Brien voted Most Outstanding •Distance Runner at the OAC ChampionshipsAssistant coach Jason Maus named the •USTFCCCA Great Lakes Region Outdoor Assistant Coach of the Year

oN o’brieN’s perFormaNce aT The Ncaa champioNships:I’m really proud of Jimmy’s effort. He ran two really good races, and his times in each race were really strong. He ran both races how we planned, and he finished with two trophies.


oN earNiNg aLL-americaN hoNors:It feels pretty good to earn All-American honors in two events. I was hoping for a little more in at least one of the events, but I ran two good times and … I’m happy.

— Junior Jimmy O’Brien

Men’s Stats

Women’s StatsTeam finished 41-20 overall•Finished the season ranked No. 48 •nationallyTeam finished third at the OAC •championshipsJunior Danielle Noe finished first in •the 400-meter hurdles at the OAC ChampionshipsThe 4-by-400 meter relay team finished •first at the OAC ChampionshipsSenior Amy Swigert and sophomores •Janelle Jansen, Karen Thatcher and Kristen Yoho earned All-OAC honors with a third-place finish in the 4-by-100 meter relayNoe competed at the NCAA Track & •Field Championships

oN parTicipaTiNg aT The Ncaa Track & FieLd champioNships For The FirsT Time:It was a good opportunity for me, and it gives me a good goal to shoot for next year.

— Junior Danielle Noe


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BaseballFinished the season at 18-22 (the most •wins since 2004)Recorded an even 9-9 record in the •OAC. (The last time ONU won nine games in the conference was in 2002)Senior Mark Sankovich earned Division •III Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-Mid-East honorsSophomore Drew Robinson earned •Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference honorsSenior Drew Wieland, along with •Sankovich and Robinson, earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference honorsSpring break trip to Florida served as a •major bonding experience for the teamTeam members volunteer with ONU •Recycles, the on-campus recycling group

oN The Team’s receNT sUccess:The past three years have been huge for ONU baseball. We have really turned the corner as a program and are on pace for huge success in the future. Now more than ever, our players really understand what it takes to be successful not only on the field, but also in life.

— Senior Drew Wieland

oN The Team’s growTh:The past three years have been a learning experience, not only for myself but also for the team and baseball program. The obstacles we overcame far superseded the shortcomings. The ONU baseball program has grown tremendously in the past three years.

— Senior Nicholas Simoff

oN The besT parTs oF The pasT seasoN:This is my third year here, and we’ve improved each year. We took a huge step this year. We had some big wins that were very good for the program; we split with Heidelberg, which won the league. And then we beat a very good Marietta team, which has traditionally been the powerhouse in the OAC.

— Head coach Justin Bergman

LookiNg ahead To NexT year:Expectations are very high. The players are not satisfied with being 9-9 and finishing sixth in our league. There’s that hunger there. They just want to continue to get better.

— Head coach Justin Bergman


Stats

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SoftballFinished season with 28-13 overall •recordWith a 14-4 conference record, the •team finished tied for second in the OACFinished third in the OAC Tournament•Sophomore Tina Mangola was named •Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division III Third Team All-AmericanMangola, seniors Lynda Thomas and •Matti McFarlin, and sophomores Liz Decima and Mandi Fought each joined the 100-Hit Club the seasonFive players earned Louisville Slugger/•NFCA All-Central Region and also All-Ohio Athletic Conference honorsMangola broke a school record with 16 •doubles in 2008

oN The yoUTh oF The soFTbaLL Team:We had a very young team: We started four sophomores, two freshmen, a junior and a senior. Seeing these young players mature and really grow into themselves as student athletes were the most satisfying parts of the season for me as a coach.

— Head coach Annette Hunt-Shepherd

LookiNg ahead To NexT year:We’re going to have a wealth of experience next year. We have an exciting young freshman class coming in, probably one of the most talented we’ve brought in thus far. The makeup next year will be very unique. We’ll have a good mix of older players and this young class.

