News Releases

Owens Express Baseball Team Hosts Doubleheader at Fifth Third Field April 30

Posted on April 19th, 2022

The Owens Express baseball team, led by head coach John Parisho, is returning to Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo for an exciting doubleheader in preparation for the postseason and another run to the NJCAA Division III World Series. The Express will take on the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats on Saturday, April 30, beginning at 4 p.m. in the final “home” regular season games this season.

The Bryant & Stratton games will conclude Ohio Community College Athletic Conference play for the Express, who are in contention for the conference championship before beginning postseason play Tuesday, May 10.

Between games at Fifth Third Field, the Express athletic department will also celebrate its two national championship teams with on-field recognition. The Owens Express women’s volleyball team and head coach Sonny Lewis won its third consecutive national championship in November. Then, in March, the Owens Express women’s basketball team and head coach Stephen Perry, cut down the nets as the team won its first national championship. This was the first time since 2003 that the same school won the national championship in both sports in the same school year.

“We invite the entire Owens community, students and baseball fans to Fifth Third Field because it’s going to be a great Saturday for Owens Express sports in downtown Toledo,” Shelley Whitaker, Owens Express Athletic Director, said. “Our baseball team can’t wait to play a doubleheader at the best minor league stadium in America.”

The Express doubleheader is the start of a multi-year partnership with the Mud Hens and Fifth Third Field. “We are so excited for the return of baseball and look forward to our continued partnership this season and beyond,” said Troy Hammersmith, Manager of Special Events with the Toledo Mud Hens. The Express has inked a deal to host doubleheaders in downtown Toledo for the next two seasons.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6-17 as well as Senior/Military tickets. Owens Community College and Bryant & Stratton Students will be able to unlock free tickets using the promo code provided on their respective campuses. Students may present their student ID at the box office as well.

Purchase tickets HERE

For more information about the Owens Express, visit www.owensexpress.com.

Owens Community College Welcomes Students, Faculty and Staff to Toledo- and Findlay-Area Campuses

Posted on August 24th, 2021

New College president Dr. Dione D. Somerville kicks off academic year, athletics

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College began its 2021–22 academic year with Opening Week all-campus meetings led by the institution’s new president, Dr. Dione D. Somerville. Fall Semester will begin on Monday, August 30.

Owens will offer a variety of class options this fall, including in-person, traditional online, hybrid and synchronous online courses. At September’s Fall Fest event, students will also be able to begin getting involved in campus organizations and taking advantage of everything Owens has to offer. Dr. Somerville met with faculty and staff on Monday, August 23 to update them on the state of the College.

“Speaking for the entire Owens community, I am so excited to move forward together this school year as we embark on a new semester and a new Owens Express athletics season,” said Dr. Somerville. During her presentations at the Toledo- and Findlay-area campuses, Dr. Somerville noted the following highlights:

Owens awarded 970 degrees and certificates in Spring 2021 and 1,841 degrees and certificates in 2020.
Assistant Professor of Broadcast Technology Rob Thomas won Owens’ first Presidential Teaching Award.
The Coalition on Adult Basic Education named Aspire Program Director Heath Huber Outstanding Administrator of the Year. Workforce and Community Services faculty Dionne Dolsey and Lisa Dowling both won Outstanding Teachers of the Year.
The American Association of Community Colleges awarded the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition to Sarah Long, Associate Professor of Mathematics.
The baseball team had a 35-15 overall record in 2021, won the Great Lakes District and Region XII Championships and were College World Series Qualifiers.
The softball team had a 13-7 overall record in 2021 and won the Great Lakes District and Division III Region XII Championships.
With the allocation of CARES Act grant funding, the Counseling Services Office hired a third full-time counselor to provide more mental health support to the community.
More than $12 million in financial relief has been allocated to students since the onset of the pandemic.

OWENS EXPRESS ATHLETICS RETURN IN FULL FOR 2021- 22 ACADEMIC YEAR

Posted on May 7th, 2021

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, May 7, 2021 – Owens Community College announced today that all five Owens Express sports will return in full for the 2021-22 academic year after being partially suspended this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball.

With the updated CDC and local regulations, Owens Community College Express Athletic Department feels confident they can provide a safe atmosphere for student-athletes, game personnel and spectators. Safety protocols are in place and will continue to evolve with recommendations and mandates from State and Federal government. Owens will continue to adhere to requiring masks, social distancing and reduced spectator capacity.

“We are committed to full conference and post-season schedules, enabling our programs the opportunity to compete for championships,” stated Shelley Whitaker, director, Owens Athletics. “Institutionally, we feel it is important for our student-athletes to get back to the court/field not only for competitive purposes but also for their mental and social health. We have a rich tradition of success both on the court/field and in the classroom as well as within the community.”

Led by head coach Sonny Lewis, who will begin his 20^th collegiate season in 2021, the Express volleyball team won back-to-back national championships in 2018 and 2019 with records of 40-6 and 43-4, respectively. The team has 18 Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) titles and has won the NJCAA Region XII championship for the past five seasons.

During the 2019-20 season, the men’s basketball team was 15-15 overall with a 6-5 record in the OCCAC, while the women’s basketball team was 10-14 overall with a 6-3 record in the conference.

The baseball and softball teams are competing on the field this spring season.

For more information about Owens Express athletics, please contact Shelley Whitaker, director of athletics at shelley_whitaker2@owens.edu.

Owens Community College has served Northwest Ohio since 1965 as an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education with an open-door admission policy. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and multiple programs that are also accredited through their discipline-specific accrediting bodies. For more information, visit www.owens.edu, call (567) 661-7000, like our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @OwensCC.

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

Posted on April 27th, 2017

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.

OWENS NEW ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME SET TO INDUCT FIRST MEMBERS

Posted on August 15th, 2016

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2016 – In honor of its 50-year athletic history which began with the 1966 Penta Tech Jaguars Men’s basketball team, Owens Community College has established an Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize those individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on Owens athletics and the community.

“It is important to me that we honor those student-athletes who gave so much to Owens Community College during their time on campus,” said J.D. Ettore, Owens athletic director. “The goal of my office is to make sure that our student-athletes are well-rounded individuals when they leave Owens Community College.”

Members will be inducted on October 15 during an inaugural awards ceremony on the Owens Community College Toledo-area Campus. Full details on the ceremony and events of the induction day, will be mailed to the charter members as well as Owens Athletic alumni, Owens Board of Directors and Owens Administration.

The charter members for Owens Athletic Hall of Fame are:

Leroy “Cot” Marquette – Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, 1966-1980
Jeff Massey – Men’s Basketball, 1991-1993
Stephanie Champine – Volleyball, 2006-2007
Michael Rickard – Athletic Director, 2000-2010
Jim Penix – Men’s Basketball, 1966-1968
NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Champions, 1991-1992

Inductees must have met one of four criteria: received postseason athletic honors while attending Owens, successfully coached at Owens, coached or received honors at an institution beyond Owens, or be a contributor or supporter of Owens athletic programs. In addition, inductees must also be a solid citizen in the community, completed either a two- or four-year degree and be two years removed from completion at Owens.

“First priority for our student-athletes is academics but I also expect athletic intensity and commitment to community service and social responsibility,” said Ettore. “Our local communities are great and they provide a lot of support not just for athletics, but for every department at Owens Community College. In return we put our student-athletes to work in the community to help them understand that by paying it forward you are making a difference in people’s lives.”

For more information on Owens athletics or the new Hall of Fame, please visit www.owensexpress.com.

Owens Women’s Soccer Announces Express Summer Youth Camp, June 24-28

Posted on May 28th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College will offer area soccer players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as women’s soccer hosts an Express Soccer Youth Camp, June 24-28.

The Express women’s soccer program will offer a Premier Camp starting on Monday, June 24. The five-day Premier Camp is designed for experienced players and will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The camp will conclude on Friday, June 28.

Youth ages 6-13 will be divided by age groups and abilities and receive individual instruction on various soccer technical and tactical skills. Camp instructors will include the Owens Express women’s soccer coaching staff and student-athletes as well as area high school and college coaches. Each individual will receive a camp T-shirt and a certificate of participation.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate soccer clothing, shin guards and footwear for the camp. Additionally, attendees should bring their own soccer ball and a beverage.

The camp will take place in the College’s soccer complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens women’s soccer completed its second season as an intercollegiate program in 2012. Led by Head Coach Mary Whisler, the Express finished with a 13-2-3 overall record and in first place (9-1-2 record) in the NJCAA Region XII women’s soccer regular season standings.

The cost for the Premier Camp is $85 per player. For more information, call (574) 215-5042 or e-mail mary_whisler@owens.edu. Individuals can also visit the College’s website at www.owensexpress.com/camps.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, as well as at the Arrowhead Park Learning Center in Maumee and the Learning Center at The Source in downtown Toledo. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Golf Program Competes in NJCAA National Championship Tournament, May 21-24

Posted on May 15th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College men’s golf program is one step away from being crowned national champions after winning their respective regional tournament. As a result of their postseason success, the Express golf team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Tuesday-Friday, May 21-24.

This marks Owens’ third trip (2005, 2008 and 2013) as a team to the national championship tournament. The Express earned their trip to the nationals by finishing first in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Golf Championships at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, Mich. Owens captured the two-day NJCAA Region XII tournament with an overall score of 884 (299-288-297).

“I am extremely proud of our golf team and their efforts throughout the season,” said Josh Williams, Owens Head Coach of the Express golf program. “This is a great group of student-athletes who have worked very hard from day one and earned the right to compete for a national championship.”

The Express golf team captured 11 match and invitational overall titles during the spring season, highlighted by six first-place finishes in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) to win the conference championship. The program also captured the inaugural OCCAC Ryder Cup Tournament and finished first in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after a round of 310. Owens is ranked No. 3 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Men’s Golf poll.

The NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament will take place at Goose Pond Colony Golf Course in Scottsboro, Ala. A maximum of five players are allowed to compete on a designated intercollegiate team and the no-cut tournament will consist of four rounds beginning at 7 a.m. each day. However, seven Express student-athletes will compete in the individual portion of the championship tournament. Tee times will be set prior to the tournament in accordance with NJCAA rules.

Owens will compete against approximately 20 intercollegiate golf programs and 200 individuals across the country for the NJCAA Division II National Championship team and individual title.

Owens Express golf student-athletes include Luke Berger of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.), Darren Gessner of Okolona (Napoleon H.S), Walter Dorosh of Pinckney, Mich. (Pinckney H.S.), Timothy Dawkins of Big Rapids, Mich. (Big Rapids H.S.), Jason Glass of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Brandon Hoelzer of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Blaze Hogan of Big Rapids, Mich. (Big Rapids H.S.), Alex Roberts of Fostoria (Fostoria H.S.) and Riley Robinson of Monroe, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.).

OwensCommunity CollegeExpress Golf Competes in NJCAA Regional Championships, May 13-14

Posted on May 8th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Express golf begins its postseason run toward a national title as the program competes in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Golf Championships next week. The tournament will take place at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, Mich., Monday-Tuesday, May 13-14.

The Express golf team captured 10 match and invitational overall titles during the spring season, highlighted by six first-place finishes in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) to win the conference championship. The program also captured the inaugural OCCAC Ryder Cup Tournament and finished first in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after a round of 310. Owens is ranked No. 2 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Men’s Golf poll.

Led by first-year Head Coach Josh Williams, Owens will compete against intercollegiate golf programs from around the region in the two-day 36-hole NJCAA Region XII tournament. The program must finish as one of the top two teams to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship, May 21-24. Individuals can also advance to the national championship tournament. Owens has made two trips (2005 and 2008) as a team to the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Owens Express Women’s Softball Competes in NJCAA District G Regional Tournament, May 8-10

Posted on May 7th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s softball team will look to advance to the national championship tournament for the second time in three years as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District G) Women’s Softball Championship later this week. The tournament will occur in Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday-Friday, May 8-10.

Led by Head Coach Duane Lanham, the Express will take a 21-15 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play the winner of the Ancilla College (19-23)/Grand Rapids Community College (33-16) game at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. If they would advance, the Express will play at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. The championship game will occur at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10.

Teams participating in the tournament include Owens Community College, Ancilla College, Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College (32-22), Lansing Community College (29-17) and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (31-14).

Lanham’s team finished the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season with an 8-4 record (second place).

The NJCAA Division II Softball National Championship will take place May 16-18 in Clinton, Miss.

Owens Express Men’s Baseball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, May 8-11

Posted on May 6th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s baseball team will look to advance to its third World Series national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Baseball Championships later this week. The tournament will take place in Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday-Saturday, May 8-11.

Led by Head Coach Devin Taylor, the Express will take a 14-27 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play Jackson Community College (23-15-2) at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. If they would advance, the Express will play the Lakeland Community College (21-12)/Delta College (26-17) winner at 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. The championship game will occur at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.

Teams participating in the tournament include Owens Community College, Jackson Community College, Lakeland Community College, Delta College, Grand Rapids Community College (21-25), Muskegon Community College (32-13), Lake Michigan College (17-23) and Kellogg Community College (30-14).

Taylor’s team finished the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season with a 7-17 (fourth place) overall record.

The NJCAA Division II World Series will take place May 25 – June 1 in Enid, Okla.

Owens Express Baseball Opens Home Season Against Heidelberg University JV, March 15

Posted on March 15th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College men’s baseball will open its 2013 home season against Heidelberg University JV on Friday, March 15. The game will begin at 1:30 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2012 season with a 19-35 overall record and in fourth place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (8-16 record).

Early in the 2012 season, Owens has a compiled a 2-6 overall record following games played in South Carolina. The Owens baseball program is led by first-year Head Coach Devin Taylor. His Assistant Coaches are John Parisho and Zach Tanner.

“We have a great group of student-athletes focused on working hard every day they set foot on the field,” explained Taylor. “Our goal is to continue to improve and ultimately be playing our best baseball at the end of the season.”

The Express has nine players returning from last year’s team, including Ryan Horvath of Madison Heights, Mich. (Lamphere H.S.), Nate Manis of Port Huron, Mich. (Port Huron Northern H.S.) and Dane Davis of Romeo, Mich. (Romeo H.S.).

In 2012, Horvath, a sophomore infielder, was one of three members of the Express lineup to compile at least a .300 batting average. He finished with a .304 batting average and collected 28 runs and 25 RBIs. Manis, a sophomore infielder and outfielder, led the team in stolen bases with 29 and compiled a .262 batting average. Davis is a sophomore pitcher and earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. Last year, he posted a 5-2 record with a 3.21 earned run average.

In addition, Express returning players include Justin Elder of Seven Mile, outfield (Edgewood H.S.); Nick Collins of Chicago, infield (Rich Central H.S.); Logan Shullick of Norwalk, second base/shortstop (Norwalk H.S.); Austin Legate of Strongsville, catcher/third base (Strongsville H.S.); Sean Koerber of Harper Woods, Mich., pitcher (Grosse Pointe North H.S.), and Garrett Scott of Genoa, pitcher/outfield (Genoa H.S.).

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Nolan Rao of Toledo, catcher/second base (Whitmer H.S.); Jordan Hill of Whitby, Canada, pitcher (Sinclair Secondary School); Dominic Bucci of Sarnia, Canada, shortstop/second base (St. Patrick’s Secondary School); Dru Sebastian of Fort Wayne, Ind., pitcher (Blackhawk Christian H.S.); Alex Samson of Orrville, second base/shortstop (Orrville H.S.); Kody McCall of Trenton, outfield (Edgewood H.S.); Anthony Perez of Orrville, third base/pitcher (Orrville H.S.); Nick Morrow of Fairfield, pitcher (Fairfield H.S.); Luke Whelpton of Brandon, Canada, pitcher (Vauxhall H.S.); Ardian Selmani of Sylvania, utility (Southview H.S.); Sam Hackney of Trenton, pitcher (Edgewood H.S.); Benjamin Breymier of Indianapolis, catcher (North Central H.S.); Riaz Baksh of Mississauga, Canada, pitcher/third base/outfield (Mississauga Secondary School); Michael Fry of Bellevue, pitcher (Bellevue H.S.); Nick Street of Rockford, Mich., pitcher (Rockford H.S.), and Austin Cowan of Hendersonville, Tenn., first base/catcher (Station Camp H.S.).

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Muskegon Community College, March 15

Posted on March 13th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2013 home season against Muskegon Community College on Friday, March 15. The first game of the doubleheader will begin at 3:30 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens softball program is guided by Head Coach Duane Lanham. His Assistant Coaches are Kevin Snyder, Sara Fleming and Jeff Smith.

Express women’s softball completed the 2012 season with a 41-7 overall record and captured its 11th Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (8-0 record) title in the program’s history. Owens was ranked No. 12 in the final NJCAA Division II women’s softball regular season poll.

Early in the 2012 season, Owens has compiled a 5-5 overall record following games played in South Carolina. The Express is ranked No. 19 in the initial NJCAA Division II women’s softball regular season poll.

“Our team is extremely young, especially the pitching staff,” explained Lanham. “However, we have a great group of veteran and freshmen student-athletes that are committed to putting forth the time and effort needed to get better each and every day. I expect our team to be competitive within the conference and be in the hunt for a regular season title and beyond.”

Owens has eight players returning from last year’s team, including Mareshah Scott of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Melanie Iacoangeli of Monroe, Mich. (Ida H.S.) and Katie Butler of Maumee (Maumee H.S.).

In 2012, Scott, a sophomore centerfielder, earned First Team All-OCCAC honors and was named the team’s Heart of the Champion recipient. She was second on the team with a .458 batting average and collected 50 runs and 33 stolen bases. Iacoangeli is a sophomore outfielder and second baseman and earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors last season. Her postseason honors also included First Team All-OCCAC and First Team All-Region XII selection and the team’s Offensive Player of the Year award. Iacoangeli led the team and finished 11th in the nation in hitting with a .538 batting average. She also scored 49 runs and stole a team-high 66 bases. Last year, Butler, a sophomore first baseman, collected 34 hits and 23 RBIs as well as a .291 batting average.

Returning sophomore student-athletes to the Owens team also include Olivia Reeder of Martin, catcher (Genoa H.S.); Amanda Sinay of Oregon, outfield (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); April DeCant of Delta, second base (Liberty Center H.S.); Alyssa Lassey of Ida, Mich., shortstop (Ida H.S.), and Jaylee Glad of Temperance, Mich., outfield (Ida H.S.).

Express first-year players to the women’s softball program are Kellsie Cousino of Erie, Mich., catcher/utility (Mason H.S.); Jolene Sauter of Blissfield, Mich., pitcher (Blissfield H.S.); Emily Rockman of Holland, first base/catcher (Springfield H.S.); Katilyn Turski of Toledo, pitcher/first base (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Hannah Shank of Van Buren, second base (North Baltimore H.S.); Sydney Cherry of Ida, Mich., third base (Ida H.S.); Taylor Miller of Toledo, outfield (Mason H.S.); Tyniesha Wilson of Perrysburg, outfield (Perrysburg H.S.), and Molly Gast of Toledo, first base/pitcher (Southview H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Basketball Programs Advance to NJCAA National Championship Tournaments, March 19-23

Posted on March 13th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams are a few steps away from being crowned national champions after winning their respective district tournaments. As a result of their postseason success, the Express basketball programs will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Tuesday-Saturday, March 19-23.

This marks the third occasion in which both programs have earned national tournament berths in the same year. The Express teams also accomplished the feat during the 1998-99 and 2002-03 seasons.

The Owens men’s basketball team, led by David Clarke, brings a 24-8 overall record into the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament, which is taking place in Danville, Ill. Owens advanced to the national tournament by winning the NJCAA Region XII (District 11) Championship in Cincinnati. The Express were victorious over Lakeland Community College 99-84 in the championship game.

Owens earned its eighth berth in the national championship tournament. The men’s basketball program captured NJCAA national championships during the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons and finished national runner-up in 1993-94. The Express’ most recent tournament appearance occurred during the 2002-03 season.

During the regular season, Clarke’s team finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (10-2 record).

