Toledo, OH - The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) will honor the legacy of former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard, who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010, by officially renaming the Athletic Director of the Year award after Rickard and presenting the first award to the members of his family.

Those ceremonies will take place at halftime of the Owens Express women’s basketball game against Sinclair Community College, Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. in the Student Health & Activities Center. 

Rickard worked in various athletic capacities for the College for more than 30 years, including full time since 1985 and as Athletic Director since July 2000. He was devoted to the Owens Express as he worked with coaches, student-athletes, parents, and faculty and staff through many seasons of wins and losses.

Rickard was a champion for student-athlete academic achievement, so it is fitting that 52 Owens Express student-athletes will also be recognized on Saturday afternoon.

During halftime of the Owens Express men’s basketball game against Sinclair Community College, the athletic department will give academic recognition to those student-athletes who achieved a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA) during the fall semester.

The men’s basketball game will tip at 3:00 p.m.