— Head coach Annette Hunt-Shepherd


Stats

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TennisMen’s Stats

Women’s Stats

Team finished the season at 18-5•Polar Bears made their second NCAA •Tournament appearance, advancing to the second round after its first ever victory in NCAA Tournament playONU head tennis coach Glenn •Scheutzow honored as the OAC Coach of the YearSenior Kyle Webb earned his second •straight First Team Academic All-OAC honors, finishing his career with a 33-26 overall record in three seasons.Junior Ryan Paul earned First Team •ESPN the Magazine At-Large Academic All-District IV honorsSeniors Micah Scott and Bart Schenck •each joined the 100-Win Club this season

oN The seasoN’s biggesT highLighT:The biggest highlight was watching two of my players get their 100th wins. At some point I was able to watch every one of my players play to their true potential, and that was awesome each time I witnessed it.

— Head coach Glenn Scheutzow

oN The mosT saTisFyiNg parT oF The seasoN For a coach:The most satisfying thing was watching the team’s cumulative hard work pay off. They worked hard enough to deserve all of their accolades. They earned it! I made sure of it!

— Head coach Glenn Scheutzow

oN The Team wiNNiNg iTs Third coNsecUTive regULar seasoN TiTLe:It felt good because we worked so hard. In the offseason, we did football conditioning since our coach is also a football coach. We are one of the best conditioned teams at the school, plus playing on the court just verifies that.

— Senior Bart Schenck

The team finished the season at 20-6•Made its seventh consecutive trip to the •conference finalsDespite having a very young team (with •only one returning starter), the team finished in second place for the regular season and runner-up in the conference tournamentThe team had the opportunity to play •at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, one of the top tennis facilities in the countrySenior Ashley Yontz earned Second •Team ESPN the Magazine At-Large Academic All-District IV honorsYontz and first-year pharmacy student •Kristie Timperman named Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Academic All-AmericansNamed by ITA as an Academic •All-American team for the seventh consecutive yearTeam participated in junior tennis •programs at Ada Elementary

oN The Team’s yoUTh:Although we had a young team this year, their enthusiasm made the season lots of fun. We needed to focus on the current point and never stop trying.

— Senior Ashley Yontz

oN The Team FiNishiNg aT LeasT secoNd iN regULar seasoN aNd coNFereNce ToUrNameNT pLay:There are not many programs that we have – or anyone has – that can say, “each of the last seven years we’ve been either first or second in everything.”

— Head coach Scott Wills, BSBA ’87

oN a saTisFyiNg momeNT as a coach:Turning the tables on a team like Otterbein, who we had lost to the week before the conference tournament 6-3, and then beating them in the tournament 5-2 after losing the first two points.

— Head coach Scott Wills, BSBA ’87


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GolfMen’s Stats

Women’s Stats

Third Place at the OAC Championship, •which was a tie for the best finish in school history. (The 1992 ONU team also finished third)Senior Chase Cummings finished third •and junior Ben Kretz fifth at the OAC ChampionshipsCummings and senior Wes Immler •named All-OACCummings and Kretz named Academic •All-OACSet the school record for the lowest •18-hole round (294)Trip to Orlando, Fla., bonded the team •and enabled the golfers to refine their game on beautiful courses

oN whaT iT Takes:The game of golf is 90 percent mental. We’ve worked hard this year to become stronger physically and mentally, and it is paying off.— Head coach Anthony Gholson, BSBA ’88

oN haviNg FUN:As a member of the golf team, I have really enjoyed the team camaraderie and general relaxed and fun atmosphere at practice and on trips to and from tournaments.

— Senior Chase Cummings

Young team finished the season with a •101-19 recordSecond place at the OAC Tournament•Team garnered first place at four •tournaments, the most ever won in one year by the ONU team Team ranked No. 14 in the final weekly •Golf World/NGCA coaches poll Senior Meagan Brennan competed in •the NCAA Division III Women’s Golf ChampionshipBrennan named Duramed FUTURES •Tour NGCA All-American and NGCA All-Great Lakes RegionFourth-year pharmacy student Amy •Gillen and second-year pharmacy student Teri Lyn Shigle named Academic All-OACTrip to Orlando, Fla., combined golf with •sightseeing and teambuilding

oN expecTaTioNs:We have high expectations. We know what level we want to be at, and we push ourselves to play at that level.