Express men’s basketball will play Iowa Lakes Community College (Estherville, Iowa) in their first game of the double elimination national tournament at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Mott Community College/Central Community College-Columbus game at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. The national championship game will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

Sixteen men’s basketball teams are competing in the national tournament. Participating teams include Mott Community College (29-3), Monroe Community College (29-3), Louisburg College (32-1), Rend Lake College (26-3), South Suburban College (30-3), Brown Mackie College (26-5), Moraine Valley Community College (28-5), Owens Community College (24-8), Essex County College (25-6), Grand Rapids Community College (21-8), Iowa Lakes Community College (26-6), Phoenix College (20-12), Cecil College (16-14), Central Community College-Columbus (19-13), Howard Community College (16-12) and MCC-Penn Valley (22-11).

The Express women’s basketball team earned their trip to the nationals by winning the NJCAA Region XII (District I) Championship in Cincinnati. Owens defeated Cincinnati State Technical and Community College 69-65 in the championship game to advance to the national tournament in East Peoria, Ill.

This marks Owens’ fifth trip to the national championship tournament. The Express’ previous appearances included the 1997-98 (seventh place), 1998-99 (eighth place), 2002-03 (sixth place) and 2003-04 (ninth place) seasons.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, Owens’ overall record now stands at 25-7. Earlier this year, the Express captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (10-2 record) since the 2010-11 campaign. Owens is ranked No. 9 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

Owens will play Community College of Rhode Island (Providence, R.I.) in their first game of the double elimination national tournament at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Louisburg College/Erie Community College game at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. The national championship game will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

The 16 teams competing in the national tournament include Mesa Community College (24-6), Louisburg College (28-3), Illinois Central College (29-3), St. Clair County Community College (30-1), Lake Michigan College (25-6), Highland Community College (27-5), Owens Community College (25-7), Iowa Central Community College (24-8), Monroe College (22-7), Community College of Rhode Island (24-5), Chesapeake College (22-1), South Suburban College (21-12), Elgin Community College (26-6), St. Louis Community College (19-9), Erie Community College (21-5) and North Platte Community College (15-14).

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA District I Regional Tournament, March 8-9

Posted on March 7th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District I) Women’s Basketball Championship, March 8-9.

The semifinals and finals will take place at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Cincinnati.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express will take a 23-7 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will play Sinclair Community College (16-11) in semifinal action at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 8. If they would advance, the Express would play at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 in the championship game.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Edison State Community College (17-6) and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (24-6).

This season, Owens captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (10-2 record) since the 2010-11 campaign. The Express is ranked No. 9 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship will take place March 19-23 in East Peoria, Ill.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA District 11 Regional Tournament, March 8-9

Posted on March 6th, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District 11) Men’s Basketball Championship this week, March 8-9.

The semifinals and finals will take place at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Cincinnati.

Led by Head Coach David Clarke, the Express will take a 22-8 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will play Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (21-8) in semifinal action at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 8. If they would advance, the Express would play at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 in the championship game.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Cuyahoga Community College (13-15) and Lakeland Community College (23-5).

In addition, Clark’s team finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (10-2 record).

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship will take place March 19-23 in Danville, Ill.

Owens Express Golf Opens Season at Myrtle Beach Invite, March 5-7

Posted on February 21st, 2013

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College golf will make its 2013 season debut at the MGM Sports National Invitational, March 5-7. The non-conference invitational will take place at the Barefoot Resort and Golf in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Express will compete against St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Elizabethtown College and Marywood University.

Owens’ home intercollegiate golf events will occur at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg.

Owens’ golf program is guided by first-year Head Coach Josh Williams. Express Assistant Coaches are Chris Hummer and Ryan Brown. The Express golf team captured and/or finished tied for four match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after a round of 316 at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed fourth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

“I am extremely pleased with the progress that this team has made since the start of the year,” said Williams. “We have a great group of student-athletes who push each other to get better every day. They want to succeed and become a championship-caliber team.”

The golf program has three players returning from last year’s team, including Luke Berger of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.), Darren Gessner of Okolona (Napoleon H.S) and Walter Dorosh of Pinckney, Mich. (Pinckney H.S.).

In 2012, Berger, a sophomore, finished tied for 32nd at the NJCAA Division II National Championships after shooting a total score of 305 (77-74-79-75) over four rounds. His postseason honors included First Team OCCAC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII Team. Berger, also an OCCAC All-Academic selection, compiled a 78 scoring average. Gessner is a sophomore and earned Second Team OCCAC All-Conference honors. He compiled a 77 scoring average last year. Also a sophomore, Dorosh compiled a 79 scoring average for the Express.

First-year players to the Express golf program are Timothy Dawkins of Big Rapids, Mich. (Big Rapids H.S.), Jason Glass of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Brandon Hoelzer of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Blaze Hogan of Big Rapids, Mich. (Big Rapids H.S.), Alex Roberts of Fostoria (Fostoria H.S.) and Riley Robinson of Monroe, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.).

Owens Board of Trustees Honors Express Volleyball Team

Posted on January 2nd, 2013

Owens officials and volleyball team members pose for a photo after being honored at the College’s Board of Trustees meeting.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College’s Board of Trustees recently honored the Express women’s volleyball team for exhibiting leadership, teamwork and excellence during their highly successful 2012 season. Team members were recognized for their achievements at the College’s Board of Trustees meeting.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the Owens Community College Board of Trustees,” said Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics. “Our student-athletes would not be able to realize their full potential, both in competition and in the classroom, if not for the support of our Board of Trustees and our outstanding administration. For that, we are truly grateful.”

The Express women’s volleyball team recently completed one of its most successful seasons in program history finishing fourth among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. Owens served as the host site for the national tournament.

Owens totaled two victories and two loses during the three-day double elimination consolation tournament. Tournament wins came againstKirkwood Community College and Iowa Central Community College. The Express’ tournament loses were to Cowley County Community College and Parkland College. This was Owens’ third trip to the NJCAA Division II National championship tournament and their best finish in program history at this level, besting the 2003 team’s fifth place finish. Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Express women’s volleyball completed the 2012 season with a 37-11 overall record and captured its 12th Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship in the last 13 years. Coach Lewis’ squad finished 12-0 in the OCCAC regular season standings and was ranked No. 17 in the latest NJCAA Division II national volleyball regular season poll.

Team members are Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse, setter (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Alyssa Meis of Curtice, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.); Brandi Schimming of Martin, defensive specialist (Genoa H.S.); Kennedy Geyman of Monroe, Mich., defensive specialist/outside hitter (Jefferson H.S.); Tiffani Hobbs of Toledo, rightside hitter (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Kenzie Kleinhenz of St. Henry, rightside hitter (St. Henry H.S.); Dakia Sellers of Mansfield, outside hitter/middle blocker (Madison H.S.); Jazmine Thomas of Lima, middle blocker (Lima Senior H.S.); Lisa Urbanski of Toledo, defensive specialist (Notre Dame Academy); Bailey Windham of Monroe, Mich., setter (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), and Dominique Yates of Toledo, middle blocker/outside hitter (Bowsher H.S.).

The College’s Board of Trustees is comprised of six community leaders from Lucas, Wood, Hancock and Sandusky counties who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio. Owens Board of Trustees members include Diana H. (Dee) Talmage of Ottawa Hills, H. Richard Rowe of Findlay, Dr. Ronald A. McMaster of Perrysburg, Edwin J. Nagle of Toledo, William E. Takacs of Toledo and Thomas R. Uhler of Rossford.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Program Finishes Fourth in NJCAA National Championship Tournament

Posted on November 19th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball team recently completed one of its most successful seasons in program history finishing fourth among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. Owens served as the host site for the national tournament.

“I am extremely proud of our Owens Community College Express volleyball team,” said Owens Express Head Coach Sonny Lewis. “We had a great year, which is a direct reflection on this team. This is one of the best groups of student-athletes I have ever coached. Team was first and foremost on their mind whenever they set foot on the volleyball court. They have represented Owens Community College with dignity and class and should proud of their very successful season.”

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Owens Community College Express Women’s Volleyball Program Advances to NJCAA Division II National Tournament, Nov. 15-17

Posted on November 8th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College’s volleyball program is one step away from being crowned national champions after winning the NJCAA Region XII District E Women’s Championship. As a result of their postseason success, the Express women’s volleyball team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 15-17. Owens is serving as the host site for the national tournament.

This marks Owens’ third trip to the NJCAA Division II National championship tournament. Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The Express earned their trip to nationals by winning the regional title at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Owens defeated Columbus State Community College (25-13, 20-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-10) in the championship match to advance to the national tournament.

Led by Express Head Coach Sonny Lewis, the volleyball program’s overall record now stands at 35-9. In late October, the Express women’s volleyball team captured the outright Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship with a victory over Columbus State. Owens has won 12 out of the last 13 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 12-0 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 17 in the latest NJCAA Division II national volleyball regular season poll.

This marks the second consecutive year that Owens will host the national championship tournament. The College has hosted the national championship tournament on eight previous occasions. In addition to last year, Owens served as the host site for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament from 2001-04 and the NJCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament from 1998-2000.

The top 16 NJCAA Division II teams from across the country will compete in the double elimination consolation tournament. All matches will occur in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Tournament competition in the 16-team event begins on Thursday, Nov. 15, with first round matches taking place at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The second round will begin at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. On Friday, Nov. 16, the national volleyball tournament continues with losers’ bracket and national semifinal matches at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, Nov. 17, with consolation bracket matches at 12 p.m. followed by the fifth place match at 2:30 p.m., the third place match at 4:30 p.m. and national championship match at 6:30 p.m.

Owens will play Kirkwood Community College in their first match of the national tournament at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Iowa Central Community College/Monroe College match at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The list of 16 teams competing in the tournament are Cowley County Community College, Arkansas City, Kan. (35-0); Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Mich. (35-1); Parkland College, Champaign, Ill. (42-7); Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, Iowa (34-10); Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (37-8); Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, Ill. (35-0); Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz. (19-10); Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, Ill. (31-7); Kansas City Community College, Kansas City, Kan. (30-6); Kishwaukee Community College, Malta, Ill. (30-13); Central Community College, Columbus, Neb. (30-10); Owens Community College, Toledo, Ohio (35-9); Monroe College, New Rochelle, N.Y. (35-5); Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory, N.C. (34-0); Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown, Md. (24-3), and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Miami, Okla. (17-7).

Express volleyball team members include Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse, setter (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Alyssa Meis of Curtice, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.); Brandi Schimming of Martin, defensive specialist (Genoa H.S.); Kennedy Geyman of Monroe, Mich., defensive specialist/outside hitter (Jefferson H.S.); Tiffani Hobbs of Toledo, rightside hitter (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Kenzie Kleinhenz of St. Henry, rightside hitter (St. Henry H.S.); Dakia Sellers of Mansfield, outside hitter/middle blocker (Madison H.S.); Jazmine Thomas of Lima, middle blocker (Lima Senior H.S.); Lisa Urbanski of Toledo, defensive specialist (Notre Dame Academy); Bailey Windham of Monroe, Mich., setter (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), and Dominique Yates of Toledo, middle blocker/outside hitter (Bowsher H.S.).

Tickets for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Tournament are $15 (day tournament pass) and $35 (three-day tournament pass). Children under 12 are $5 per day. For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Opens Season Against Henry Ford Community College, Nov. 7

Posted on October 31st, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College women’s basketball will look to continue its longstanding tradition of excellence as the Express open its 2012-13 campaign against Henry Ford Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 7. The season opener will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is led by ninth-year Head Coach Michael Llanas. Last year, Llanas led the Express to a 25-6 overall record and in second place (10-2) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) standings. Owens, which was ranked No. 7 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll, lost to Sinclair Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

All home games are held at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“The coaching staff is excited about the upcoming season,” Llanas said. “We return a great group of veterans from a year ago and have added a very talented incoming class of first-year student-athletes. Depth, size and speed will be strengths to this year’s team. However, we have to be focused on getting better each and every day we set foot on the basketball court. If we can do that, a very successful season is good possibility.”

The Express have six players returning from last year’s team, including Emma Ricketts of Waterville (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Uniqua Mitchell of Detroit (Martin Luther King H.S.) and Mackenzie Heacock of Arlington (Arlington H.S.). Last year, Ricketts was an OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selection. The sophomore forward was second on the team in scoring with a 13.1 points per game average. Ricketts also averaged 6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Mitchell is a sophomore guard and averaged 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3 assists per game for the Express last season. Her postseason honors included OCCAC All-Conference Second Team. During the 2011-12 season, Heacock averaged 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. The sophomore guard was named the team’s co-recipient of the Mark Henry Award.

Also returning to Owens are Danielle Bezeau of Swanton (Swanton H.S.), Karahn Scott of Toledo (Scott H.S.) and Bailee Adams of Genoa (Genoa H.S.). A sophomore guard, Bezeau averaged 3.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game for the Express. Scott is a sophomore forward and averaged 7.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Additionally, she was named the team’s Most Improved Player. Adams is a sophomore forward and averaged 1.9 points and 2 rebounds for the women’s basketball program last year. Her postseason honors included being named the co-recipient of the Mark Henry Award.

First-year players to the Express women’s basketball program are Jordyn Bond of Romulus, Mich., guard/forward (Romulus H.S.); Nandi Taylor of Mt. Morris, Mich., point guard (Hamady H.S.); Kamilah Carter of Ann Arbor, Mich., point guard (Pioneer H.S.); Eboni Adams of Cleveland, guard (Maple Heights H.S.); Taylor Marks of Flint, Mich., guard/forward (Beecher H.S.); Breonna House of Pontiac, Mich., guard (Pontiac H.S.); Meshia Smith of Pontiac, Mich., forward (Pontiac H.S.), and Malaysha Cammon of Dearborn, Mich., center (Divine Child H.S.).

Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Nov. 2-4

Posted on October 31st, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball team will look to advance to their eighth national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII District E Women’s Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday-Sunday, Nov. 2-4.

Coached by Sonny Lewis, the Express will take a 31-9 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play against the Schoolcraft College (19-13)/Oakland Community College (21-8) winner at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3 in semifinal action. If they would advance, the Express will play in the winner’s bracket finals at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. The championship match will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4.

Teams participating in the tournament include Owens, Schoolcraft, Oakland, Macomb Community College (10-16), Columbus State Community College (24-7-1), St. Clair County Community College (17-18) and Mott Community College (19-3).

On Friday (Oct. 26), the Express women’s volleyball team captured the outright Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship with a victory over Columbus State Community College (25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 25-21). Owens has won 12 out of the last 13 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 12-0 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 17 in the latest NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

Owens will serve as host to the upcoming NJCAA Division II National Championship, which will take place Nov. 15-17 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Basketball Opens Season Against Morton College, Nov. 2

Posted on October 30th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College men’s basketball will begin its 2012-13 campaign with a season-opening contest against Morton College at the Triton College Tournament in River Grove, Ill. on Friday, Nov. 2. The game will begin at 6 p.m.

The Express will open its home season against Lorain County Community College on Tuesday, Nov. 6. The start time is 7:30 p.m. Home games will occur in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens men’s basketball program is led by second-year Head Coach David Clarke. His Assistant Coaches are Keith Raine and Carl Thomas. Owens finished the 2011-12 season with a 24-8 overall record and a 9-3 mark (second place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. The Express lost to Lakeland Community College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“Expectations are high for this year,” stated Clarke. “We have a great group of veterans and an extremely talented group of incoming freshmen that are playing very well as a team during the preseason. Our depth is a huge advantage as we expect to use a lot of players off the bench. The men’s basketball student-athletes and coaches are really looking forward to beginning the season and competing for a conference title and a possible trip to the national championship tournament.”

Owens has five returning players, including Justin Edmonds of Albion, Mich. (Albion H.S.), James Kelly of Ann Arbor, Mich. (Pioneer H.S.) and Jay Marquette of Rossford (Central Catholic H.S.). During the 2011-12 season, Edmonds earned NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors. The sophomore guard averaged 18.8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for the Express. Kelly, a sophomore forward, averaged 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks during the season. Additionally, he was an OCCAC All-Conference Second Team selection. Marquette is a sophomore guard and averaged 5.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists last year.

Clarke’s team also includes returning sophomores Franklin Lindsey of Toledo, guard (Whitmer H.S.) at 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game and Kelvin Clark of Chicago, guard (Bogan H.S.) at 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

First-year players at Owens are Andy Bachman of Fort Wayne, Ind., small forward (North Side H.S.); Javon Rice of Dayton, point guard (Dunbar H.S.); Markese Allen of Detroit, point guard (Crockett H.S.); Cody Begley of Tekonsha, Mich., guard (Tekonsha H.S.); Joe Retic II of Fishers, Ind., point guard (Fishers H.S.); Tony Boykins of Kalamazoo, Mich., guard (Loy Norrix H.S.); Reneillio Morrison of Kingston, Jamaica, forward/center (Florida State University H.S.); Darius Washington of Toledo, forward/center (Start H.S.), and Chris Wilson of Danville, Ill., forward (Start H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Women’s Soccer Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Oct. 27-28

Posted on October 25th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s soccer team will make its second trip to the postseason as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Soccer Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Jackson Community College in Jackson, Mich., Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 27-28.

Led by second-year Head Coach Mary Whisler, the Express will take a 12-2-3 overall record into the four-team single elimination tournament where they will play Muskegon CC (5-6-2) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. If they would advance, the Express will play the Schoolcraft College (13-4-2)/Delta College (10-5) winner at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28 in the championship match.

Whisler’s team finished in first place (9-1-2 record) in the final NJCAA Region XII women’s soccer regular season standings. The Express is ranked No. 14 in the latest NJCAA Division I women’s soccer regular season national poll.

The NJCAA Division I National Championship will be held Nov. 12-17 in Melbourne, Fla.

Owens Express Men’s Soccer Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Oct. 24-28

Posted on October 25th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College men’s soccer team will look to advance to their first national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Soccer Championship at Grand Haven High School in Grand Haven, Mich., Oct. 24-28.

Coached by Art Johnson, the Express will take a 14-5-1 overall record into the six-team single elimination tournament where they will play the Ancilla College (3-8-3)/Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (13-5-1) winner at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. The championship match will occur at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Teams participating in the regional tournament include Owens Community College, Ancilla College, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Schoolcraft College (14-2-1), Muskegon Community College (10-7-1) and Jackson Community College (8-7-2).

If they should win, the Express will host the NJCAA Region XX champion for the District North Central title and right to advance on to the NJCAA Division I national tournament. The championship match would occur on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Johnson’s team recently captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (5-1 record) regular season championship in program history.

The NJCAA Division I National Championship will be held Nov. 12-17 in Albany, Ga.

Owens Community College to Host NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Tournament, Nov. 15-17

Posted on October 2nd, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The top 16 community college volleyball teams from across the country will once again converge on Northwest Ohio this fall as Owens Community College serves as host venue for the 2012 NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament, Nov. 15-17.

Sixteen NJCAA Division II teams from across the country will compete in the double elimination consolation tournament. All matches will occur in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

In addition to serving as host, the Owens women’s volleyball team will look to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament. The Express has participated in two Division II and five Division III national tournaments. Owens finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The 2012 edition of the women’s volleyball program has amassed a record of 20-5 and is 8-0 (first place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Lead by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, the Express is ranked No. 5 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball national poll.

Owens Community College Names New Express Men’s Golf Head Coach

Posted on August 27th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College has named Assistant Coach Josh Williams to the position of Head Coach for the Express men’s golf program. Williams becomes the third Head Coach in program history and succeeds Gil Guerrero, who retired after coaching the program for the past six years.

“Coach Williams really stepped up and took on a number of added responsibilities last year with the men’s golf program,” stated Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics. “I was impressed with his work ethic, knowledge, concern for his student-athletes and love for Owens Community College. He is incredibly well respected by his peers within the conference and local golf community, and I am truly excited to see him lead the program.”

Williams has been part of the Express men’s golf program since its inception. From 2005-07, he was a student-athlete in the program, and he has been an Assistant Coach for the past five years. In those seven years, the program has sent either an individual or the team to the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament on five occasions.

