OWU Lacrosse 50th Anniversary Celebration

Chris Healy, Jack Guinan, Steve Herrman, Bob Knowles, and Mitch Borcina (1983)

• 76 players selected as All-Americans (overall total of 144 honorees as some players were selected for multiple years), 1961 - 2006;
• 51 seniors selected for the Annual North-South All-Star Game, 1961-2005;
• Former Head Coach Rich Seiler selected as the 1976 NCAA Division II-III Coach of the Year; Assistant Coach, 1977 Annual North-South All-Star Game;
• Former Head Coach Mike Pressler selected as the NCAC Coach of the Year for 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990;
• Former Head Coach Lelan Rogers selected as the NCAC Coach of the Year for 1993, 1995, 1996, and 1998;
• Current Head Coach Sean Ryan selected as the NCAC Coach of the Year for 2001, 2003, and 2005;
• 24 appearances in the NCAA Division II-III National Championship Tournament, beginning in 1975; and
• 35 consecutive winning seasons beginning in 1972, a standing NCAA Record.

The official kick-off to the weekend’s events included the Bishops alumni who watched the current squad compete in the annual Red & Black inter-squad game in the morning and then cheering on the Battling Bishops as they defeated Wittenberg by a score of 17-10 at Selby Stadium during the Homecoming football game.

One major highlight on Saturday afternoon was the lacrosse alumni versus the varsity game played in Selby Stadium on the new artificial turf made possible by significant and major donations and contributions from OWU lacrosse alumni. The first half of game was an extremely competitive and fast-paced contest between the varsity and recent lacrosse alumni from the classes of 2000 - 2006. The young at heart and still very competitive alumni who played in this portion of the game included John Gower ’83; Charlie Blanchard ’88, Chris Cortina ’98, Marc McCarthy ’80; Jim Lips ’71, Steve Corrigan ’74; Steve “Fatty” Aubry (2005 Honorary Alumnus); and Dan Gleason ’78. The second half of the game pitted odd-numbered versus even numbered graduating class lacrosse alumni in a somewhat slower, yet competitive game. Those alumni making an appearance in this second stanza of the game included Thorpe Mitchell ’60 in goal; Tom “The Gnome” Vivyan ’67; George Welsheimer ’68; Paul Myers ’74; and Pete Lee ’65. Despite the coaching effort by Bob D’Antonio ’71 for the odd-numbered graduating lacrosse alumni, the even-numbered graduating lacrosse alumni, coached by Fred Watkins ’74 prevailed on the “last goal wins the game” criteria. [Note: “Coach” Watkins now holds a 2-0 record in the alumni lacrosse games dating back to 2005.]

The day’s celebration concluded with a banquet and acknowledgement of returning alumni from each of the five decades of OWU lacrosse. To celebrate this anniversary, OWU lacrosse alumni, under the direction and leadership of the Ohio Wesleyan University Lacrosse Alumni Association, compiled a book reflecting the 50 year history of this extremely successful program. The University provided each returning lacrosse alumni with a gift-copy of this commemorative book, “OWU History of Men’s Varsity Lacrosse – ‘Pride & Tradition’ – Celebrating the First 50 Years: From Humble Beginnings to National Power” which will continue to be updated in the coming years. In addition to acknowledging returning alumni, a standing ovation was accorded to OWU’s founding lacrosse head coach Fred Myers’ widow, Sylvia Myers Willoughby – the “First Lady” of OWU lacrosse.

The evening was topped off with the presentation of the 2006 OWU Lacrosse Alumni Association awards recognizing the contributions of key alumni in supporting the Bishops lacrosse program.

The 2006 Fred Myers Award – given to an Alumni or friend of the lacrosse program for their outstanding leadership role in promoting the national reputation of the team. The 2006 recipient honored was Chris Cortina, Class of 1998.

The 2006 OWU Legends Award – given to an Alumni or friend of the University Lacrosse program who exemplifies the Alumni Lacrosse experience and acts as a catalyst for the traditions surrounding OWU Lacrosse. The 2006 recipient honored was Annie Griffith-Seiler, Class of 1975.

The 2006 Alumni Award – given to a recent player who best exemplifies OWU's desire to reach an NCAA Championship. The 2006 recipient honored was Matt Anderis, Class of 2006.

The 2006 Benefactor’s Award – given to the individual who has enhanced the current and future student athletic experience. The 2006 recipient honored was Andy Stringer, Class of 1971.

The evening’s banquet festivities officially ended as members returned to “The Jug” and “The Backstretch” to reminisce with each other and to socialize with lacrosse alumni representing 50 years of OWU men’s lacrosse.

Click here to read an essay about the event, written by Bill Ackerman ’58.

Copies of “OWU History of Men’s Varsity Lacrosse – ‘Pride & Tradition’ – Celebrating the First 50 Years: From Humble Beginnings to National Power” may be ordered through Brenda DeWitt, OWU Alumni Relations Office, 61 South Sandusky Street, Delaware, Ohio, 43015, for $30.00/copy, including shipping and handling. Orders received by November 30, 2006, will be honored and processed for shipment.

Additional information about becoming a member of the OWU Lacrosse Alumni Association, future lacrosse alumni events, participating as a member of the “OWU Legends Lacrosse Teams” in national tournaments, and photographs of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the OWU can be accessed on the OWU Lacrosse Alumni Web site.

Remember the current lacrosse team by making your contribution to TEAM OWU - MEN’S LACROSSE at the OWU Annual Fund Web site.

We all count on you to make a difference!