— Head coach Stacey Hairston, BS ’89, H of F ’01

oN secoNd chaNces:I enjoy being able to take one shot at a time. Even if you have a bad hole, the next hole is a brand new start. One shot doesn’t make or break your game; it’s all about how you approach the game mentally.

— First-year pharmacy student Lauren Miller

oN progressioN:Looking back at my four years of golf at ONU, it is amazing how our team has progressed. Our team is now one of the top teams not only in the OAC conference, but also in the nation.

— Fourth-year pharmacy student Amy Gillen


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Purpose: To recognize Ohio Northern University men and women who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics by virtue of their performance on athletic teams representing the University, or by meritorious efforts on behalf of athletics either as an undergraduate or in years after leaving the University.

The 2008 Hall of Fame InducteesWe are honored and pleased to welcome the following individuals to the Ohio Northern University

Athletic Hall of Fame. Their talents, athleticism and accomplishments have afforded them this most prestigious honor. The official Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 17,

2008, during Homecoming Weekend. Congratulations to the 2008 inductees!

(Photos will appear in the winter issue of the Alumni Journal)

cari (treisch) bahmer, BA ’98(Track)

Outdoor track high jump All-American•Two-time OAC outdoor high jump champion•OAC indoor high jump champion•Six-time national qualifier indoor/outdoor •high jumperONU outdoor track and field complex high •jump record of 5 feet 7 inches

(Volleyball)American Volleyball Coaches Association •All-AmericanOAC Player of the Year•Two-time First Team All-OAC•Two-time First Team All Great Lakes Region•

nick bertke, BS ’97(Basketball)

Three-year starter•Four-year letter winner•Second Team All-OAC (junior)•First Team All-OAC (senior)•Received the OAC’s Gregory Award•1995-96: •

Second Team NCAA All Americano First Team All-District IVo

Holds the ONU single-season field goal •percentage record (58.9 percent)

christina (rutledge) crook, BS ’88(Volleyball)

1985: First Team All-OAC and All-Ohio squads •1986: Second Team All-American, Division III •Midwest All-Region Team•OAC First Team All-Conference Honor Award•OAC All-Academic Honorable Mention•1987: Second Team All-American, Division III•

American Volleyball Coaches o Association All-Region TeamAll-Academic First Teamo OAC First Teamo

cary (hartness) gunning, BSPh ’98(Swimming)

1993-94: OAC Inspirational Award•1993-95: OAC All-Conference•1994: Qualified and attended NCAA •Championships in Massachusetts

Captured the ONU and OAC meet o record in the 100 freestyle (54.3)

1994, 1995: Ohio Northern University •Most Valuable SwimmerFirst athlete in ONU’s history to be a six-•time OAC ChampionFirst in 50 free, 100 free and 200 free events•1995: •

OAC record in the 200-yard freestyleo OAC Most Outstanding Swimmero

Edward t. Miklavcic Jr., BSME ’76(Baseball)

1974: First Team All-American District IV•First Team All-OAC•Ohio Northern University – Most Valuable •Player (team)1975: First Team All-OAC•

Ohio Northern University – Most o Valuable Player (team)

1976: Co-captain•

stanley reineke, BS, BSBA ’88(Basketball)

Four-year letter winner•1,000-point club (1,417 total points)•1984-85: OAC Free Throw •Percentage Champ1985-86: OAC Honorable Mention•1986-87: •

Second Team District IVo First Team All-OACo OAC free throw percentage champo Ohio Northern University – Most o Valuable Player (team)

1987-88: •First Team District Io First Team All-OACo All-American Honorable Mentiono Ohio Northern University – Most o Valuable Player (team)

Kerry Barnett,

BSBA ’95

Jennifer Bird-Duff,BSBA ’95

MarkGooden, BSEE ’95

BruceHays,

BSEd ’71

MaryHockett, BSBA ’92

RobertIrvin,

BSEd ’52

Kelly(Born)