“That goes to show you the quality of players and young men that have came through this golf program over the years,” Williams said. “I look forward to bringing more success to the already rich tradition of achievements of the Express men’s golf program. I can assure you that I will bring more quality players to represent, not only the golf program, but Owens Community College.”

Last year, the Express golf team captured and/or finished tied for four match and invitational titles, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after a round of 316 at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed fourth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

During his two years as a student-athlete, Williams was a First Team All-OCCAC selection, an NJCAA Division II Sub-Regional Medalist, a team captain, a Coaches Award recipient and was a member of the 2005-06 NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament qualifying team, where he finished 114th individually. Williams still holds the program record for lowest nine hole score (30).

Additionally, Williams played four years of basketball, golf and track, along with one year of football at Arcadia High School. He is a member of the Arcadia High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Perrysburg resident serves as the Vice President of Operations at Lakeland Golf Course in Fostoria, and he also teaches golf lessons at Maumee Sports Mall. For the past six years, Williams has taught classes as an Adjunct Instructor for Owens. He is currently working towards a degree in sport management and athletic administration from Ashford University.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Soccer Opens Season Against Cincinnati State, Aug. 25

Posted on August 24th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College men’s soccer will look to contend for its first-ever conference title by opening the 2012 schedule at home against Cincinnati State Technical and Community College on Saturday, Aug. 25. The match will begin at 1 p.m.

All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Owens men’s soccer program is led by Head Coach Art Johnson. Johnson’s Assistant Coach is Dave Prediger. In 2011, the Express finished with a 13-8 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in third place (10-6 record) in the NJCAA Region XII men’s soccer regular season standings. The Express lost to Jackson Community College in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“We have a great group of student-athletes representing the Express men’s soccer program,” stated Johnson. “They are a very cohesive group that plays together. We are also very balanced on both sides of the field. Our schedule is extremely difficult with tough non-conference opponents. We will need to play at a very high level in every match. I expect our team to be in the hunt for a championship and much more.”

The Express has seven players returning to the roster. Among the second-year players on Johnson’s squad are Nickyle Webber of Trelawny, Jamaica (Cornwall College), Novak Vuk Janicic of Belgrade, Serbia (Electro Tehnicka School) and Blake Niemiec of Bowling Green (Otsego H.S.). In 2011, Webber earned team Most Valuable Player honors and was an OCCAC All-Conference First Team and an NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team selection. The sophomore midfielder totaled 11 goals and 27 points. Vuk Janicic is a sophomore forward and was named the team’s Offensive Most Valuable Player and OCCAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year. His postseason honors also included OCCAC All-Conference First Team and NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team. Vuk Janicic led the team with 14 goals and 37 points. Niemiec, a sophomore defender, was named the team’s Most Improved Player recipient. He totaled one point for the Express.

Also returning to the Express program are Juavanie Cole of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Coconut Creek H.S.), Glenroy Miller of Newark, N.J. (St. James H.S.), David Ortega-Gonzalez of Madrid, Spain (Nazaret Oporto College) and Chris Kervick of Waterford, Ireland (De La Salle College). Last year, Cole, a sophomore midfielder, totaled six assists and 12 points. His postseason honors included OCCAC All-Conference Second Team. Miller, a sophomore forward, totaled 16 goals and 37 points for the Express in 2010. Ortega-Gonzalez was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection last year. The sophomore midfielder totaled three points. Kervick, a sophomore defender, recorded five goals and 13 points for the Express in 2011.

First-year players to the Express men’s soccer program are Josh Kleinow of Holt, Mich., goalie (Haslett H.S.); Jacob Martin of Maumee, midfielder (St. John’s Jesuit H.S.); Odaine Edwards of Colorado Springs, Colo., defender (Cornwall College); Vijay Gentles of Tamarac, Fla., midfielder (Cedric Titus H.S.); Brandon Cruz of Mentor, defender (Lake Catholic H.S.); Virgil Garcia of Holland, midfielder (Toledo Christian School); Piet-Lennart Louwes of Sycamore, midfielder (Upper Sandusky H.S.); Troy Watson of Toronto, Canada, midfielder (Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School); Abraham Adoure-Zehaim of Maumee, defender (Springfield H.S.); Bryant Philo of Millbury, defender (Lake H.S.); Derrick Skillman of Upper Sandusky, forward (Upper Sandusky H.S.); Osvaldo Paredes of Pemberville, midfielder (Eastwood H.S.); Nate Seeman of Maumee, defender (Springfield H.S.); Tyler Kortokrax of Kalida, defender (Kalida H.S.); Jeffery Harding of Howell, Mich., goalie/midfielder (Howell H.S.), and Caleb Vespi of Pemberville, defender (Eastwood H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Women’s Soccer Opens Season Against Cincinnati State, Aug. 25

Posted on August 15th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College women’s soccer will make its 2012 season debut as the Express hosts Cincinnati State Technical and Community College on Saturday, Aug. 25. The season opener will start at 3 p.m.

All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

“Our team is really looking forward to the start of the regular season,” said Mary Whisler, Owens Head Coach of the women’s soccer program. “We had a very successful season last year as a new Owens intercollegiate athletic program. I really believe we can build on that success. We have a very talented incoming class of freshmen to complement our veteran returners. I expect our team to be in the hunt for a regional title and much more.”

The 2011 season marked the first as an intercollegiate program for Owens women’s soccer. The Express finished with a 12-8 overall record and in fourth place (5-5 record) in the NJCAA Region XII women’s soccer regular season standings. Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Owens has five student-athletes returning from last year’s team. Among the second-year players on Whisler’s squad are Kendra Eitniear of Swanton (Swanton H.S.) and Haley Gasser of Sylvania (Sylvania Northview H.S.). In 2011, Eitniear earned NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team honors. The sophomore forward totaled 21 goals and eight assists. Gasser is a sophomore midfielder and was named the team’s Coaches Award recipient. She recorded seven goals and led the team with 15 assists.

Also returning to the Express program are Sarah Weaver of Castalia (Margaretta H.S.), Jaime Sesock of Davisburg, Mich. (Holly H.S.) and Kristina-Marie Rutherford of Norton (Norton H.S.). Last year, Weaver, a sophomore forward/midfielder, recorded three goals and six assists. Sesock is a sophomore midfielder for the Express and totaled four goals and four assists. Rutherford, a sophomore defender/sweeper, tallied three goals and six assists for women’s soccer during the 2011 season.

First-year players to the Express women’s soccer program are Tayler Redinger of Fremont, goalkeeper (Fremont Ross H.S.); Erika Brinkman of Cloverdale, goalkeeper (Kalida H.S.); Jill Burkholder of Bryan, midfield (Bryan H.S.); Tara Preble of Millbury, defense (Lake H.S.); Haley Kreger of Temperance, Mich., midfield (Bedford H.S.); Taylor Avers of Gibsonburg, forward (Woodmore H.S.); Marissa Ramirez of Northwood, defense (Northwood H.S.); Samantha Starkey of Bowling Green, midfield/defense (Eastwood H.S.); Melanie Gregory of Northwood, defense (Genoa H.S.); Elizabeth Theaker of Maumee, defense (Maumee H.S.); Drew Plummer of Walbridge, forward (Lake H.S.), and Jessica Grindle of Northwood, forward/midfield (Northwood H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Opens Season at Lansing Tournament, Aug. 24-25

Posted on August 9th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball program will open its 2012 season with a tournament, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 24-25 at Lansing Community College in Lansing, Mich.

The Owens volleyball program is led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis. Last year, Lewis led the Express to 45 wins. Lewis’ Assistant Coaches are Denny Caldwell and Angie Parisho.

The Express will open its home campaign by hosting the Owens Express Invitational, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2. All home matches are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The women’s volleyball program ended their 2011 season with a 45-5 overall record and finished 12-0 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has won 11 out of the last 12 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 4 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. The Express lost to Oakland Community College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“This year’s Owens Express volleyball team is extremely young as we have eight incoming freshman on the roster and only three returning veterans from last year’s team,” said Lewis “I am very happy with our progress during the preseason. We are getting better every day. The veterans are showing a lot of leadership and the freshmen are quick learners. I expect our team to once again be in the hunt for a conference title. We have to remain focused and work together in order to accomplish our goals.”

The Express have three players returning from last season’s team, including OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.). In 2011, the sophomore setter was second on the team with 828 assists. The team’s Most Improved Player Award recipient, Hilfinger also recorded 45 aces and 281 digs.

Lewis’ squad also returns Alyssa Meis of Curtice (Genoa H.S.) and Brandi Schimming of Martin (Genoa H.S.). Meis, a sophomore outside hitter, recorded 163 kills, 73 digs and 49 blocks. Additionally, Meis earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. Schimming is a sophomore defensive specialist and recorded 8 aces and 77 digs for the Express in 2011.

First-year players to the women’s volleyball program are Kennedy Geyman of Monroe, Mich., defensive specialist/outside hitter (Jefferson H.S.); Tiffani Hobbs of Toledo, rightside hitter (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Kenzie Kleinhenz of St. Henry, rightside hitter (St. Henry H.S.); Dakia Sellers of Mansfield, outside hitter/middle blocker (Madison H.S.); Jazmine Thomas of Lima, middle blocker (Lima Senior H.S.); Lisa Urbanski of Toledo, defensive specialist (Notre Dame Academy); Bailey Windham of Monroe, Mich., setter (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), and Dominique Yates of Toledo, middle blocker/outside hitter (Bowsher H.S.).

Owens Community College Presents Annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble, Aug. 18

Posted on August 6th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf to benefit men’s golf student-athletes and the intercollegiate program as Owens Community College presents its annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. The event will occur on Saturday, Aug. 18.

Coordinated by the Owens men’s golf program, the golf outing will be held at Spuyten Duyval Golf Club in Sylvania. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch and an awards program.

The four-person golf scramble competition will begin at 8 a.m. Owens’ event will conclude with participants recalling their golfing experience during a short awards program, which will recognize the top foursome, as well as the longest drive, putting and closest to the pin contests.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble by entering a team. The entry fee is $75 per player and all proceeds from the event will benefit the intercollegiate athletic men’s golf program.

The Express golf team captured and/or finished tied for four match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after a round of 316 at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed fourth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship. The men’s golf program is led by first-year Head Coach Josh Williams.

Space is limited. Individuals must register prior to the date of the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. For more information, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Community College Student-Athletes Receive NJCAA Academic Award Honors

Posted on August 2nd, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Five Owens Community College student-athletes have been selected to receive 2011-12 Academic Student-Athlete Award honors by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Sean Kaighin of Oregon (men’s soccer), Chris Ward of Brunswick (men’s baseball), Kasey Graham of Oregon (women’s softball), Conor Totzke of Liberty Center (men’s golf) and Hallie Thompson of Oregon (women’s softball) were named NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Award recipients.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our student-athletes and honored to recognize them for their success as scholars within the classroom,” said Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics.

Honored Express student-athletes are Kaighin, an NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.91 grade point average (adolescence education) (2 goals and 1 assist for the season) (Clay H.S. graduate); Ward, an NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.75 grade point average (accounting) (2-3 record and 3.95 earned run average for the season) (Brunswick H.S. graduate); Graham, an NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.73 grade point average (multi-age education) (13-1 record and 2.12 earned run average for the season) (Clay H.S. graduate); Totzke, an NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.65 grade point average (pre-business administration) (80.5 scoring average for the season) (Liberty Center H.S. graduate), and Thompson, an NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.62 grade point average (early childhood education) (.349 batting average, 6 triples and 21 RBIs for the season) (Clay H.S. graduate).

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving between 3.60-3.79 grade point average for NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement honors, 3.80-3.99 grade point average for NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement honors and a 4.0 grade point average for NJCAA Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence honors.

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Owens Community College to Host Ohio/Michigan High School Basketball Border Battle, July 31

Posted on July 26th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Over 200 of the best high school girls basketball student-athletes from Ohio and Michigan will converge on Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center to showcase their talents as the Express women’s basketball program serves as host to the nationally recognized Ohio/Michigan High School Basketball Border Battle on Tuesday, July 31.

The NCAA certified basketball event will occur from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The basketball games are open to the public.

The first games of the morning session will begin at 9 a.m., while the afternoon session starts at 2 p.m. Over 200 college basketball coaches are expected to be in attendance.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express women’s basketball team finished the 2011-12 campaign with a 25-6 overall record and in second place (10-2) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference standings. Owens, which was ranked No. 7 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll, lost to Sinclair Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The cost to attend the basketball event is $5. For more information, call (419) 654-0977.

Owens Express Student-Athletes Named OCCAC 2011-12 Academic All-Conference

Posted on July 9th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Twenty-three Owens Community College student-athletes have received Academic All-Conference honors by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) in recognition of their scholarly achievements for the 2011-12 academic year.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud to honor and recognize these student-athletes for exhibiting academic excellence within the classroom,” said Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics.

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average.

Owens has been a member of the OCCAC since 1987. The other member schools comprising the OCCAC are Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Edison State Community College, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College and Sinclair Community College.

Student-athletes receiving OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors include:

Dane Davis of Romeo, Mich. (pre-business administration), a Romeo H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.63 grade point average.
Jeff Davis of Toledo (associate of science, general concentration), a St. Francis de Sales H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.54 grade point average.
Adam Jones of Columbus, Ind. (exercise science), a Columbus North H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.87 grade point average.
Alex Juday of Elwood, Ind. (history), an Elwood H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.77 grade point average.
Trevor Ozenbaugh of Elwood, Ind. (associate of arts, general concentration), an Elwood H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.73 grade point average.
Chris Ward of Brunswick (accounting), a Brunswick H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.75 grade point average.
Luke Berger of Temperance, Mich. (pre-business administration), a Bedford H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.5 grade point average.
Conor Totzke of Liberty Center (pre-business administration), a Liberty Center H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.65 grade point average.
Sean Kaighin of Oregon (education), a Clay H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.91 grade point average.
David Ortega-Gonzalez of Madrid, Spain (undeclared), a Nazaret Oporto College graduate (men’s soccer) with a 4.0 grade point average.
Nikoy Wallace of Lauderhill, Fla. (diesel technology), an Anchovy H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.37 grade point average.
Ellie Riser of Fostoria (pre-medical imaging technology), a St. Wendelin Catholic H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.69 grade point average.
Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse (pre-nursing), an Anthony Wayne H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.74 grade point average.
Alyssa Meis of Curtice (exercise science), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.5 grade point average.
April DeCant of Delta (pre-physical therapist assistant), a Liberty Center H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.9 grade point average.
Jaylee Glad of Temperance, Mich. (pre-nursing), an Ida H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.69 grade point average.
Melanie Iacoangeli of Monroe, Mich. (pre-business administration), an Ida H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.9 grade point average.
Hannah Morrison of Curtice (pre-medical imaging technology), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.47 grade point average.
Olivia Reeder of Martin (multi-age education), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.31 grade point average.
Amanda Sinay of Oregon (accounting), a Cardinal Stritch H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.74 grade point average.
Ashlyn Michalak of Temperance, Mich. (pre-business administration), a Springfield H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.45 grade point average.
Kasey Graham of Oregon (multi-age education), a Clay H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.73 grade point average.
Hallie Thompson of Oregon (early childhood education), a Clay H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.62 grade point average.

Owens Express Golf to Hold Open Tryouts, June 18-20

Posted on June 12th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate golf at Owens Community College are invited to a three-day open qualifier Monday-Wednesday, June 18-20.

The first day Monday, June 18 of the open tryouts will begin at 8 a.m. and take place at Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course in Oregon. The second round of the three-day qualifier will occur on Tuesday, June 19 with a start time at 8 a.m. at Loudon Meadows Golf Club in Fostoria. The final round will take place on Wednesday, June 20 at Lakeland Golf Course in Fostoria. Open tryouts on Friday begin at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is required prior to open tryouts and the green fee for the three-day tournament is $29. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643, or (419) 356-4874.

Owens Women’s Soccer Announces Express Summer Youth Camps, June 25-29

Posted on May 22nd, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College will offer area soccer players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as women’s soccer hosts three separate Express Soccer Youth Camps, June 25-29.

The Express women’s soccer program will offer two separate camp sessions starting on Monday, June 25. The morning session is a Premier Camp for more experienced players and will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon session is a Recreational Camp for beginning and less experienced players and will occur from 2-5 p.m. Both camps will conclude on Friday, June 29.

Youth ages 6-13 will be divided by age groups and abilities for each camp and receive individual instruction on various soccer technical and tactical skills. Camp instructors will include the Owens Express women’s soccer coaching staff and student-athletes as well as area high school and college coaches. Each individual will receive camp T-shirt and a certificate of participation.

Additionally, Owens women’s soccer will host a Goalkeeping Clinic for youth ages 8-18 Wednesday-Thursday, June 27-28. The clinic will take place from 5-7 p.m. and focus on the fundamentals and advanced skills of goalkeeping.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camps to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate soccer clothing and footwear for each camp. Additionally, attendees should bring their own soccer ball and a beverage.

All three camps will take place in the College’s soccer complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens women’s soccer completed its first season as an intercollegiate program in 2011. Led by Head Coach Mary Whisler, the Express finished with a 12-8 overall record and in fourth place (5-5 record) in the NJCAA Region XII women’s soccer regular season standings. Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The cost for the Premier Camp or Recreational Camp is $85 per player, while the fee for the Goalkeeping Clinic is $25. For more information, call (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935, or e-mail mary_whisler@owens.edu. Individuals can also visit the College’s website at www.owensexpress.com/camps.

Owens Express Golf Student-Athlete Competes in NJCAA National Championship Tournament, May 22-25

Posted on May 17th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student-athlete Luke Berger of Temperance, Mich. will have the opportunity to compete against some of the country’s best intercollegiate golfers for an individual national championship title as the Express student-athlete participates in the NJCAA Division II National Championships, May 22-25.

The Bedford High School graduate advanced to the national championship tournament after shooting a total score of 224 (76-73-75) and finishing in 10th place at the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Golf Championships. The Owens six-member team finished fourth at the regional championships, which washeld at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, Mich. after rounds of 298-303-302 (903).

Berger, pre-business administration major, will take a 79.5 season scoring average into the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament, which will be held at The Golf Club at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Ind. The four-day 72-hole NJCAA tournament will consist of four rounds beginning at 7 a.m. each day. Tee times for the no-cut event will be set prior to the tournament in accordance with NJCAA rules. Over 120 individuals will compete for the individual national title.

“I am extremely proud of Luke Berger and his efforts on the golf course,” said Gil Guerrero, Owens Head Coach of the golf program. “Luke has worked very hard and has served as a team leader from day one of the season. He has earned the right to compete for a national championship title and will represent Owens Community College and the golf program well at the NJCAA tournament.”

His postseason honors include Ohio Community College Athletic Conference First Team selection. He also was named to the NJCAA All-Region XII Team.

Berger becomes the third Express golf student-athlete to qualify for the national tournament (Jimmy Bell in 2009 and Joey Bussdieker in 2007). As a team, Owens qualified for nationals in 2006 and 2008.

Owens Community College Express Golf Competes in NJCAA Regional Championships, May 14-15

Posted on May 9th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College Express golf begins its postseason run toward a national title as the program competes in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Golf Championships next week. The tournament will be held at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, Mich., Monday-Tuesday, May 14-15.

The Express golf team captured and/or finished tied for four match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after a round of 316 at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg.

Now in its seventh year as an intercollegiate athletic program, Owens will compete against 13 intercollegiate golf programs and over 60 individuals in the two-day 36-hole NJCAA Region XII tournament. The program must finish as one of the top two teams to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship, May 22-25. Individuals can also advance to the national championship tournament. Owens made two trips (2005 and 2008) to the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Owens Express golf student-athletes include Kyle Simmons of Millbury, 79 scoring average (Genoa H.S.), Brian Brumenshenkel of Maumee, 86.3 scoring average (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Greg Hermes of Maumee, 80 scoring average (Maumee H.S.),Luke Berger of Temperance, Mich., 79.5 scoring average (Bedford H.S.), Tyler Crossley of London, 83.8 scoring average (Jonathan Alder H.S.), Walter Dorosh of Pinckney, Mich., 80.7 scoring average (Pinckney H.S.), Darren Gessner of Okolona, 79.3 scoring average (Napoleon H.S.), Conor Totzke of Liberty Center, 80.5 scoring average (Liberty Center H.S.) and Cleo Trumbull of Waterville, 80.1 scoring average (Anthony Wayne H.S.).

