By Tayler Redinger/Owens Sports Information
TOLEDO, Ohio ---
Owens Community College Athletics has emerged , securing the 2022-23 OCCAC All-Sports Award. This marks the eighth time the college has received this prestigious accolade, underscoring their consistent excellence in athletic programs. The award is bestowed by the Ohio Community College athletic conference and recognizes Owens' outstanding performance in three league championships during the past season. Notably, the Express had finished as the runner-up in the previous season after dominating seven of the previous ten seasons.
Shelley Whittaker, the Athletic Director of Owens, expressed her pride in the achievement, stating, "This recognition speaks volumes to the quality of student-athletes in our programs and coaches we have on staff. Their continued dedication to raising the bar and striving for success is an honor to be a part of."
Since its establishment in the 2008-09 season, Owens has consistently placed first or second in every season, with only two exceptions—a third-place finish in 2018-19 and a 2020-21 campaign in which the school did not sponsor the minimum number of sports required to qualify. Owens is one of a few NJCAA DIII institutions in a DII-dominant conference.
Whitaker also expressed gratitude to the College's administrative leadership for their unwavering support of Express Athletics and extended thanks to the many alumni who have played a pivotal role in establishing the tradition of success.
The journey towards reclaiming the All-Sports Award began with the Express Volleyball team, which dominated the fall season, securing a 13-1 league record and claiming the outright OCCAC championship. The women's basketball program continued the winning streak in the winter, winning nine out of ten conference clashes and earning a share of the OCCAC crown. During the spring season, the OCCAC Baseball Coach of the Year, John Parisho, and his team contributed to Owens' success by achieving a 13-1 record in OCCAC play and an overall record of 48-4, ultimately clinching the spring season championship.
In addition to team achievements, Owens garnered individual recognition, with nine All-OCCAC selections and 15 player or pitcher of the week awards.
The All-Sports Award is calculated based on a points system, with schools earning points according to their place of finish in each OCCAC-sponsored sport, divided by the total number of sports at the respective school. Conference champions are awarded 10 points, while second place earns nine, and so on. In the case of ties, the points are divided equally. To win the OCCAC All-Sports Award, a school must participate in a minimum of three sports.
Owens Community College's reclamation of the OCCAC All-Sports Award is a testament to their commitment to athletic excellence, the exceptional talents of their student-athletes both inside the classroom and in competition, and the guidance provided by their dedicated coaching staff, the athletic department staff, and supporting staff at Owens Community College of Toledo, Ohio. The staff of the Express athletic department consists of Shelley Whitaker; Athletic Director, Judy Loehrke; Athletic Compliance and Academic Advisor, Ann LaVoy; Express Specialist, Katlyn Gall; Nationwide Childrens ATC and Tayler Redinger, Sports information Director.
Official Article by OCCAC conference team here --> https://occac.org/AllSportsAward2023