Carbone, BS ’89

D’ArtisJones,

BSME ’97

Dawn(Hill) Kock,

BS ’91, BSMT ’92

LauraPruchnicki,

BA ’97

Brent Ridenour, BSBA ’95

RichardTrick,

BSEd ’64

ohio northern university hall of Fame

(posthumously)

The 2006 Hall of Fame Inductees: The 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees:

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ohio northern universityathLEtic haLL oF FaME noMination ForM

Whenever possible, fill in all blanks on this form. The most important item, however, is “why” you feel the person you are nominating should be considered for the

Ohio Northern University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Name of Nominee: ____________________________________ Class: _____________

Nominee’s Current Address: ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________ List any special honors or awards your nominee won as an athletic participant, coach or athletic administrator:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why do you feel this person should be selected? Please include any facts, figures, anecdotes or other material that will help the selection committee. (Please attach a separate page, if necessary.)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of ONU letter winner making the nomination:

_________________________________________________________________________ Class: ____________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _____________ Zip: _________________

Additional forms are available from the Office of Alumni Affairs. Phone: (419) 772-2727 or (866) ONU-ALUM

E-mail: [email protected] Web site: onualumni.com

PLEasE rEturn to: Office of Alumni AffairsOhio Northern University

525 S. Main StreetAda, Ohio 45810

Fax: (419) 772-2568nominations: Nominations for male inductees will be solicited from male letter winners and others and may be forwarded to the N-Men’s Association, director of athletics or director of alumni affairs. Nominations for female inductees will be solicited from female letter winners and others and may be forwarded to the senior women’s athletic administrator, director of athletics or director of alumni affairs.selection: A minimum of four nominations each will be submitted to the Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee for both male and female inductees. The committee will select a maximum of six inductees, no more than three per gender.inductions: All current members of the N-Men’s Association Hall of Fame shall be considered members of the ONU Athletic Hall of Fame. Inductions will take place at an appropriate ceremony.

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OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRSOHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY525 S MAIN STADA, OH 45810-9989

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On Friday, June 27, alumni and friends gathered for the second annual Ohio Northern University Alumni and Friends of Athletics Golf Outing at Colonial Golfers Club in Harrod, Ohio. The day was filled with fun and excitement as teams competed in “longest drive,” “closest to the pin,” hole-in-one, and putting contests.

This year’s event focused on bringing together athletic alumni and raising funds in support of the general needs of ONU’s athletic department. Northern’s head wrestling coach ron beaschler, BSBA ’86, said, “We would like to see the Golf Outing continue to grow, not only in participation, but also in financial support. It is the camaraderie and the passion for the athletic department that the athletic alumni share that make this event a success.”

The winning teams were announced during an awards dinner that evening. Members of the winning team were bill robinson, BSEd ’61, Hon. D. ’05, H of F ’05, executive assistant to the president, bob Mccurdy, BSPh ’65, PharmD ’96, assistant dean and director of pharmacy student service for the College

Athletic Golf Outing


Second-place winners Sara Terrell, assistant women’s basketball coach and assistant professor of exercise physiology, Kate Witte, assistant athletic director, head coach of women’s volleyball and assistant professor of health and physical education, and Sherri Bleichner, Michele Durand, head coach of women’s basketball and assistant professor of health and physical education, smile for the camera before the event.

Dr. Jim Neeman and Dr. Joe Misson from the Orthopedic Institute of Ohio and Justin Lehman, BS ’03, athletic trainer, and Kurt Wilson, head athletic trainer and assistant professor of health and physical education, formed a strong team of golfers.

The team of Brian Schumm, PharmD ’01, Jason Briscoe, PharmD ’01, Jackie (Kaup) Briscoe, PharmD ’04, and Jared Briscoe, PharmD ’02, finished third.

Sponsor names were displayed on signs throughout the golf course.