Owens Express Women’s Softball Competes in NJCAA District G Regional Tournament, May 9-11

Posted on May 7th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s softball team will look to advance to its second consecutive national championship tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District G) Women’s Softball Championship later this week. The tournament will be held in Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday-Friday, May 9-11.

Coached by Duane Lanham, the Express will take a 39-5 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play the winner of the Muskegon Community College/Jackson Community College game at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9. If they would advance, the Express will play at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 10. The championship game will occur at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 11.

Teams participating in the tournament include Owens, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (35-7), Jackson Community College (18-30), Muskegon Community College (36-9), Grand Rapids Community College (29-22) and Ancilla College (35-16).

Earlier this year, Lanham’s team won its 11th regular season Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (8-0 record) in the program’s history. The conference championship is the seventh in the last eight years. Owens is currently ranked No. 12 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Softball poll.

In 2011, the women’s softball team advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished second among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. Owens lost to Louisiana State University-Eunice 10-0 in the NJCAA Division II National Championship game. The Express is the first women’s intercollegiate athletic program in school history to advance to the national championship game.

The NJCAA Division II Softball National Championship will be held May 17-19 in Bloomington, Miss.

Wheelchair Football Game Brings Joy and Smiles to Owens Express and Toledo Crash Athletes

Posted on March 27th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The rare sight of touchdowns, kickoffs and tackles recently took center stage in Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center as Express student-athletes traded their talents in volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball and golf for the pigskin in a wheelchair football game against the Ability Center of Greater Toledo’s Toledo Crash. The visiting Toledo Crash ended up victorious 56-42 in a high-scoring contest between the two teams.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Owens Community College Athletics Director Rudy Yovich and the student-athletes for this opportunity,” said Jim Etzel, Toledo Crash Coach who also serves as an Ability Center of Greater Toledo Inclusion Specialist. “Events such as this football game against Owens show that people with disabilities are competitive and want to compete. We want to make society aware that people with disabilities have the same dreams and goals. What an exciting day. Our team had a lot fun.”

The Toledo Crash’s roster features residents from around the region, including Owens students Carrie Benore of Monroe, Mich. and Chris Clarke of Toledo.

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo is a Center for Independent Living serving Northwest Ohio. The organization was founded with the overall mission of assisting people with disabilities to live, work and socialize within a fully accessible community. Five core services provided by the Ability Center of Greater Toledo are information and referral, advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support and community living.

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Owens Express Women’s Soccer to Hold Open Tryouts, March 31

Posted on March 19th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate soccer for Owens Community College’s Express women’s soccer program are invited to open tryouts on Saturday, March 31.

The open tryouts will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the College’s Soccer Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens women’s soccer recently completed its first season as an intercollegiate program. Led by Head Coach Mary Whisler, the Express finished with a 12-8 overall record and in fourth place (5-5 record) in the NJCAA Region XII women’s soccer regular season standings. Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Prospective Owens Express student-athletes must be high school graduates. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935.

Owens Express Student-Athletes to Host Football Game Against Ability Center’s Toledo Crash, March 24

Posted on March 15th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College student-athletes will trade their talents in volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball and golf for the pigskin as the Express host the Ability Center of Greater Toledo’s Toledo Crash as part of a wheelchair football game on Saturday, March 24.

The game will begin at 1:30 p.m. and take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The event is free is free and open to the public.

“Owens Community College’s Athletics Department is excited to collaborate with the Ability Center of Greater Toledo to provide this opportunity for their participants and our student-athletes,” said Rudy Yovich, Owens Director of Athletics. “It is important that our student-athletes are engaged in community outreach as well as being leaders in the classroom and on the athletic playing field. They are really looking forward to the football game.”

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Defiance College JVs, March 19

Posted on March 9th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2012 home season against Defiance College JVs on Monday, March 19. The first game of the doubleheader will begin at 4 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

The Owens softball program is guided by ninth-year Head Coach Duane Lanham. His Assistant Coaches are Kevin Snyder and Sara Fleming.

Express women’s softball completed the 2011 season with a 44-5 overall record and captured its tenth OCCAC (6-2 record) title in the program’s history. Owens was ranked No. 8 in the final NJCAA Division II women’s softball regular season poll.

The women’s softball team also advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished second among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. Owens lost to Louisiana State University-Eunice 10-0 in the NJCAA Division II National Championship game. The Express is the first women’s intercollegiate athletic program in school history to advance to the national championship game.

Early in the 2012 season, Owens has compiled a 7-0 overall record following games played in South Carolina.

“I am pleased with the early season success of this ballclub,” said Lanham. “The team has really put forth a lot of hard work and effort. Our goal is to improve each and every day and compete. We have a great group veterans and incoming freshmen that want to build on last year’s success. I expect our team to compete for another conference title and play well in the postseason.”

Owens has eight players returning from last year’s team, including Allison Hausch of Bryan (Bryan H.S.), Ashlyn Michalak of Temperance, Mich. (Springfield H.S.) and Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich. (Airport H.S.).

In 2011, Hausch, a sophomore catcher, was named to the NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team. She collected 30 hits, scored 14 runs, had 21 RBIs and compiled a .448 batting average. Michalak is a sophomore pitcher and earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors last season. She posted an 11-1 record with a 2.59 earned run average and one save for the Express. Last year, Hollister, a sophomore shortstop and second baseman, collected 42 hits, 27 runs, 39 RBIs and 15 doubles as well as a .378 batting average. Her postseason honors included OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection.

Lanham’s squad also returns Taylor Redinger of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.) and Kasey Graham of Oregon (Clay H.S.). Redinger, a sophomore catcher, scored 11 runs, had 12 RBIs and compiled a .364 batting average. Graham is a sophomore pitcher. She compiled a 5-0 record with a 2.94 earned run average and one save last year. In addition, Graham was named OCCAC Academic All-Conference.

Returning sophomore student-athletes to the Owens team also include Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich., first base/third base (Jefferson H.S.); Tabitha Britt of Maumee, outfield (Maumee H.S.), and Hallie Thompson of Oregon, second base/shortstop (Clay H.S.).

Express first-year players to the women’s softball program are Mareshah Scott of Maumee, outfield (Maumee H.S.); Olivia Reeder of Martin, catcher (Genoa H.S.); Amanda Sinay of Oregon, outfield (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Alyssa Lassey of Ida, Mich., infield (Ida H.S.); April DeCant of Delta, second base (Liberty Center H.S.); Hannah Shank of Van Buren, infield/outfield (North Baltimore H.S.); Katie Butler of Maumee, first base (Maumee H.S.); Leona Euler of North Baltimore, pitcher (North Baltimore H.S.); Katlyn Whitmarsh of Monroe, Mich., outfield (Monroe H.S.); Jaylee Glad of Temperance, Mich., outfield (Ida H.S.); Hannah Morrison of Curtice, third base (Genoa H.S.); Melanie Iacoangeli of Monroe, Mich., outfield (Ida H.S.); Kendra Craig of Deerfield, Mich., outfield/catcher (Summerfield H.S.); Lexi Sheets of Carrollton, pitcher (Carrollton H.S.), and Aja Hall of Fostoria, third base (Fostoria H.S.).

Owens Express Baseball Opens Home Season Against Ashland University JVs, March 14

Posted on March 7th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College men’s baseball will open its 2012 home season against Ashland University JVs on Wednesday, March 14. The game will begin at 3 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2011 season with a 25-13 overall record and in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-5 record). The Express lost to Vincennes University in the NJCAA Sub-Region XII Baseball Championships.

Early in the 2012 season, Owens has a compiled a 0-6 overall record following games played in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Owens baseball program is led by Head Coach Del Young. His Assistant Coaches are John Parisho and Scott Tesluck.

“I am very optimistic about the season,” said Young. “We have a great group of veteran returners from last year’s team and a very talented incoming class of first-year student-athletes. Our strengths will be putting the ball in play as well as being aggressive on the base paths. We also have depth on the mound, both in our starting and relief pitchers. Our schedule will be challenging as we face some of the best teams in the country. However, that does change our expectations of competing for a conference title.”

The Express has 10 players returning from last year’s team, including Joe Sickler of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Ryan Hotmer of Walbridge (Lake H.S.) and Zak Esposito of Sandusky (Sandusky H.S.).

In 2011, Sickler, a sophomore infielder, earned First Team OCCAC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII honors and was named the recipient of the team’s Co-Outstanding Offensive Award. He collected 33 hits and 20 RBIs and compiled a .377 batting average. Hotmer, a sophomore first baseman and pitcher, collected 33 hits, three home runs and compiled a .379 batting average. On the mound, he posted a 2-0 record with a 1.98 earned run average. Hotmer also was named First Team OCCAC All-Conference. Esposito is a sophomore pitcher and was named the recipient of the team’s Outstanding Pitching Award. In 2011, he posted a 3-1 record with a 5.67 earned run average.

Owens baseball also returns Jeff Davis of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.), Andrew Joseph of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.) and Jordan Basinger of Kalida (Kalida H.S.). Davis, a sophomore pitcher, went 1-1 with a 2.75 earned run average last season. In 2011, Joseph, a sophomore pitcher, posted a 4-2 record and a 4.18 earned run average. Basinger is a sophomore pitcher and went 4-2 with a 5.64 earned run average last year for Owens.

In addition, Express returning players include Michael Louis of Parma, outfield/catcher (Normandy H.S.); Daniel Heatherly of Trenton, Mich., infield/pitcher (Trenton H.S.); James Moore Jr. of Farmington Hills, Mich., infield (Southfield-Lathrup H.S.), and Travis Tackett of Vevay, Ind., catcher/first base (Switzerland County H.S.).

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Logan Shullick of Norwalk, infield/outfield (Norwalk H.S.); Ryan Horvath of Madison Heights, Mich., infield (Lamphere H.S.); Nate Manis of Port Huron, Mich., infield/outfield (Port Huron Northern H.S.); Trevor Ozenbaugh of Elwood, Ind., outfield/pitcher (Elwood H.S.); Nick Collins of Chicago, Ill., infield (Rich Central H.S.); Justin Elder of Trenton, outfield (Edgewood H.S.); Dane Davis of Romeo, Mich., pitcher (Romeo H.S.); Jesse Castilleja of Oregon, pitcher (Clay H.S.); Austin Legate of Strongsville, catcher/third base (Strongsville H.S.); Alex Juday of Elwood, Ind., pitcher (Elwood H.S.); Adam Jones of Columbus, Ind., pitcher (Columbus North H.S.); Clayton Ruch of Pemberville, pitcher/outfield (Eastwood H.S.); Sean Koerber of Harper Woods, Mich., pitcher (Grosse Pointe North H.S.); Myles Debol of Saline, Mich., pitcher/infield (Saline H.S.); Chris Ward of Brunswick, pitcher (Brunswick H.S.); Aaron Peoples of Perth, Australia, pitcher (John Septimus Roe Anglican C.S.); Garrett Scott of Genoa, pitcher (Genoa H.S.), and Jose Leal of Fremont, pitcher/outfield (Clyde H.S.).

Owens Express Golf Opens Season at Indiana Tech Invite, March 26-27

Posted on March 6th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College golf will make its 2012 season debut at the Indiana Tech Invitational, March 26-27. The non-conference invitational will take place at the Donald Ross Course in French Lick, Ind.

Owens’ home intercollegiate golf events will occur at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg and admission to all Express golf events is free and open to the public.

Owens’ golf program is guided by sixth-year Head Coach Gil Guerrero. The Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the 2011 season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 329-309 (638) at Belmont Country Club. Additionally, Owens placed eighth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

“I am really looking forward to the start of the upcoming spring season,” stated Guerrero. “We have a good group of student-athletes who believe in each other and are committed to putting forth the effort that is needed to be a championship-caliber team.”

The golf program has three players returning from last year’s team, including Kyle Simmons of Millbury (Genoa H.S.), Brian Brumenshenkel of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.) and Greg Hermes of Maumee (Maumee H.S.).

In 2011, Simmons, a sophomore, earned Second Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and received the team’s Best Newcomer Award. He compiled an 80.6 scoring average. Brumenshenkel and Hermes are both sophomores and compiled 83.4 and 81 scoring averages, respectively.

First-year players to the Express golf program are Luke Berger of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.), Tyler Crossley of London (Jonathan Alder H.S.), Walter Dorosh of Pinckney, Mich. (Pinckney H.S.), Darren Gessner of Okolona (Napoleon H.S.), Conor Totzke of Liberty Center (Liberty Center H.S.) and Cleo Trumbull of Waterville (Anthony Wayne H.S.).

Owens Express Women’s Basketball to Host NJCAA District I Regional Tournament, March 9-10

Posted on March 5th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in and host the NJCAA Region XII (District I) Women’s Basketball Championship, March 9-10.

The semifinals and finals of the tournament will occur at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center, March 9-10. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express will take a 25-5 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Sinclair Community College (16-11) in the semifinals at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9. The first semifinal game will feature Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (29-1) against Edison State Community College (17-10) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9. The championship game will occur at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

Owens also finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (10-2 record). The Express is ranked No. 7 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship will take place March 20-24 in East Peoria, Ill.

Tickets for the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Basketball Championships are $5 per person. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball to Host NJCAA District 10 Regional Tournament, March 9-10

Posted on March 5th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a third national title as the Express compete in and host the NJCAA Region XII (District 10) Men’s Basketball Championship, March 9-10.

The semifinals and finals of the tournament will occur at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center, March 9-10. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Coached by David Clarke, the Express will take a 22-8 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Cuyahoga Community College (19-8) in the semifinals at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 9. The first semifinal game will feature Columbus State Community College (25-4) against Lakeland Community College (23-7) at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 9. The championship game will occur at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

In addition, Clarke’s team finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-3 record).

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 20-24 in Danville, Ill.

OCCAC Honors Former Owens Athletic Director Michael Rickard

Posted on February 16th, 2012

OCCAC and Owens officials as well as members of Michael Rickard's family pose for a photo after the tribute ceremony. Individuals include (L to R) Jack Giambrone, Dr. Renay Scott, Alexa Rickard, Austin Rickard, Barbara Rickard and Chris Giordano.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) recently honored the legacy of former Express
Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010 by hosting a tribute ceremony in his honor at halftime of a recent Owens Community College basketball game.

During the ceremony, OCCAC representatives officially renamed the Athletic Director of the Year Award after Michael Rickard and presented the first award to his family in attendance.

“Michael Rickard was one of the most respected Athletic Directors, not only in the OCCAC, but in the region,” said Jack Giambrone, Athletic Director and Professor at Sinclair Community College. “He was a dedicated professional who had Owens and his student-athletes always at the forefront of any of his decisions or creation of any policy. Michael loved anything that had a positive influence on the Owens family and Express athletics. He was also a good friend and the conference is honored to rededicate the Athletic Director of the Year Award as the Michael Rickard OCCAC Athletic Director of the Year Award.”

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.

He was acknowledged by his peers for his leadership among community college athletic directors, as well as by opposing coaches and administrators who received respect and fair treatment when they visited the College. In addition, Owens student-athletes excelled in the classroom and on the athletic playing field as 88 student-athletes earned academic or athletic All-American honors from the NJCAA during his tenure.

A 1982 Owens graduate and a 1984 University of Toledo graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education and recreation/sports management, Rickard was named Athletic Director of the Year for 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2003-04 and 2009-10 by the OCCAC. He has been associated with Express athletic teams since the 1979-80 season, serving as a scorekeeper, statistician and assistant coach at times. From 1999-2001, he served as the Commissioner of the OCCAC.

Rickard was named to the Executive Committee of the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletics Administrators in 2010 and also was a member of the Owens Alumni Association Board of Directors. His accomplishments include being honored by the Rotary Club of Maumee with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for his contributions in the Toledo community.

Owens Express Basketball Teams Conclude Home Regular Season Against Lakeland CC, Feb. 15

Posted on February 13th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball programs will conclude the regular season home portion of their schedules with games against Lakeland Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The women’s team will play Lakeland (11-13, 1-7) at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will battle the Lakers (18-6, 4-4) beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Both games will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to home games is free.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express has amassed an overall record of 23-4 and is 8-1 (second place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Llanas’ team is currently on a six-game winning streak and is ranked No. 7 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The 2011-12 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 18-9 and a 5-4 mark (fourth place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach David Clarke.

OCCAC to Honor Michael Rickard As Part of Owens Express Basketball Doubleheader, Feb. 11

Posted on February 9th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – 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 hosting a tribute ceremony in his honor as part of a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Sinclair Community College on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The tribute ceremony for Michael Rickard will occur at halftime of the Express women’s basketball game against Sinclair in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. The Owens women’s basketball game will start at 1 p.m. followed by the Express men’s basketball contest against Sinclair at 3 p.m. Admission to all home games is free.

During the halftime ceremony, OCCAC representative will officially rename the Athletic Director of the Year award after Michael Rickard and present the first award to his family in attendance.

The Express women’s basketball program has amassed a 22-4 overall record and currently is in second place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, their conference record is 7-1. In the most recent NJCAA Division II poll, Owens Express women’s basketball is ranked No. 7 in the nation.

The 2011-12 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 17-9 and a 4-4 mark (fifth place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach David Clarke.

Owens Community College to Host Express Baseball Unsigned Senior Showcase, Jan. 29

Posted on January 17th, 2012

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Prospective high school seniors interested in playing intercollegiate baseball are invited to Owens Community College to display their talents and receive instruction and evaluation as men’s baseball serves as host to the Express Baseball Unsigned Senior Showcase on Sunday, Jan. 29.

The Express Baseball Unsigned Senior Showcase will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

High School seniors will be divided into groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

The Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2011 season with a 25-13 overall record and in second place in the OCCAC (9-5 record). Coached by Del Young, Owens lost to Vincennes University in the NJCAA Sub-Region XII Championships.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the event to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The fee for the Express Baseball Unsigned Senior Showcase is $65. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936, or e-mail del_young@owens.edu. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics/camps.html.

Owens Community College to Host Baseball High School Prospect Camp, Jan. 16

Posted on December 19th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players in high school the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball serves as host to the Express Winter Baseball High Prospect Camp on Monday, January 16.

Owens’ baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions as part of the daylong Express Winter Baseball High School Prospect Camp. The morning session will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon session will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 1-4 p.m. Both sessions will take place in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Youth in grades 9-12 will be divided into groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The camp fee for each session is $65 per player or $100 per player for individuals interested in attending both sessions. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936, or e-mail del_young@owens.edu. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics/camps.html.

Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on December 19th, 2011

Brittany Egbert

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College recently honored its fall athletic programs for displaying outstanding excellence during intercollegiate competition. Express student-athletes participating in women’s volleyball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (pre-physical therapist assistant major) and Ellie Comes of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant major) being named NJCAA Division II Second Team and Honorable Mention All-American, respectively, in women’s volleyball.

This marks 14 out of 16 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Egbert’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year and several NJCAA All-Region XII awards. Egbert, a sophomore middle blocker from Hopewell-Loudon High School, led the team with 496 kills and 140 blocks. Egbert also earned NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American honors last year.

