News Releases

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES RETURN TO ORIGINAL FIVE ATHLETIC TEAMS AT THE DIII LEVEL

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, April 27, 2017 – Owens Community College announced today the return of baseball and softball beginning in the fall of 2018 and the move from NJCAA division II (DII) to division III (DIII) for all athletic teams. This will bring the total number of athletic teams back to the original five, including, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball.

Baseball and softball were originally suspended along with men’s golf and men’s and women’s soccer during the 2016-2017 academic year as a cost savings measure during a period of fiscal recovery.

“This decision comes after several months of careful internal study by the College administration,” explained Mike Bower, Ph.D., president. “By moving from DII to DIII we are able to bring back softball and baseball, two of Owens’ original teams, and still realize a cost savings compared to the 2016 athletic program.”

In fiscal year 2016, the cost for the original five sports (including scholarships) at the DII level was $1,079,388.54. Three DII sports (men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball) for fiscal year 2018 will cost a total of $656,748.07. Beginning in fiscal year 2019, returning to the original five sports at a DIII level will cost $479,859.48.

Moving all athletic teams from DII to DIII will eliminate all athletic scholarships, a cost savings of $250,000.

“I would like to thank the Owens Administration for their decision to bring back Owens Express baseball and softball for the 2018-2019 season,” said J.D. Ettore, Owens athletic director. “From my perspective, by going DIII, Owens will be providing an excellent education for these student-athletes along with the chance for young men and young women to play a sport they love for a well-rounded college experience.”

For more information on Owens Community College athletics, please visit www.owensexpress.com.