The winners of this year’s Golf Outing were Bob McCurdy, BSPh ’65, PharmD ’96, assistant dean and director of pharmacy student service for the College of Pharmacy, Tom Holtsberry, Jay Meyer, BSPh ’82, and Bill Robinson, BSEd ’61, Hon. D. ’05, H of F ’05, executive assistant to the president.

of Pharmacy, Jay Meyer, BSPh ’82, and Tom Holtsberry.

Michele Durand, head coach of women’s basketball and assistant professor of health and physical education, Sara Terrell, assistant women’s basketball coach and assistant professor of exercise physiology, Kate Witte, assistant athletic director, head coach of women’s volleyball and assistant professor of health and physical education, and Sherri Bleichner came in second place. The Briscoe family – Jackie (Kaup) briscoe, PharmD ’04, Jared briscoe, PharmD ’02, and Jason briscoe, PharmD ’01, together with brian schumm, PharmD ’01 – finished third.

Each of the 13 participating teams joined not only in fellowship with other athletes, but also in helping to build and construct a better future for the athletic department and students of Ohio Northern.

“The alumni that attended were connected to the athletic department in some way, and they all feel that it played a large role in their lives,” commented Beaschler.

First Lady Toby Baker, BFA ’06, served as master of ceremonies during the awards ceremony.

*photos listed L-R

October 17-19, 2008

ONUONU

36

Brag BookStill Going StrongCalling all alumni who have kept their athletic spirit alive! Do you coach? Are you preparing for a marathon? Still actively involved with team sports? Make a hole-in-one recently? Send us your career highlights or a picture of you or your team. This is your chance to shine!

Name (include maiden)________________________________________________ Class Year/Degree _____________Home Address ____________________________________________________________________________________City_______________________________________________ State______________________ Zip _________________Telephone_______________________________________ E-mail ___________________________________________

o check box to have e-mail address appear in the next issue

News/Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bear CubsHas your son/daughter followed in your athletic footsteps? Let us know what they’ve been up to! Any and all proud comments are welcome!

Name (include maiden)________________________________________________ Class Year/Degree _____________Home Address _____________________________________________________________________________________City_______________________________________ State____________________________ Zip ___________________Telephone______________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________________

o check box to have e-mail address appear in the next issue

News/Comments _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Future Polar BearsDo you know the perfect future Polar Bear? Send us their information! We will gladly send their information to the Office of Admissions. Please respond to all applicable areas.

Prospective student____________________________________________________ Class Year/Degree _____________Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________Telephone number______________________________ E-mail _____________________________________________High School _______________________________________________________________________________________Activities __________________________________________________________________________________________Academic area(s) of interest __________________________________________________________________________Your name (include maiden) _________________________________________________________________________Class Year/Degree _____________ Telephone ______________________ E-mail ______________________________

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OFFICE OF ALUMNI AFFAIRSOHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY525 S MAIN STADA, OH 45810-9989

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Did You Know?onu Men’s soccer

Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, at 7 p.m.Men’s soccer is hosting an alumni game at 7 p.m. on

Friday, Aug. 22, 2008

onu women’s soccerAlumni Game

Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at 10:00 am.

onu swimming Oct. 18, 2008 – ONU Swimming Cookout – Ada, Ohio

Feb. 13-14, 2009 – OAC Championships – Akron, Ohio

onu wrestlingONU Invitational Dec. 13, 2008

onu baseballWinter Baseball Clinics

Check out www.onusports.com for more information or contact Justin Bergman, head coach,

at [email protected] or (419) 772-2442 saturday, dec. 27, 2008

Hitting 9-11 a.m.Pitching 1-3 p.m.

sunday, dec. 28, 2008Hitting 9-11 a.m.

Infield/Outfield 1-3 p.m.Monday, dec. 29, 2008

Catching 9-11 a.m.Hitting Schools

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009 2-5 p.m.Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009 2-5 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 2-5 p.m.

onu women’s basketballAlumni Game

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009

onu Men’s basketballAlumni Game

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, at 1 p.m.

onu athletic department golf outingJune 26, 2009

525 South Main StreetAda, Ohio 45810

alumni sports journal 2008 polar bear illustrated · polar bear. illustrated. ron beaschler...

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