Comes is a Sylvania Southview High School graduate. In addition to All-American honors, the sophomore defensive specialist was named the team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player and earned OCCAC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII honors. Comes also holds the program’s record for digs (1,882) in a career.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2011 season with a 45-5 overall record and finished 12-0 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 11 out of the last 12 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Sonny Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 4 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. The Express lost to Oakland Community College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its thirteenth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 13-8 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in third place (10-6 record) in the NJCAA Region XII men’s soccer regular season standings. The Express lost to Jackson Community College in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Ellie Comes

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Offensive Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Defensive Most Valuable Player – Ellie Comes
Most Improved Player – Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.)
Coaches Award – Alyssa Pelish of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Brittany Egbert

OCCAC Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Brittany Egbert, Ellie Comes, Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.) and Emily Crowell of Rockford (Parkway H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Julia Haupricht of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Brittany Egbert, Ellie Comes and Erin Schatzle

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Brittany Egbert and Ellie Comes

NJCAA All-American Division II Honorable Mention – Ellie Comes

NJCAA All-American Division II Second Team – Brittany Egbert

Owens Express volleyball team members also included Allison Seifker of Norwalk (Monroeville H.S.), Alyssa Meis of Curtice (Genoa H.S.), Brandi Schimming of Martin (Genoa H.S.), Whitney Hoodlebrink of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.) and Bethany Critchley of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Nickyle Webber of Trelawny, Jamaica (Cornwall College)

Offensive Most Valuable Player – Novak Vuk Janicic of Belgrade, Serbia (Electro Tehnicka School)

Defensive Most Valuable Player – Travis Turner of Holland (Springfield H.S.)

Most Improved Player – Blake Niemiec of Bowling Green (Otsego H.S.)

Coaches Award – Jacob Olman of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)

OCCAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year – Novak Vuk Janicic

OCCAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year – Travis Turner

OCCAC Co-Coach of the Year – Art Johnson

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Novak Vuk Janicic, Travis Turner and Nickyle Webber

OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Jacob Olman and Jauvanie Cole of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Coconut Creek H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team – Novak Vuk Janicic and Nickyle Webber

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included Kyle Whitmore of Toledo (Start H.S.), Sean Kaighin of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich. (Ypsilanti H.S.), Nikoy Wallace of Lauderhill, Fla. (Anchovy H.S.), Matthew Spence of Sunrise, Fla. (Calabar H.S.), Alexander Klever of Sylvania (Sylvania Northview H.S.), Alec Heifferon of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Leyton McKay-Ellison of Liverpool, England (St. Margaret’s School), Chris Kervick of Waterford, Ireland (De La Salle College), Alexander Smith of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), David Ortega-Gonzalez of Madrid, Spain (Nazaret Oporto College), Jeff Cooperider of Sylvania (Sylvania Northview H.S.), Troy Thompson of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.) and Dillon Lemley of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.).

Women’s Soccer Awards:

Offensive Most Valuable Player – Marissa Szabo of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.)

Defensive Most Valuable Player – Shelby Ramirez of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.)

Most Improved Player – Shara Williams of Holland (Springfield H.S.)

Coaches Award – Haley Gasser of Sylvania (Sylvania Northview H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Marissa Szabo

NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team – Kendra Eitniear of Swanton (Swanton H.S.) and Alyvia Lieber of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)

Members of the Owens Express women’s soccer team also included Sarah Weaver of Castalia (Margaretta H.S.), Jaime Sesock of Davisburg, Mich. (Holly H.S.), Erica Lankey of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools), Shauna Kastel of Toledo (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Aleha Almester of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Chelsea Charniga of Bowling Green (Otsego H.S.), Sarah Ruiz of Holland (Swanton H.S.), Amanda Roumaya of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Malaysia Wright of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.) and Kristina-Marie Rutherford of Norton (Norton H.S.).

Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Student-Athlete Continues Intercollegiate Career at University of Northwestern Ohio

Posted on December 15th, 2011

Owens volleyball student-athlete Ellie Comes signs her national letter of intent, while her parents Bob and Lynn Comes observe during the ceremony. Also observing the signing are (L to R) University of Northwestern Ohio Women's Volleyball Head Coach Kevin Kitchen and Owens Women's Volleyball Head Coach Sonny Lewis.

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Owens Community College women’s volleyball student-athlete Ellie Comes of Toledo recently signed a national letter of intent to continue her intercollegiate career at the University of Northwestern Ohio.

“I am really proud of Ellie and excited that she will have an opportunity to continue her college education and athletic career at the University of Northwestern Ohio,” said Owens Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Sonny Lewis. “Ellie will be hard to replace. She was a leader on and off the volleyball court and will certainly succeed at the four-year level.”

Last season at Owens, Comes led the team with 940 digs. The Sylvania Southview High School graduate totaled 1,882 digs for her Express career, which ranks first in women’s volleyball program history. The sophomore defensive specialist also recorded 43 aces and 20 assist this past year for Owens.

Her postseason honors included being named 2011 NJCAA Division II Honorable Mention All-American. Additionally, Comes, a pre-physical therapist assistant major, was named the team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player and earned OCCAC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII honors this past year.

The University of Northwestern Ohio Racers finished their 2011 season with a 25-15 overall record.

Owens Women’s Basketball to Host Turkey Trot Shootout, Nov. 25-26

Posted on November 22nd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team will take an overall 5-1 record and a NJCAA Division II No. 13 national ranking into this weekend as they host their annual Turkey Trot Shootout, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 25-26.

Beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 25), Columbus State Community College (4-0) will take on No. 24-ranked Schoolcraft College (4-0), while the host Express will face No. 6-ranked Kalamazoo Valley Community College (4-0) at 3 p.m.

On Saturday (Nov. 26), Columbus State will play Kalamazoo Valley at 11 a.m. and Owens will compete against Schoolcraft at 1 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

Cowley College Crowned National Champions at Owens-Hosted NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Tourney

Posted on November 22nd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Cowley College (Arkansas City, Kan.) earned the right to be called national champions after winning four matches during the recent three-day NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament at Owens Community College. The Tigers captured their national title after defeating Oakland Community College (Auburn Hills, Mich.) 23-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-21 in the national championship match.

In third place match, Kishwaukee College (Malta, Ill.) was victorious over Phoenix College (Phoenix, Ariz.) 17-25, 25-21, 25-14, 27-25.

Student-athletes earning NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship All-Tournament Awards were Shelby Geers (Parkland College), Hannah Geelhoed (Grand Rapids CC), Xiao Liang (Iowa Lakes CC), Mackenzie Johnson (Kishwaukee College), Mel Church (Metropolitan CC-Longview), Malorie Kelley (Phoenix College), Lauren Maxwell (Oakland CC), Ashley Fields (Oakland CC), Danika Maggard (Cowley College) and Martyna Gluchowicz (Cowley College). NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament Most Valuable Player was awarded to Molley Scanlon (Cowley College), while Jenifer Bahner (Cowley College) garnered Coaching Award honors.

Other teams competing in the tournament were Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, Ill.; Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville, Iowa; Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, Iowa; Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Central Community College, Columbus, Neb.; Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown, Md.; Parkland College, Champaign, Ill.; Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Ill.; Genesee Community College, Batavia, N.Y.; Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kan.; Metropolitan Community College-Longview, Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Pasco-Hernando Community College, New Port Richey, Fla.

Owens has hosted the national championship tournament on seven previous occasions. The College served as the host site for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament from 2001-04 and the NJCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament from 1998-2000.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

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Owens Community College to Host NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Tournament, Nov. 17-19

Posted on November 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The top 16 community college volleyball teams from across the country will converge on Northwest Ohio this upcoming week as Owens Community College serves as host to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament, Nov. 17-19.

The College has hosted the national championship tournament on seven previous occasions. Owens served as the host site for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament from 2001-04 and the NJCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament from 1998-2000.

All tournament matches will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Tournament competition in the 16-team consolation-elimination event begins on Thursday, Nov. 17, with first round matches taking place at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The second round will begin at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. On Friday, Nov. 18, the national volleyball tournament continues with losers’ bracket and national semifinal matches at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The tournament will conclude on Saturday, Nov. 19, with consolation bracket matches at 12 p.m. followed by the fifth place match at 2:30 p.m., the third place match at 4:30 p.m. and national championship match at 6:30 p.m.

The list of 16 teams competing in the tournament are Kishwaukee College, Malta, Ill. (33-9); Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, Ill. (27-10); Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville, Iowa (31-8); Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, Iowa (44-6); Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills, Mich. (38-3); Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Mich. (31-5); Central Community College, Columbus, Neb. (30-9); Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown, Md. (27-7); Phoenix College, Phoenix, Ariz. (19-8); Parkland College, Champaign, Ill. (38-7); Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Ill. (28-11); Genesee Community College, Batavia, N.Y. (22-19); Cowley College, Arkansas City, Kan. (33-2); Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kan. (23-11); Metropolitan Community College-Longview, Lee’s Summit, Mo. (20-3), and Pasco-Hernando Community College, New Port Richey, Fla. (31-9).

Tickets for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Tournament are $15 (day tournament pass) and $35 (three-day tournament pass). For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973, or visit www.owens.edu/njcaa.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Women’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 12-13

Posted on November 7th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team will serve as host to their annual Express Tip-Off Classic tournament, Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 12-13.

Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, the host Express will face Mid Michigan Community College, while Grand Rapids Community College will take on Hillsborough Community College at 3 p.m.

On Sunday (Nov. 13), the consolation game will occur at 10 a.m. The Tip-Off Classic championship contest will follow the consolation game and begin at 12 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is 1-0 and currently ranked No. 12 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Men’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 11-12

Posted on November 4th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team will take an overall 2-0 record into next weekend as they host their annual Express Tip-Off Classic, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 11-12.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 11), Henry Ford Community College will take on Hillsborough Community College, while the host Express will face Kellogg Community College at 8 p.m.

On Saturday (Nov. 12), Kellogg will play Hillsborough 5 p.m. and Owens will compete against Henry Ford at 7 p.m.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Cancels Home Game Against University of Toledo Club, Nov. 9

Posted on November 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball home game originally scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9 against the University of Toledo Club team at 6 p.m. has been canceled.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Nov. 4-6

Posted on October 31st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball team will look to advance to their eighth national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday-Sunday, Nov. 4-6.

Coached by Sonny Lewis, the Express will take a 41-3 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play against Mott Community College (13-9) at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 in quarterfinal action. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Schoolcraft College (26-12)/St. Clair County Community College (30-14) match at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 in the semifinals. The championship match will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6.

Teams participating in the tournament include Owens, Schoolcraft, St. Clair County, Mott, Columbus State Community College (18-11), Henry Ford Community College (8-18), Oakland Community College (34-2) and Macomb Community College (19-15).

On Friday (Oct. 28), the Express women’s volleyball team captured the outright OCCAC regular season championship with a victory over Columbus State Community College (22-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-13). Owens has won 11 out of the last 12 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 12-0 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 4 in the latest NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

Express volleyball team members include Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.), Ellie Comes of Toledo (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Allison Seifker of Norwalk (Monroeville H.S.), Alyssa Pelish of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Julia Haupricht of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Alyssa Meis of Curtice (Genoa H.S.), Brandi Schimming of Martin (Genoa H.S.), Whitney Hoodlebrink of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.), Emily Crowell of Rockford (Parkway H.S.) and Bethany Critchley of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools).

Owens will serve as host to the upcoming NJCAA Division II National Championship, which will take place Nov. 17-19 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Women’s Soccer Competes in Program’s First-Ever NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Oct. 29-30

Posted on October 25th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s soccer team will make their debut appearance in the postseason as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Soccer Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Delta College in University Center, Mich., Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 29-30.

Led by first-year Head Coach Mary Whisler, the Express will take a 12-7 overall record into the four-team single elimination tournament where they will play Schoolcraft College (14-1-1) at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. If they would advance, the Express will play the Jackson CC (7-3-3)/Delta College (7-3-1) winner at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30 in the championship match.

If they should win, the Express will host the NJCAA IV champion for the District D title and right to advance on to the NJCAA Division I national tournament. The championship match would occur on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Whisler’s team finished in fourth place (5-5 record) in the final NJCAA Region XII women’s soccer regular season standings. The 2011 season marked the first for women’s soccer as an intercollegiate athletic program at Owens. Express women’s soccer competed as a club sport during the 2010 fall semester and finished the campaign with a 3-8 overall record.

The NJCAA Division I National Championship will be held Nov. 17-20 in Melbourne, Fla.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Men’s Soccer to Host NJCAA Region XII Semifinal and Championship Matches, Oct. 29-30

Posted on October 25th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s soccer team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express serve as host the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Soccer Championship tournament, Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 29-30.

The semifinal and championship matches will take place at Owens’ Soccer Complex this weekend, while the quarterfinal matches will occur at various campus locations on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Teams participating in the tournament will include Muskegon Community College (10-7-1), Ancilla College (9-6-1), Jackson Community College (9-8-1), Owens Community College (13-7), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (15-4) and Schoolcraft College (20-0).

Coached by Art Johnson, the Express has amassed an overall record of 13-7 and is 10-6 (third place) in the NJCAA Region XII men’s soccer regular season standings.

The Express will host Jackson at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 in quarterfinal action. The other quarterfinal match on Wednesday will feature Muskegon versus Ancilla in Donaldson, Ind. The match will begin at 4 p.m.

The winner of the Owens/Jackson match will play Cincinnati State in a semifinal match at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. The other semifinal match on Saturday will feature Muskegon/Ancilla versus Schoolcraft and begin at 2 p.m. The championship match will occur at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30. Owens’ Soccer Complex is located on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

If they should win, the Express will compete against the NJCAA Region XX champion for the North Central District title and the right to advance on to the NJCAA Division I national tournament. The championship match would occur on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Championship will be held Nov. 17-20 in Phoenix.

For more information about the upcoming regional tournament, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Basketball Opens Season Against Lourdes University, Nov. 1

Posted on October 24th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s basketball will begin its 2011-12 campaign with a season-opening home contest against Lourdes University JVs on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.

All home games are free and held at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens men’s basketball program is led by first-year Head Coach David Clarke. His Assistant Coaches are Travis Lewis and Carl Thomas. Owens finished the 2010-11 season with a 10-21 overall record and a 3-9 mark (sixth place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. The Express lost to Columbus State Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“We have a very young team with only two veteran returners from last year’s group,” stated Clarke. “However, I am very pleased with the team’s progress during the preseason. They have a very strong work ethic and want to get better each and every day they step onto the court. Our team is very athletic and we intend to play a very aggressive style of basketball, both defensively and offensively. I expect our team to compete for a conference title and beyond.”

Owens has two returning players, including Taronta Cole of Gulfport, Miss. (Gulfport H.S.) and Jerron Jamerson of South Bend, Ind. (Washington H.S.). During the 2010-11 season, Cole earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Coaches Award recipient. The sophomore guard averaged 1.9 points for the Express. Jamerson, a sophomore guard, averaged 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds during the season. Additionally, he was named the team’s Most Improved Player award recipient.

First-year players are Darien Hill of Ann Arbor, Mich., forward (Pioneer H.S.); Jay Marquette of Toledo, guard (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Franklin Lindsey of Toledo, guard/forward (Whitmer H.S.); Kelvin Clark of Chicago, guard (Bogan H.S.); Jeff Burroughs of Belleville, Mich., point guard (Belleville H.S.); Chris Wilson of Toledo, forward (Scott H.S.); James Kelly of Ann Arbor, Mich., forward (Pioneer H.S.); Justin Edmonds of Albion, Mich., guard (Albion H.S.); Milan Mabry of Toledo, guard (Bowsher H.S.), and Jeremy Weemes of Springfield, forward (Springfield H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Opens Season Against Lourdes University, Nov. 1

Posted on October 21st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball will look build on last year’s successful season as the Express open its 2011-12 campaign against Lourdes University JVs on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The season opener will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is led by eighth-year Head Coach Michael Llanas. During his seventh year at the helm, Llanas led the Express to a 27-5 overall record and captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (11-1 record) since the 2006-07 campaign. Owens, which was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll, lost to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships. Llanas’ Assistant Coaches are Stephen Perry and Jessica Lewis.

All home games are free and take place at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“We have a great group of talented student-athletes comprising this year’s Owens Community College Express women’s basketball team,” Llanas stated. “However, we are extremely young with only three veteran returners from a year ago. The three second-year student-athletes did play significant roles last year and the coaching staff is counting on them to provide leadership on and off the court. The teams from the past few years have set the bar extremely high with their success and our goal is to continue that tradition.”

The Express have three players returning from last year’s conference championship team, including Aja Hall of Fostoria (Fostoria H.S.), Hailey Galvan of Archbold (Archbold H.S.) and Kieona Foster of Lima (Lima Shawnee H.S.). In 2010-11, Hall earned OCCAC All-Conference Second Team honors. The sophomore forward led the team with a 14.8 points per game average. Additionally, Hall averaged 7.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals during the season. Galvan, a sophomore center, averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds for the Express. She earned team Defensive Player of the Year honors and ranked No. 3 in nation with an average of 3.2 blocks per game. Foster is a sophomore point guard and averaged 3.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the women’s basketball program last year. Her postseason honors included being named the recipient of the Coaches Award.

First-year players to the Express women’s basketball program are Uniqua Mitchell of Detroit, point guard (Martin Luther King H.S.); Essence Miller of Flint, Mich., guard (Beecher H.S.); Danielle Bezeau of Swanton, guard (Swanton H.S.); Ellen Riser of Fostoria, point guard (St. Wendelin Catholic School); Emma Ricketts of Waterville, forward (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Mackenzie Heacock of Arlington, guard (Arlington H.S.); Karahn Scott of Toledo, forward (Scott H.S.); Alyssa Lassey of Ida, Mich., guard (Ida H.S.), and Bailee Adams of Genoa, forward (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Names New Director of Athletics

Posted on October 11th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Rudy Yovich as the new Director of Athletics. His responsibilities will include overseeing all administrative aspects related to the leadership and management of Owens Express initiatives involving the College’s eight intercollegiate athletic programs. Yovich succeeds former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2011.

In addition, Yovich will serve as the primary point-of-contact in maintaining policies and procedures to ensure compliance of all intercollegiate athletic programs within the College, NJCAA, OCCAC and Title IX requirements. His position will also entail serving as an ambassador for Owens’ intercollegiate athletic programs with the goal of enhancing partnerships and visibility for the Express within the surrounding region.

“Owens Community College is proud to welcome Rudy Yovich as the new Director of Athletics,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “Rudy brings to the College’s Office of Athletics extensive knowledge and experience in intercollegiate athletics from a leadership perspective that will be invaluable as Owens looks to advance its longstanding tradition of academic and athletic excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.”

“I am honored to join Owens Community College and the Office of Athletics team and look forward to building upon the outstanding reputation and success of our student-athletes and athletic programs,” said Yovich.

Prior to his new position at Owens, Yovich served as the Assistant Athletic Director/Media Services for Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in Fort Wayne, Ind. since 2003. While with IPFW, he was responsible for the overall operation of the Athletic Media Services Department for the academic institution’s 16 NCAA Division I programs. Yovich served as the primary contact for men’s basketball and baseball and also had sport oversight for cross country and track programs, as well as the pep band. Additionally, he was the play-by-play voice for IPFW men’s basketball and baseball.

Previously, Yovich was the Sports Information Director at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn. from 2002-03 and held the position of Sales and Marketing Director for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League in Erie, Penn. from 1999-2000. He was a former television Sports Anchor/Reporter at WSEE-TV CBS in Erie, Pa. from 1989-93.

His professional involvement includes membership with the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), the United States Basketball Writers Association and the National College Baseball Writers Association.

The Fort Wayne, Ind. resident holds a master’s degree in business administration-sport management from Columbia Southern University and a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Presents Annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble, Oct. 8

Posted on September 21st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf to benefit men’s golf student-athletes and the intercollegiate program, as well as the Steven G. Guerrero Memorial Scholarship Fund, as Owens Community College presents its annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. The event will occur on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Coordinated by Owens’ golf program, the golf outing will be held at Bedford Hills Golf Club in Temperance, Mich. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch and an awards program.

The four-person golf scramble competition will begin at 9 a.m. Owens’ event will conclude with participants recalling their golfing experience during a short awards program, which will recognize the top foursome, as well as the longest drive and closest to the pin contests.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble by entering a team. The entry fee is only $60 per player and all proceeds from the event will benefit the intercollegiate athletic men’s golf program and the Steven G. Guerrero Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Led by Head Coach Gilbert Guerrero, the Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the last season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 329-309 (638) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed eighth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

Individuals must register prior to the date of the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. For more information, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Selected to Host 2011-13 NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Tournament

Posted on August 23rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has been selected among community colleges nationwide to serve as host venue for the 2011-13 NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament.

“Owens Community College is honored to be chosen by the NJCAA to host the Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament for the next three years,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “The College has a long and proud history of academic and athletic excellence in women’s volleyball and we look forward to welcoming some of the country’s finest programs and community colleges to Northwest Ohio for the chance to compete for a national championship.”

This year’s national tournament will take place Nov. 17-19. The top 16 teams from across the country will compete in the double elimination consolation tournament. All matches will occur in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens women’s volleyball is led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis. The Express ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

In addition, Owens’ volleyball team advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished 11 among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. The Express also participated in five Division III national tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Women’s Soccer Opens First-Ever Season Against Mercyhurst College North East, Aug. 28

Posted on August 19th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s soccer will make its season and program debut as the Express hosts Mercyhurst College North East in its first-ever match as an NJCAA intercollegiate athletic sport on Sunday, Aug. 28. The season opener will start at 2 p.m.

All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

“Our new team is really looking forward to the start of our first season as an Owens Community College intercollegiate athletic program,” said Mary Whisler, first-year Head Coach of the women’s soccer program. “Owens has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence and the new women’s soccer program looks to build on that tradition and excel both on the playing field and in the classroom. We have a great incoming class of student-athletes who are very excited to represent Owens and the new Express women’s soccer program.”

First-year players to the Express women’s soccer program are Shara Williams of Holland, goalkeeper (Springfield H.S.); Sarah Weaver of Castalia, forward/midfielder (Margaretta H.S.); Jaime Sesock of Davisburg, Mich., midfielder (Holly H.S.); Marissa Szabo of Sylvania, forward (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Erica Lankey of Toledo, defender/midfielder (Toledo Christian Schools); Shauna Kastel of Toledo, midfielder (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Alyvia Lieber of Maumee, forward/midfielder (Maumee H.S.); Aleha Almester of Rossford, defender/midfielder (Rossford H.S.); Haley Gasser of Sylvania, midfielder (Sylvania Northview H.S.); Kendra Eitniear of Swanton, forward (Swanton H.S.); Chelsea Charniga of Bowling Green, defender/midfielder (Otsego H.S.); Shelby Ramirez of Toledo, defender (Whitmer H.S.); Sarah Ruiz of Holland, defender/midfielder (Swanton H.S.); Amanda Roumaya of Toledo, forward/midfielder (Whitmer H.S.); Malaysia Wright of Toledo, defender (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), and Kristina-Marie Rutherford of Norton, defender (Norton H.S.).

In 2010, Owens announced the expansion of its intercollegiate athletic programs with the creation of a new women’s soccer team. The Express program officially begins NJCAA competition with the start of the current fall season. Owens women’s soccer competed as a club sport during the 2010 fall semester and finished the campaign with a 3-8 overall record.

The Express women’s soccer program is a Division I member of the NJCAA. Owens will primarily compete against other colleges and universities from around the Midwest, including Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Lorain County Community College, Schoolcraft College, Delta College and Jackson Community College, among others.

With the start of the 2011 fall season, the Express women’s soccer program becomes the eighth intercollegiate athletic program offered at Owens. The seven other sports include men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s golf, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Soccer Opens Season Against Mercyhurst College North East, Aug. 28

Posted on August 17th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s soccer will look to contend for its first-ever conference title by opening the 2011 schedule at home against Mercyhurst College North East on Sunday, Aug. 28. The match will begin at 4 p.m.

All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Owens men’s soccer program is led by Head Coach Art Johnson. Johnson’s Assistant Coaches are Dave Prediger and Keith Closson. The Express completed its thirteenth season as an Owens athletic program in 2010. Owens finished with an 11-10 overall record and in third place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings. The Express lost to Ancilla College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“We have a talented team that is extremely balanced in all areas of the game, especially in control and passing the ball,” stated Johnson. “The team is also very young with only six returning student-athletes from last year’s squad. However, I am very impressed with the group’s cohesiveness. They play together as a team and understand what is needed to compete at a high level. There is no reason that Owens can’t be in the mix for the program’s first conference title at the end of the season.”

The Express has six players returning from last year’s team. Among the second-year players on Johnson’s squad are Kyle Whitmore of Toledo (Start H.S.), Travis Turner of Holland (Springfield H.S.) and Sean Kaighin of Oregon (Clay H.S.). In 2010, Whitmore earned team Most Improved Player honors and was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. The sophomore midfielder totaled one goal and two points. Turner is a sophomore defender and was named the team’s Coaches Award recipient. He recorded one goal and two points for the Express. Kaighin, a sophomore forward, earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors last season.

Also returning to the Express program are Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich. (Ypsilanti H.S.), Nikoy Wallace of Lauderhill, Fla. (Anchovy H.S.) and Matthew Spence of Sunrise, Fla. (Calabar H.S.). Last year, Ndoye, a sophomore midfielder, recorded two goals and five points. His postseason honors included OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Wallace, a sophomore midfielder, totaled three assists and three points last season for Owens. Spence is a sophomore forward and recorded one assist and one point for men’s soccer during the 2010 season.

First-year players to the Express men’s soccer program are Jacob Olman of Maumee, goalie (Maumee H.S.); Alexander Klever of Sylvania, midfielder (Sylvania Northview H.S.); Alec Heifferon of Maumee, defender (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Leyton McKay-Ellison of Liverpool, England, defender (St. Margaret’s School); Chris Kervick of Waterford, Ireland, midfielder (De La Salle College); Alexander Smith of Perrysburg, midfielder (Perrysburg H.S.); Jauvanie Cole of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., midfielder (Coconut Creek H.S.); Novak Vuk Janicic of Belgrade, Serbia, forward (Electro Tehnicka School); Ruel Lawrence of Savana La Mar, Jamaica, defender (Coral Springs H.S.); Blake Niemiec of Bowling Green, defender (Otsego H.S.); David Ortega-Gonzalez of Madrid, Spain, midfielder (Nazaret Oporto College); Shane Bloom of Swanton, defender (Swanton H.S.); Nickyle Webber of Trelawny, Jamaica, midfielder (Cornwall College); Jeff Cooperider of Sylvania, goalie (Sylvania Northview H.S.), and Dillon Lemley of Sylvania, goalie (Sylvania Southview H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Opens Season at Columbus State Invitational, Aug. 26-27

Posted on August 9th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball program will open its 2011 season with a tournament, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 26-27 at Columbus State Community College in Columbus.

The Owens volleyball program is led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis. Last year, Lewis led the Express to 42 wins. Lewis’ Assistant Coaches are Denny Caldwell and Alison Mugler.

The Express will open its home campaign by hosting the Owens Express Invitational, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 2-4. All home matches are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

“This year’s Owens Express volleyball team is extremely talented,” said Lewis “We have six veteran returners who have a lot of experience and played at a very high level last season. Our incoming freshmen class is very talented at each skill position. The potential is there for this group to compete for a national title. However, team chemistry will be very important and we must be committed to improving each and every day we set foot on the court.”

The Express have six players returning from last season’s team, including NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American selection Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.). In 2010, the sophomore middle blocker led the team with 520 kills, 161 blocks and 81 aces. Her postseason accolades also included being OCCAC Player of the Year, team Most Valuable Player and several NJCAA All-Region XII awards.

Lewis’ squad also returns Ellie Comes of Toledo (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.) and Allison Seifker of Norwalk (Monroeville H.S.). Comes, a sophomore defensive specialist, recorded 43 aces and 942 digs. Additionally, Comes was named the team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player and earned OCCAC All-Conference First Team and NJCAA All-Region XII Team honors. Schatzle is a sophomore setter and outside hitter and recorded 213 kills, 929 assists and 46 aces for the Express in 2010. She was an OCCAC All-Conference First Team, NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team and OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Seifker is a sophomore outside hitter. She recorded 237 kills and 71 blocks last year. Seifker also earned OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors.

Additionally, Owens Express returners include Alyssa Pelish of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.) and Julia Haupricht of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.). Pelish is a sophomore defensive specialist and recorded 272 digs and 24 aces last season for Owens. Her postseason honors included being named the team’s Most Improved Player award recipient. Haupricht, a sophomore outside hitter and middle blocker, recorded 251 kills and 97 blocks in 2010.

First-year players to the women’s volleyball program are Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse, setter (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Alyssa Meis of Curtice, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.); Brandi Schimming of Martin, defensive specialist (Genoa H.S.); Whitney Hoodlebrink of Pemberville, outside hitter (Eastwood H.S.); Emily Crowell of Rockford, middle blocker and outside hitter (Parkway H.S.), and Bethany Critchley of Toledo, middle blocker (Toledo Christian Schools).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Student-Athletes Receive NJCAA Academic Award Honors

Posted on August 3rd, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Eleven Owens Community College student-athletes have been selected to receive 2010-11 Academic Student-Athlete Award honors by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Jordan Floyd of Waterville (women’s basketball), Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (women’s volleyball), Saige Meyer of Deshler (women’s basketball), Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (women’s softball), Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (men’s golf), Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue (women’s softball), Calvin Edwards of Delaware (men’s basketball), Karrah Windau of Carey (women’s basketball), Jessica Knueve of Kalida (women’s volleyball), Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (women’s volleyball) and Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green (men’s golf) were named NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Award recipients and are among 69 student-athletes in the College’s history ever to receive the honor.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our student-athletes and honored to recognize them for their success as scholars within the classroom,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life.

Honored Express student-athletes are Floyd, a Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence recipient with a 4.0 grade point average (pre-biotechnology) (3.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game) (Anthony Wayne H.S. graduate); LaVoy, a Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence recipient with a 4.0 grade point average (biology) (27 sets and 25 digs for season) (Eastwood H.S. graduate); Meyer, a Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence recipient with a 4.0 grade point average (pre-business administration) (5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game) (Patrick Henry H.S. graduate); Whitacre, a Superior Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.92 grade point average (middle childhood education) (52 hits, 41 RBIs and 40 runs for season) (Central Catholic H.S. graduate); Schmidlin, a Superior Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.91 grade point average (pre-physical therapist assistant) (86.6 scoring average) (Whitmer H.S. graduate); Wolfe, a Superior Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.84 grade point average (pre-medical imaging technologies) (55 hits, 4 homeruns and 31 RBIs for season) (Bellevue H.S. graduate); Edwards, a Superior Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.83 grade point average (pre-business administration) (14.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game) (Rutherford B. Hayes H.S. graduate); Windau, an Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.76 grade point average (associate of science, general concentration) (7.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game) (Carey H.S. graduate); Knueve, an Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with 3.73 grade point average (architectural engineering technology) (111 sets, 112 kills and 58 blocks for season) (Kalida H.S. graduate); Schuster, an Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.72 grade point average (pre-occupational therapy assistant) (29 sets and 26 kills for season) (Sylvania Southview H.S. graduate), and Gardner, an Exemplary Academic Achievement recipient with a 3.62 grade point average (associate of science, general concentration) (80 scoring average) (Bowling Green H.S. graduate).

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving between 3.60-3.79 grade point average for NJCAA Exemplary Academic Achievement All-American honors, 3.80-3.99 grade point average for NJCAA Superior Academic Achievement All-American honors and a 4.0 grade point average for NJCAA Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence All-American honors.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Student-Athletes Named OCCAC 2010-11 Academic All-Conference

Posted on July 14th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Thirty Owens Community College student-athletes have received Academic All-Conference honors by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) in recognition of their scholarly achievements for the 2010-11 academic year.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud to honor and recognize these student-athletes for their outstanding academic efforts within the classroom,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life.

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving a minimum 3.30 grade point average.

Student-athletes receiving OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors include:

Garrett Busch of Toledo (pre-business administration), a Start H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
Kyle Anderson of Monroe, Mich. (pre-professional engineering and electrical/electronics engineering), a St. Mary Catholic Central H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.75 grade point average.
Brooks Gradner of Bowling Green (associate of science, general concentration), a Bowling Green H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.62 grade point average.
Kevin Hoyle of Maumee (pre-business administration), an Anthony Wayne H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.84 grade point average.
Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant), a Whitmer H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.91 grade point average.
Taronta Cole Jr. of Gulfport, Miss. (communication studies), a Gulfport H.S. graduate (men’s basketball) with a 3.35 grade point average.
Calvin Edwards of Delaware (pre-business administration), a Rutherford B. Hayes H.S. graduate (men’s basketball) with a 3.83 grade point average.
Sean Kaighin of Oregon (adolescence education), a Clay H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 4.0 grade point average.
Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich. (associate of science, general concentration), an Ypsilanti H.S. graduate (men’s soccer with a 3.34 grade point average.
Kyle Whitmore of Toledo (criminal justice technology), a Start H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.37 grade point average.
Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich. (pre-dental hygiene), a Jefferson H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.48 grade point average.
Kasey Graham of Oregon (early childhood education), a Clay H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.75 grade point average.
Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg (pre-nursing), a Gibsonburg H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.61 grade point average.
Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich. (pre-physical therapist assistant), an Airport H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.55 grade point average.
Ashlyn Michalak of Holland (pre-physical therapist assistant), a Springfield H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.59 grade point average.
Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich. (pre-nursing), a Summerfield H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.45 grade point average.
Kristen Roznoski of Toledo (social work), a Cardinal Stritch H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.43 grade point average.
Hallie Thompson of Oregon (early childhood education), a Clay H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.58 grade point average.
Elizabeth Weber of Oak Harbor (early childhood education), an Oak Harbor H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.44 grade point average.
Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (middle childhood education), a Central Catholic H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.92 grade point average.
Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue (pre-medical imaging technologies), a Bellevue H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.84 grade point average.
Jessica Knueve of Kalida (architectural engineering technology), a Kalida H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.73 grade point average.
Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (biology), an Eastwood H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (early childhood education), a Monroe H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.39 grade point average.
Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (pre-occupational therapy assistant), a Sylvania Southview H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.72 grade point average.
Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (pre-nursing), a Sylvania Southview H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.45 grade point average.
Jordan Floyd of Waterville (pre-biotechnology), an Anthony Wayne H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
Brittany Morris of Sandusky (pre-dental hygiene), a Margaretta H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
Saige Meyer of Deshler (pre-business administration), a Patrick Henry H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
Karrah Windau of Carey (associate of science, general concentration), a Carey H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.76 grade point average.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Soccer Programs to Hold Open Tryouts, July 30

Posted on July 13th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s or women’s soccer for Owens Community College are invited to open tryouts on Saturday, July 30.

The men’s soccer open tryouts will take place from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the open tryouts for the women’s soccer team will occur from 12-2 p.m. Both open tryouts will be held at the College’s Soccer Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens men’s soccer is led by Head Coach Art Johnson and completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program in 2010. The Express finished with an 11-10 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in third place in the final Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings. Owens lost to Ancilla College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The new women’s soccer program is led by first-year Head Coach Mary Whisler. In August 2010, Owens announced it was expanding its intercollegiate athletic programs to include a new women’s soccer team. The Express program officially begins NJCAA competition with the start of the upcoming 2011 fall season after serving as a club sport this past year.

The Express women’s soccer program is a Division II member of the NJCAA. Owens will primarily compete against other colleges and universities from Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, including Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Lorain County Community College, Schoolcraft College, Delta College and Mercyhurst North East, among others. Owens’ Soccer Complex serves as the home venue for the new intercollegiate athletic program and the first match in team history will occur on Sunday, Aug. 28 against Mercyhurst North East.

Scholarships are still available and prospective Owens Express student-athletes must be high school graduates. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-7938 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7938.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Names New Express Men’s Basketball Head Coach

Posted on July 12th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named David Clarke to position of Head Coach for the Express men’s basketball program. Clarke succeeds four-year Express Head Coach Kevin Skaggs, who recently accepted a basketball head coaching position at Mason High School in his hometown of Erie, Mich.

“I am proud to welcome David Clarke to Owens Community College and confident that he will continue the Express intercollegiate athletics’ longstanding tradition and commitment to providing the highest level of academic and athletic excellence for our men’s basketball program and student-athletes,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life.

“I really believe that Owens Community College men’s basketball is one of the best intercollegiate programs in the country,” said Clarke. “I am really looking forward to representing Owens Community College and serving as Head Coach of the Express men’s basketball program.”

Clarke added, “The Owens men’s basketball program has a tremendous opportunity to educate each and every student-athlete so that they are prepared for situations they will encounter after leaving college. I also believe that the lessons learned on the basketball court, such as teamwork, competition, discipline, work ethic and sacrifice, are very valuable as they pursue their career aspirations.”

Clarke previously served as the Assistant Coach for men’s basketball at Mott Community College from 2009-11. During his tenure at Mott, he helped lead the program to an overall 59-7 record. Clarke’s responsibilities included assisting in all aspects of coaching, including recruiting and scouting upcoming opponents. Additionally, he held positions in men’s basketball operations for Bowling Green State University from 2008-09 and for the University of Toledo from 2006-08. Clarke’s basketball coaching experience also includes serving as an Assistant Coach for men’s basketball at Northwood University, a Student Assistant Coach for men’s basketball at Ferris State University and an AAU Coach for the Grand Rapids Storm.

During his intercollegiate men’s basketball career (2002-04) at Ferris State University, Clarke helped lead the Bulldogs to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship. Prior to Ferris State, the Harbor Springs, Mich. native played two seasons at Siena Heights University. Additionally, he is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.

The Express men’s basketball team finished the 2010-11 season with a 10-21 overall record and a 3-9 mark (sixth place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens lost to Columbus State Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The Maumee resident holds a bachelor’s degree in business education from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in recreation and leisure studies from the University of Toledo.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Softball Program Finishes Second in NJCAA National Championship Tournament

Posted on July 6th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College’s softball team recently completed its most successful season in program history finishing second among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament in Normal, Ill. The Express is the first women’s intercollegiate athletic program in school history to advance to the national championship game.

Owens totaled five victories and two loses during the three-day double elimination tournament. Tournament wins came against Mineral Area College, Heartland Community College, East Central College, South Mountain Community College and Kankakee Community College. The Express’ lone tournament loses were to eventual national champion Louisiana State University-Eunice. This was Owens’ second trip to the NJCAA Division II national championship tournament. The Express’ other national championship appearance occurred in 2005.

“I am extremely proud of our Owens Community College Express softball team,” said Owens Express Head Coach Duane Lanham. “It was truly an honor to coach this team. They represented Owens Community College and the Northwest Ohio region extremely well at the national championship tournament and are the first women’s program in school history to play for a national title. I couldn’t be more pleased with their effort both in the classroom and on the diamond this year. They have set the mark by which all future Owens Express softball teams will be measured, which is quite an accomplishment for such a highly successful athletic program.”

Express women’s softball completed the 2011 season with a 44-5 overall record and captured its tenth OCCAC (6-2 record) title in the program’s history. Owens also was ranked No. 8 in the final NJCAA Division II women’s softball regular season poll.

Express softball sophomore team members are Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo, outfield (52 hits, 15 doubles, 41 RBIs, 40 runs and .409 batting average) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor, infield (2 runs, 3 stolen bases and .143 batting average (Oak Harbor H.S.); Lindsey Bandeen of Holland, infield (62 hits, 14 doubles, 7 triples, 4 homeruns, 49 RBIs, 39 runs and .403 batting average) (Springfield H.S.); Elizabeth Weber of Oak Harbor, pitcher (7-1 record and 2.23 earned run average) (Oak Harbor H.S.); Matea Rice of Oregon, infield (36 hits, 14 RBIs and .353 batting average) (Clay H.S.); Kelley Molloy of Toledo, outfield (26 hits, 30 runs and .313 batting average) (Whitmer H.S.); Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue, catcher (55 hits, 4 homeruns, 31 RBIs, 30 runs and .369 batting average) (Bellevue H.S.); Courtney Parr of Castalia, pitcher (2-0 record and 4.15 earned run average) (Margaretta H.S.); Morgan Gray of Clyde, outfield (18 runs, 5 stolen bases and .250 batting average) (Clyde H.S.), and Courtney Mowery of Genoa, outfield (15 hits, 6 RBIs, 8 runs and .357 batting average) (Genoa H.S.).

First-year players to the softball program are Tabitha Britt of Maumee, outfield (2 runs and .250 batting average) (Maumee H.S.); Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich., infield (10 hits, 5 stolen bases, 15 runs and .357 batting average) (Jefferson H.S.); Tayler Redinger of Fremont, infield (20 hits, 12 RBIs, 11 runs and .364 batting average) (Fremont Ross H.S.); Kristen Shock of Sylvania, catcher (1 RBI and .333 batting average) (Sylvania Northview H.S.); Allison Hausch of Bryan, catcher (30 hits, 21 RBIs, 14 runs and .448 batting average) (Bryan H.S.); Hallie Thompson of Oregon, infield (6 hits, 7 RBIs, 10 runs and .333 batting average) (Clay H.S.), and Ashlyn Michalak of Holland, pitcher (11-1 record and 2.59 earned run average) (Springfield H.S.).

Express first-year players also include Kristen Roznoski of Toledo, outfield (85 hits, 4 triples, 22 RBIs, 42 stolen bases, 64 runs and .509 batting average) (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich., pitcher (19-3 record and 2.42 earned run average) (Summerfield H.S.); Kasey Graham of Oregon, pitcher (5-0 record and 2.94 earned run average) (Clay H.S.); Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich., infield (42 hits, 15 doubles, 39 RBIs, 27 runs and .378 batting average) (Airport H.S.), and Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg, infield (76 hits, 23 doubles, 4 triples, 7 homeruns, 51 RBIs, 53 runs, 13 stolen bases and .487 earned run average) (Gibsonburg H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Detroit Pistons Youth Basketball Training Camp, July 29-30

Posted on July 6th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area basketball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as part of the Detroit Pistons 2011 Youth Basketball Training Camp Tour, Friday-Saturday, July 29-30.

The youth basketball training camp runs from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is pleased to continue its longstanding partnership with the Detroit Pistons organization and once again serve as host to their annual youth basketball training camp,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life.

Camp instructors for the two-day event will include Detroit Pistons officials and players, Michigan college and high school coaches, and current and former collegiate basketball superstars. Youth in grades 1-12 will receive instruction on various basketball skills, highlighted by ball handling, passing, shooting, defense and rebounding. Additionally, participants will be evaluated on their skill level and compete in games and a variety of contests.

The registration fee for the camp is $89 per participant and space is limited. In addition, each individual will receive a Detroit Pistons’ reversible training camp jersey, a basketball and one free ticket to a Pistons home game and courtside pass.

During the past 14 years more than 28,000 boys and girls have attended the Detroit Pistons Training Camp Tour occurring throughout Ohio and Michigan. For more information, call (567) 661-7973, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973 or (248) 377-8653.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Baseball to Hold Open Tryouts, July 13

Posted on June 30th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s baseball at Owens Community College are invited to open tryouts on Wednesday, July 13.

The open tryouts begin at 12 p.m. and will be held at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Individuals must register by July 10 to participate in the open tryouts. Prospective Owens Express student-athletes must be high school graduates, must bring a copy of their last physical and should bring their own equipment. For more information on the open tryout, call (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Soccer to Hold Open Tryouts, July 7

Posted on June 20th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate soccer for Owens Community College’s new Express women’s soccer program are invited to open tryouts on Thursday, July 7.

The open tryouts begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at the College’s Soccer Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Announces First-Ever Express Women’s Soccer Head Coach

Posted on June 20th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College has named Mary Whisler to serve as the first-ever Head Coach in the history of the Express women’s soccer program.

“We are thrilled to announce Mary Whisler as the new Head Coach of Owens Community College Express women’s soccer,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “Mary is highly regarded within the soccer community and an outstanding leader who embraces the College’s mission. We look forward to her guiding our new Express women’s soccer team into its first season as an NJCAA intercollegiate athletic program.”

“I am very excited to be part of Owens Community College’s rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence,” stated Whisler. “This is an amazing opportunity and I look forward to beginning the process of building our program into one of the best intercollegiate soccer teams in the country.”

Whisler previously served as the Assistant Coach for women’s soccer at the University of Findlay from 2009-11. During her tenure at the University of Findlay, she helped lead the program to an overall 14-18-5 record. Whisler’s responsibilities also included recruiting, training and assessing talent. Additionally, she serves as the U-12 Head Coach of the Findlay Soccer Club and has served as the U-16 Assistant Coach for the Fort Wayne Sport Club in Fort Wayne, Ind. Whisler also was a Soccer Camp Staff Coach/Counselor at the University of Notre Dame.

Whisler was a three-time, First Team Mid-Central College Conference selection during her intercollegiate women’s soccer career (2005-08) at the University of Saint Francis. She also earned NAIA Honorable Mention Athletic All-American and Scholar-Athlete All-American honors.

The Findlay resident holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Saint Francis and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education from the University of Findlay.

In August 2010, Owens announced it was expanding its intercollegiate athletic programs to include a new women’s soccer team. The Express program officially begins NJCAA competition with the start of the upcoming 2011 fall season after serving as a club sport this past year. The Owens women’s soccer club team was under the leadership of Art Johnson, the veteran Head Coach of the intercollegiate men’s soccer team.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Honors Baseball, Golf and Softball Programs

Posted on June 20th, 2011

Alaina Haubert

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College recently honored its spring athletic programs for displaying excellence during intercollegiate competition. Student-athletes participating in baseball, golf and softball were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg being named NJCAA Division II Third Team All-American in women’s softball.

Haubert, a sophomore third baseman from Gibsonburg High School, set an Owens softball record for doubles (22) in a season. In addition, her 51 RBIs ranked No. 38 in the country among NJCAA Division II women’s softball student-athletes. Haubert also totaled 75 hits, 53 runs, 4 triples, 7 home runs and a .481 batting average.

Her honors included selection to the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII teams. Additionally, Haubert received Owens’ Most Valuable Player and OCCAC Player of the Year awards.

Express women’s softball completed the 2011 season with a 44-5 overall record and captured its tenth OCCAC (6-2 record) title in the program’s history. Led by Head Coach Duane Lanham, Owens was ranked No. 8 in the final NJCAA Division II women’s softball regular season poll.

Led by Head Coach Gilbert Guerrero, the Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the OCCAC Championship Invitational. The program also finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 329-309 (638) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed eighth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

Women’s softball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg (Gibsonburg H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Matea Rice of Oregon (Clay H.S.)
Offensive Player of the Year – Kristen Roznoski of Toledo (Cardinal Stritch H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich. (Summerfield H.S.)
Heart of a Champion Award – Lindsey Bandeen of Holland (Springfield H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Alaina Haubert
OCCAC Pitcher of the Year – Jordan Ratliff
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Alaina Haubert, Kristen Roznoski, Jordan Ratliff, Lindsey Bandeen, Matea Rice and Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue (Bellevue H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Alaina Haubert and Kristen Roznoski
NJCAA All-Region XII Coach of the Year – Duane Lanham
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Most Valuable Player – Jordan Ratliff
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Alaina Haubert, Jordan Ratliff and Allison Hausch of Bryan (Bryan H.S.)
NJCAA Division II All-National Championship Tournament Team – Lindsey Bandeen and Matea Rice
NJCAA Division II All-American Third Team – Alaina Haubert

Members of the Express women’s softball program also were Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.), Elizabeth Weber of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.), Kelley Molloy of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Courtney Parr of Castalia (Margaretta H.S.), Morgan Gray of Clyde (Clyde H.S.), Courtney Mowery of Genoa (Genoa H.S.), Tabitha Britt of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich. (Jefferson H.S.), Tayler Redinger of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Kristen Shock of Sylvania (Sylvania Northview H.S.), Hallie Thompson of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Ashlyn Michalak of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Kasey Graham of Oregon (Clay H.S.) and Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich. (Airport H.S.).

Men’s baseball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Jesse Solomon of Huber Heights (Wayne H.S.)
Co-Outstanding Offensive Award – Jesse Solomon and Joe Sickler of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.)
Outstanding Pitching Award – Zak Esposito of Sandusky (Sandusky H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Jesse Solomon, Joe Sickler, Blake Schmenk of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.) and Ryan Hotmer of Toledo (Lake H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Joe Sickler

Owens men’s baseball team members also were Garrett Busch of Toledo (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Austin Gunn of Delta (Delta H.S.), Matt Hayes of Pickerington (Pickerington H.S. North), Titus Pierce of Racine (Eastern H.S.), Nate Miceli of Berea (Berea H.S.), Tyler Brown-Lewis of Shaker Heights (Shaker Heights H.S.), Daniel Heatherly of Trenton, Mich. (Trenton H.S.), Danny Schira of Vevay, Ind. (Switzerland County H.S.), James Moore Jr. of Farmington Hills, Mich. (Southfield-Lathrup H.S.), Kelley Wagner of Brownstown, Ind. (Brownstown Central H.S.), Shawn Downey of Martinsville, Ind. (Martinsville H.S.), Jeff Davis of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.), Shane Powell of Gibralter, Mich. (Carlson H.S.), Travis Tackett of Vevay, Ind. (Switzerland County H.S.), Michael Louis of Parma (Normandy H.S.), Andy Joseph of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Jordan Basinger of Kalida (Kalida H.S.) and Andrew Poland of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.).

Golf awards presented were:

Most Improved Player – Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.)
Co-Coaches Award – Brooks Gardner and Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.)
Best Newcomer Award – Kyle Simmons of Millbury (Genoa H.S.)
Lowest Scoring Average Award – Kyle Anderson of Monroe, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Kyle Simmons, Kyle Anderson and Brooks Gardner

Express golf team members also included Brian Brumenshenkel of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Louis Fahrbach of Northwood (Northwood H.S.), Greg Hermes of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Kevin Hoyle of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.) and Casey Lawless of Orillia, Canada (Patrick Fogarty Secondary School).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Golf to Hold Open Tryouts, June 21-24

Posted on June 15th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate golf at Owens Community College are invited to a four-day open qualifier Tuesday-Friday, June 21-24.

The first two days Tuesday-Wednesday, June 21-22 of the open tryouts will take place at Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course in Oregon. The third round of the four-day qualifier will occur on Thursday, June 23 at Stone Ridge Golf Club in Bowling Green. The final round will take place on Friday, June 24 at Heather Downs Country Club in Toledo. Open tryouts will begin each day at 8 a.m.

Led by Head Coach Gilbert Guerrero, the Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 329-309 (638) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed eighth in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

Registration is required prior to open tryouts and the green fee for the four-day tournament is $60. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Announces Signing of Six Student-Athletes to Scholarships

Posted on June 6th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Six first-year student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play NJCAA intercollegiate women’s volleyball for the Owens Community College Express during the upcoming 2011-12 academic year.

The Owens women’s volleyball program is led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis and competes at the NJCAA Division II level. Participating in intercollegiate athletics at the NJCAA Division II level allows the College to offer scholarships to pay for tuition for its student-athletes.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. The team also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

“The Express volleyball program is proud to welcome the incoming freshmen class to Owens Community College,” said Lewis. “These six individuals are leaders both on the volleyball court and in the classroom and have garnered many accolades at their respective schools. They will certainly provide a strong nucleus of talent at each skill position, which improves our chances of making a run at another conference championship.”

First-year student-athletes receiving women’s volleyball scholarships are Bethany Critchley of Toledo, middle hitter (Toledo Christian Schools); Emily Crowell of Rockford, middle hitter (Parkway H.S.); Molly Hilfinger of Whitehouse, setter (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Whitney Hoodlebrink of Pemberville, outside hitter (Eastwood H.S.); Alyssa Meis of Curtice, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.), and Brandi Schimming of Martin, defensive specialist (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Express Volleyball Camp, July 18-20

Posted on June 6th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area volleyball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as the women’s volleyball program hosts a three-day Express Volleyball Camp, Monday-Wednesday, July 18-20.

The volleyball camp will offer two separate sessions daily from 1-4:30 p.m. for grades 8-12 and from 5:30-8 p.m. for grades 4-7 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Camp instructors will include the Owens Express women’s volleyball coaching staff, area coaches, and current and former collegiate players. Each camp participant will receive individual instruction on volleyball skills in their designated area, including outsider hitter, middle blocker, setter and defensive specialist. In addition, attendees will learn about drills and exercises for volleyball and gain tips on improving their passing efficiency.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Sonny Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge.

The camp fee is $80 per player, which includes a camp T-shirt. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7939 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7939.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Women’s Basketball Student-Athletes to Continue Careers at Four-Year Academic Institutions

Posted on May 19th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball student-athletes Karrah Windau of Carey, Saige Meyer of Deshler and Jasmine Blanton of Toledo have signed national letters of intent to continue their intercollegiate careers at four-year academic institutions. Windau and Meyer will attend the University of Northwestern Ohio, while Blanton will attend West Virginia State University.

“I am really proud of Karrah, Saige and Jasmine and excited that they will have an opportunity to continue their college education and athletic careers at the University of Northwestern Ohio and West Virginia State University,” said Owens Women’s Basketball Head Coach Michael Llanas. “The three of them were leaders on and off the basketball court and will certainly succeed at their respective four-year schools.”

Last season at Owens, Windau averaged 7.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game for the Express. This past year, the sophomore forward earned Honorable Mention OCCAC All-Conference honors and was the recipient of the team’s co-Most Improved Player award. Windau is a graduate of Carey High School and scored 342 points during her career at Owens.

Meyer averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Express during the 2010-11 season. The sophomore guard received the team’s co-Most Improved Player award. The Patrick Henry High School graduate totaled 233 points for the Express during her career.

During the 2010-11 season, Blanton averaged 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Her postseason honors included being named First Team OCCAC All-Conference and OCCAC Player of the Year. The sophomore guard also earned team Most Valuable Player honors and was selected to the NJCAA All-Region XII Team and NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team. Blanton, a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, scored 951 points for her Express career, which ranks second in the women’s basketball program history.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express women’s basketball team finished the 2010-11 campaign with a 27-5 overall record and captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (11-1 record) since the 2006-07 campaign. Owens, which was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll, lost to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The University of Northwestern Ohio Racers finished their 2010-11 season with a 15-16 overall record, while West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets completed their 2010-11 campaign with an overall record of 11-18.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Express Girls ‘Summer Slam’ Basketball Camp, June 13-16

Posted on May 19th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area basketball players ages 8 through 15 the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as the women’s basketball program hosts an Express Girls “Summer Slam” Individual Basketball Camp, June 13-16.

The basketball camp will occur each day from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Camp instructors will include the Owens Express women’s basketball coaching staff and current players. Each camp participant will receive individual instruction on basketball skills in their designated positions. In addition, attendees will learn about drills and exercises for basketball and gain tips on improving their offensive and defensive skills.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge.

The camp fee is $75 per player, which includes a camp gift and awards. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Softball Program Advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament, May 19-21

Posted on May 17th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s softball program is one step away from being crowned national champions after winning its respective regional (District G) tournament. As a result of their postseason success, the Express women’s softball team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Thursday-Saturday, May 19-21. The tournament will take place in Normal, Ill.

This marks Owens’ second trip to the NJCAA Division II national championship tournament. The Express’ other national championship appearance occurred in 2005.

“I am extremely proud of our Owens Express softball team,” said Owens Express Head Coach Duane Lanham. “We have worked really hard to get to this point in the season. However, this team is not satisfied with advancing to the national championship tournament. We have as good a chance any other team to win the title.”

The Express earned their trip to the nationals by winning the NJCAA Region XII Championship in Battle Creek, Mich. Owens defeated Kalamazoo Valley Community College 5-2 in the championship game to advance to the national tournament.

The softball program’s overall record now stands at 39-3. Earlier this year, Owens won its tenth regular season Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (6-2 record) in the program’s history. The conference championship is the sixth in the last seven years. Owens is currently ranked No. 8 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Softball poll.

Owens’ will play Mineral Area College in their first game of the double elimination national tournament at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 19. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Heartland Community College/Delaware Technical and Community College at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The championship game will occur at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.

The 16 teams competing in the national tournament include Louisiana State University-Eunice (51-10), Kankakee Community College (45-9), Kirkwood Community College (52-9), Owens Community College (39-3), Heartland Community College (37-19), Labette Community College (43-14), East Central College (34-13), South Mountain Community College (40-26), Sauk Valley Community College (34-10), Mercyhurst North East (27-16), Pasco Hernando Community College (31-18), Delaware Technical and Community College (36-6), Mineral Area College (36-16), Highland Community College (38-11), Oakland Community College (28-20) and Cecil College (33-12).

Express softball sophomore team members are Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo, outfield (42 hits, 11 doubles, 36 RBIs, 32 runs and .408 batting average) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor, infield (2 runs, 3 stolen bases and .143 batting average (Oak Harbor H.S.); Lindsey Bandeen of Holland, infield (51 hits, 11 doubles, 6 triples, 4 homeruns, 41 RBIs, 34 runs and .395 batting average) (Springfield H.S.); Elizabeth Weber of Oak Harbor, pitcher (4-0 record and 1.78 earned run average) (Oak Harbor H.S.); Matea Rice of Oregon, infield (28 hits, 11 RBIs and .341 batting average) (Clay H.S.); Kelley Molloy of Toledo, outfield (21 hits, 26 runs and .323 batting average) (Whitmer H.S.); Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue, catcher (48 hits, 4 homeruns, 27 RBIs, 27 runs and .381 batting average) (Bellevue H.S.); Courtney Parr of Castalia, pitcher (2-0 record and 3.06 earned run average) (Margaretta H.S.); Morgan Gray of Clyde, outfield (14 runs, 5 stolen bases and .250 batting average (Clyde H.S.), and Courtney Mowery of Genoa, outfield (15 hits, 6 RBIs, 8 runs and .405 batting average) (Genoa H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s softball program are Tabitha Britt of Maumee, outfield (2 runs and .250 batting average) (Maumee H.S.); Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich., infield (10 hits, 5 stolen bases, 15 runs and .370 batting average) (Jefferson H.S.); Tayler Redinger of Fremont, infield (18 hits, 10 RBIs, 11 runs and .383 batting average) (Fremont Ross H.S.); Kristen Shock of Sylvania, catcher (1 RBI and .333 batting average) (Sylvania Northview H.S.); Allison Hausch of Bryan, catcher (27 hits, 21 RBIs, 14 runs and .482 batting average) (Bryan H.S.); Hallie Thompson of Oregon, infield (6 hits, 6 RBIs, 10 runs and .353 batting average) (Clay H.S.), and Ashlyn Michalak of Holland, pitcher (10-1 record and 1.86 earned run average) (Springfield H.S.).

Express first-year players also include Kristen Roznoski of Toledo, outfield (71 hits, 4 triples, 19 RBIs, 40 stolen bases, 60 runs and .514 batting average) (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich., pitcher (18-2 record and 1.62 earned run average) (Summerfield H.S.); Kasey Graham of Oregon, pitcher (5-0 record and 1.68 earned run average) (Clay H.S.); Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich., infield (35 hits, 13 doubles, 32 RBIs, 23 runs and .398 batting average) (Airport H.S.), and Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg, infield (66 hits, 21 doubles, 4 triples, 7 homeruns, 50 RBIs, 47 runs, 13 stolen bases and .504 earned run average) (Gibsonburg H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Honors Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs

Posted on May 16th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College recently honored the Express basketball programs at its annual awards banquet for displaying excellence during intercollegiate competition. Student-athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball were recognized for their athletic achievements.

Women’s Basketball awards presented were:
Most Valuable Player – Jasmine Blanton of Toledo (Notre Dame Academy)
Co-Most Improved Players – Saige Meyer of Deshler (Patrick Henry H.S.) and Karrah Windau of Carey (Carey H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Hailey Galvan of Archbold (Archbold H.S.)
Coaches Award – Kieona Foster of Lima (Lima Shawnee H.S.)
Mark Henry Award – Jordan Floyd of Waterville (Anthony Wayne H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Jasmine Blanton
OCCAC Coach of the Year – Michael Llanas
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Jasmine Blanton
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Aja Hall of Fostoria (Fostoria H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Karrah Windau and Brittany Morris of Sandusky (Margaretta H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Jasmine Blanton
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Jasmine Blanton

Express women’s basketball team members also included Nasumbi Beard of Mansfield (Ontario H.S.), Dana Mathews of Struthers (Struthers H.S.), Joi Jennings of Detroit (Waterford Christian Academy) and Megan Miller of Tiffin (Tiffin Columbian H.S.).

Led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs, the Express men’s basketball team finished the 2009-10 season with a 10-21 overall record and a 3-9 mark (sixth place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens lost to Columbus State Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Men’s Basketball awards presented were:
Co-Most Valuable Players – Tommy Kralovic Jr. of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Craig Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.),
Most Improved Player – Jerron Jamerson of South Bend, Ind. (Washington H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Craig Short
Coaches Award – Taronta Cole Jr. of Gulfport (Gulfport H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Calvin Edwards of Delaware (Rutherford B. Hayes H.S.)

Members of the Owens Express men’s basketball team also were Derrick Sanderfer Jr. of Toledo (Rogers H.S.), Andrew Scarton of Flat Rock, Mich. (Flat Rock Community H.S.), Kesean Kerkulah of Toledo (Rogers H.S.), Kendall Frank of Chicago (Plainfield North H.S.), James Wimberly of Akron (Firestone H.S.) and Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich. (Ypsilanti H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College to Host Express Girls High School Team Shootout, June 17-18

Posted on May 12th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area high school varsity girls basketball teams interested in competing against some of the best high schools from the Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio regions are invited to participate in a two-day Express Girls High School Team Shootout hosted by Owens Community College, Friday-Saturday, June 17-18.

The basketball team shootout competition will begin each day at 9 a.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Each high school team will be guaranteed four games per day and basketball programs will have the opportunity to compete on either Friday or Saturday, or both days. The camp fee is $250 per team for one day or $300 per team for both days.

The number of participating teams is limited and reservations are required. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Softball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, May 12-13

Posted on May 9th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s softball team will look to advance to the national championship tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Softball Championship later this week. The tournament will be held in Battle Creek, Mich., Thursday-Friday, May 12-13.

Coached by Duane Lanham, the Express will take a 36-2 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play the winner of the Lake Michigan College/Jackson Community College game at 12 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. If they would advance, the Express will play at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The championship game will occur at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 13.

Teams participating in the tournament include Owens, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (34-4), Jackson Community College (16-26), Muskegon Community College (36-15), Grand Rapids Community College (20-26) and Lake Michigan College (16-26).

Earlier this year, Lanham’s team won its tenth regular season Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (6-2 record) in the program’s history. The conference championship is the six in the last seven years. Owens is currently ranked No. 8 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Softball poll.

The NJCAA Division II Softball National Championship will be held May 19-21 in Bloomington, Ill.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Golf Competes in NJCAA Regional Championships, May 9-10

Posted on May 5th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College Express golf begins its postseason run toward a national title as the program competes in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Golf Championships next week. The tournament will be held at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, Mich., Monday-Tuesday, May 9-10.

The Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the season, highlighted by a third-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after rounds of 329-309 (638) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg.

Now in its sixth year as an intercollegiate athletic program, Owens will compete against 10 intercollegiate golf programs and over 60 individuals in the two-day 54-hole NJCAA Region XII tournament. The program must finish as one of the top two teams to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship, May 17-20. Individuals can also advance to the national championship tournament. Owens made two trips (2005 and 2008) to the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Owens Express golf student-athletes include Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green, 81 scoring average (Bowling Green H.S.), Lee Schmidlin of Toledo, 84.3 scoring average (Whitmer H.S.), Kyle Anderson of Monroe, Mich., 80.3 scoring average (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), Brian Brumenshenkel of Maumee, 83.5 scoring average (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Louis Fahrbach of Northwood, 84.8 scoring average (Northwood H.S.), Greg Hermes of Maumee, 80.8 scoring average (Maumee H.S.), Kevin Hoyle of Maumee, 84 scoring average (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Casey Lawless of Orillia, Canada, 81.6 scoring average (Patrick Fogarty Secondary School) and Kyle Simmons of Millbury, 80.7 scoring average (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Golf Opens Season With Home Invite, April 1

Posted on March 31st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College golf will make its 2011 season debut by hosting its annual Owens Invitational on Friday, April 1. Teams competing in the invitational are Lourdes College, Mott Community College, Jackson Community College and Oakland Community College.

The invitational will begin at 11 a.m. and take place at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Owens’ home intercollegiate golf events will occur at Belmont Country Club and admission to all Express golf events is free and open to the public.

Owens’ golf program is guided by fifth-year Head Coach Gil Guerrero. The Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the 2010 season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 333-307 (640) at Belmont Country Club. Additionally, Owens placed seventh in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

“Our golf team is extremely young with only two veterans returning from last year,” stated Guerrero. “However, I am really excited about this year’s group of student-athletes as they extremely hard workers. Each individual is very unselfish and willing to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed. I expect improvement to occur throughout the season and to compete for the conference title.”

The golf program has two players returning from last year’s team, including Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.) and Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.).

In 2010, Gardner, a sophomore, earned Second Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and compiled an 82.7 scoring average. He also was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Schmidlin is a sophomore and compiled an 88.1 scoring average for the Express last year. His postseason honors included OCCAC Academic All-Conference recognition.

First-year players to the Express golf program are Kyle Anderson of Monroe, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), Brian Brumenshenkel of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Louis Fahrbach of Northwood (Northwood H.S.), Greg Hermes of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Kevin Hoyle of Maumee (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Casey Lawless of Orillia, Canada (Patrick Fogarty Secondary School) and Kyle Simmons of Millbury (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Lorain County Community College, March 30

Posted on March 29th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2011 home season against Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, March 30. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

The Owens softball program is guided by eighth-year Head Coach Duane Lanham. His Assistant Coaches are Michael Murphy and Kevin Snyder.

Express women’s softball completed the 2010 season with a 31-16 overall record and captured its eighth Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (8-0 record) title in the program’s history. Owens has won five out of the last six OCCAC regular season championships (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). The Express lost to Muskegon Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Early in the 2011 season, Owens has compiled a 10-0 overall record following games played in South Carolina and a pair of victories against Heidelberg University Junior Varsity.

“I am extremely optimistic about this year’s team and how the season has gone up until this point,” said Lanham. “This team is committed to getting better every day they set foot on the softball diamond. We have a lot of depth in pitching and very strong hitting. We are very happy with our early season success, but certainly not satisfied. Our goal is to defend our conference title and play well in the postseason.”

Owens has 10 players returning from last year’s championship team, including Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.) and Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.).

In 2010, Whitacre, a sophomore outfielder, was named First Team OCCAC All-Conference and the league’s Player of the Year. She collected 30 hits, scored 25 runs, had 12 RBIs and compiled a .268 batting average. Whitacre also earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. DeTray is a sophomore infielder and was named First Team OCCAC All-Conference last season. She recorded 18 hits, had 14 RBIs and scored 11 runs for the Express.

Lanham’s squad also returns Lindsey Bandeen of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Elizabeth Weber of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.) and Matea Rice of Oregon (Clay H.S.). Bandeen, a sophomore infielder, scored 24 runs, had 28 RBIs and compiled a .410 batting average. She was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned NJCCA Region XII All-Tournament team honors. Weber is a sophomore pitcher. She compiled a 7-2 record and a 3.67 earned run average last year. Rice, a sophomore infielder, collected 15 hits and 10 RBIs in 2010.

Returning sophomore student-athletes to the Owens team also include Kelley Molloy of Toledo, outfield (Whitmer H.S.); Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue, catcher (Bellevue H.S.); Courtney Parr of Castalia, pitcher (Margaretta H.S.); Morgan Gray of Clyde, outfield (Clyde H.S.), and Courtney Mowery of Genoa, outfield (Genoa H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s softball program are Tabitha Britt of Maumee, outfield (Maumee H.S.); Sydney Barron of Monroe, Mich., infield (Jefferson H.S.); Tayler Redinger of Fremont, infield (Fremont Ross H.S.); Kristen Shock of Sylvania, catcher (Sylvania Northview H.S.); Allison Hausch of Bryan, catcher (Bryan H.S.); Hallie Thompson of Oregon, infield (Clay H.S.), and Ashlyn Michalak of Holland, pitcher (Springfield H.S.).

Express first-year players also include Kristen Roznoski of Toledo, outfield (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Jordan Ratliff of Petersburg, Mich., pitcher (Summerfield H.S.); Kasey Graham of Oregon, pitcher (Clay H.S.); Michelle Hollister of Newport, Mich., infield (Airport H.S.), and Alaina Haubert of Gibsonburg, infield (Gibsonburg H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Baseball Reschedules Home Opener Against Ashland University JVs for March 17

Posted on March 16th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s baseball home opening game originally scheduled for March 16 against Ashland University JVs will occur on Thursday, March 17. The game will begin at 3 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Baseball Opens Home Season Against Ashland University JVs, March 16

Posted on March 15th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s baseball will open its 2011 home season against Ashland University JVs on Wednesday, March 16. The game will begin at 3 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2010 season with a 35-20 overall record and in third place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (4-8 record). The Express lost to Vincennes University in the NJCAA Region XII Baseball Championships.

Early in the 2011 season, Owens has a compiled a 9-1 overall record following games played in South Carolina. The Owens baseball program is guided by Head Coach Del Young. His Assistant Coaches are Gabe Medina and Scott Tesluck.

“I am very pleased with how the team has progressed early in the season” said Young. “We played extremely well during our spring trip. Everyone has contributed to our early season success as we have received timely hitting and quality outings from our pitchers. We have five veteran returners from last year’s team and I am expecting them to provide leadership for the first-year student-athletes both on and off the field.”

Young added, “Our expectations are very high as we look to compete for a conference championship.”

The Express has five players returning from last year’s team, including Blake Schmenk of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Jesse Solomon of Huber Heights (Wayne H.S.) and Garrett Busch of Toledo (Anthony Wayne H.S.). In 2010, Schmenk, a sophomore outfielder and pitcher, was named the recipient of the team’s Coaches Award. He collected 38 hits and 33 RBIs and compiled a .355 batting average. In addition, Schmenk posted a 2-2 pitching record and a 3.00 earned run average. Solomon, a sophomore shortstop, collected 34 hits, 31 runs and 31 RBIs and compiled a .327 batting average. Busch is a sophomore catcher and pitcher and was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. In 2010, he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.38 earned run average and one save. At the plate, Busch hit .364 and totaled 24 hits and 14 RBIs.

Owens baseball also returns Austin Gunn of Delta (Delta H.S.) and Matt Hayes of Pickerington (Pickerington H.S. North). Gunn, a sophomore infielder, totaled 24 runs and seven stolen bases. Hayes is a sophomore third basemen and outfielder. In 2010, he collected 27 hits, 25 runs and had 15 RBIs.

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Titus Pierce of Racine, pitcher (Eastern H.S.); Joe Sickler of Bowling Green, infield (Bowling Green H.S.); Zak Esposito of Sandusky, pitcher (Sandusky H.S.); Nate Miceli of Berea, outfield (Berea H.S.); Tyler Brown-Lewis of Shaker Heights, infield and outfield (Shaker Heights H.S.); Daniel Heatherly of Trenton, Mich., infield and pitcher (Trenton H.S.); Danny Schira of Vevay, Ind., infield and outfield (Switzerland County H.S.); James Moore Jr. of Farmington Hills, Mich., infield (Southfield-Lathrup H.S.); Kelley Wagner of Brownstown, Ind., pitcher (Brownstown Central H.S.); Shawn Downey of Martinsville, Ind., pitcher (Martinsville H.S.); Scott Robinson of Akron, pitcher and first base (Coventry H.S.); Kacy Dwornik of Maumee, pitcher (St. John’s Jesuit H.S.); Jeff Davis of Toledo, pitcher (St. Francis de Sales H.S.); Shane Powell of Gibralter, Mich., catcher (Carlson H.S.); Travis Tackett of Vevay, Ind., catcher and first base (Switzerland County H.S.); Ryan Hotmer of Toledo, pitcher and first base (Lake H.S.); Michael Louis of Parma, outfield (Normandy H.S.); Andy Joseph of Sylvania, pitcher (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Jordan Basinger of Kalida, pitcher (Kalida H.S.), and Andrew Poland of Toledo, infield (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.).

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, March 1-5

Posted on March 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District I) Women’s Basketball Championship this week, March 1-5.

First round games will take place at campus sites on Tuesday, March 1. The semifinals and finals of the tournament will be held at Edison State Community College in Piqua, Friday-Saturday, March 4-5.

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express, which received a first round bye, will take a 26-4 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will play the winner of the Columbus State Community College (12-17)/Sinclair Community College (16-8) game in semifinal action at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 4. If they would advance, the Express would play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 in the championship game.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Edison State Community College (15-10), Cincinnati State Community College (19-10) and Cuyahoga Community College (12-12).

Last week, Owens captured its first Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (11-1 record) since the 2006-07 campaign. The Express is currently on a 10-game winning streak and is ranked No. 11 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 15-19 in East Peoria, Ill.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, March 1-5

Posted on February 28th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a third national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District 10) Men’s Basketball Championship this week, March 1-5.

First round games will take place at campus sites on Tuesday, March 1. The semifinals and finals of the tournament will be held at Edison State Community College in Piqua, Friday-Saturday, March 4-5.

Coached by Kevin Skaggs, the Express will take a 10-20 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Columbus State Community College (23-7) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. The game will be played in Lancaster. If they would advance, the Express will play at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4 against the winner of the Cincinnati State Community College (21-9)/Edison State Community College (11-14) game in the semifinals. The championship game will occur at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Lakeland Community College (20-10), Sinclair Community College (20-8) and Cuyahoga Community College (16-10).

In addition, Skaggs’ team finished in sixth place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (3-9 record).

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 15-19 in Danville, Ill.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Basketball Teams Conclude Regular Season Against Cuyahoga CC, Feb. 23

Posted on February 21st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball programs will conclude the regular season portion of their schedules with games against Cuyahoga Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The women’s team will play Cuyahoga (11-9, 2-6) at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will battle the Challengers (14-10, 7-3) beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Both games will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to home games is free.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express has amassed an overall record of 25-4 and is 10-1 (tied for first place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Llanas’ team is currently on a nine-game winning streak and is ranked No. 12 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll. A win will assure the Express of a share of the OCCAC regular season title – their first since the 2006-07 campaign.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 10-19 and a 3-8 mark (sixth place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Unveils New Michael Rickard Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Award

Posted on February 17th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is honoring the legacy of former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010 by unveiling a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award all in his name. The three announcements were made during a tribute ceremony in his honor as part of a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Edison State Community College.

“Michael Rickard positively impacted thousands of lives during his time at Owens Community College and we are extremely honored to recognize him by unveiling a new Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Memorial Fund and Student-Athlete Award,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “In three decades at Owens, as a student and an employee, and lastly as Athletic Director, Michael enriched many people’s lives. Undeniably, he will be missed. But the many successes of Owens Express athletics – the teams and student-athletes – are a reminder of his legacy.”

The hallway adjacent to the Student Health and Activities Center’s gymnasium will now be recognized as the Michael W. Rickard Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence. A bronze plaque will soon adorn the hallway alongside the already visible awards, accolades and images of those enshrined in the Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence. Rickard was a longtime advocate for student-athlete recognition, and in his tenure, a total of 88 student-athletes received the highest possible praise, either athletic or academic All-American honors from the NJCAA.

In addition to the newly named Student-Athlete Hall of Excellence, Owens Community College’s Alumni Association has chosen to honor the legacy of Michael Rickard by establishing The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund through the Owens Community College Foundation. The new memorial fund was created thanks to an initial $10,000 contribution by the Owens Alumni Association. The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund honors the legacy of Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard, who also was an Owens graduate and a member of the Owens Alumni Association Board of Directors. The fund will be used to provide scholarships for Owens students and to support Owens Express intercollegiate athletic programming.

The College has also established a new Michael Rickard Student-Athlete Award, which will be awarded annually to an Express student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in the community, in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

A 1982 Owens graduate and a 1984 University of Toledo graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education and recreation/sports management, Rickard was named Athletic Director of the Year for 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2003-04 and 2009-10 by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). He has been associated with Express athletic teams since the 1979-80 season, serving as a scorekeeper, statistician and assistant coach at times. From 1999-2001, he served as the Commissioner of the OCCAC.

For more information about The Michael Rickard Memorial Fund, or to make a donation, contact the College’s Alumni Relations Office at (567) 661-7876 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7876, or by e-mail at alumni@owens.edu.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

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Owens Express Men’s and Women’s Basketball Reschedules Home Games Against Cuyahoga CC, Feb. 23

Posted on February 16th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball home games originally scheduled for Feb. 2 against Cuyahoga Community College will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m. against the Challengers, while the Express men will battle Cuyahoga beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Express women’s basketball program has amassed a 23-4 overall record and currently is tied for first place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, their conference record is 8-1. In this week’s NJCAA Division II poll, Owens women’s basketball is ranked No. 12 in the nation.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 9-18 and a 2-7 mark (seventh place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens to Host ‘A Tribute to Michael Rickard’ as Part of Express Basketball Doubleheader, Feb. 16

Posted on February 9th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will honor the legacy of former Express Director of Athletics Michael Rickard who passed away unexpectedly in December 2010 by hosting a tribute ceremony in his honor as part of a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Edison State Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

The tribute ceremony for Michael Rickard will begin at the conclusion of the Express women’s basketball game against Edison State at approximately 7 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens women’s basketball game will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Express men’s basketball contest against Edison State at 7:30 p.m. Admission to all home games is free.

“Michael Rickard will be warmly remembered for his dedication and passion to Owens Community College Express athletics,” said Chris Giordano, Owens Dean of Student Life. “His welcoming smile was part of his positive outlook on life and college athletics.† Michael touched thousands of lives over his three decades at Owens Community College and we are proud and honored to recognize him through a lasting tribute ceremony in his name.”

The tribute ceremony will commence with welcoming remarks by Owens Dean of Student Life Chris Giordano followed by a moment of silence in Michael Rickard’s memory. “A Tribute to Michael Rickard” will continue with comments by Owens President Dr. Larry McDougle. Additionally, several special announcements will take place during the ceremony to the honor the legacy of Michael Rickard.

Also, Owens Express student-athletes, coaching staffs and alumni from all seven of the College’s intercollegiate athletic programs will be in attendance and recognized as part of the celebration. At the ceremony’s conclusion, a photo of all Express student-athletes and members of Michael Rickard’s family in attendance will be taken and presented to his family to commemorate the evening. A second photo will soon adorn a hallway within the Student Health and Activities Center.

A 1982 Owens graduate and a 1984 University of Toledo graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education and recreation/sports management, Rickard was named Athletic Director of the Year for 1995-96, 1999-2000, 2003-04 and 2009-10 by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). He has been associated with Express athletic teams since the 1979-80 season, serving as a scorekeeper, statistician and assistant coach at times. From 1999-2001, he served as the Commissioner of the OCCAC.

The Express women’s basketball program has amassed a 21-4 overall record and currently is in second place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, their conference record is 6-1. In this week’s NJCAA Division II poll, Owens Express women’s basketball is ranked No. 19 in the nation.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 8-16 and a 2-5 mark (seventh place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

For more information about the tribute ceremony, contact the College’s Athletics Office at (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Community College Express Men’s Basketball Reschedules Home Game Against Tiffin University JVs, Feb. 14

Posted on February 8th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s basketball home game originally scheduled for Jan. 31 against Tiffin University JVs will occur on Monday, Feb. 14. The game will begin at 7 p.m.

The 2010-11 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 8-16 and a 2-5 mark (seventh place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is an accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s and Men’s Basketball Postpones Home Games Originally Scheduled For Feb. 2

Posted on February 1st, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s and men’s basketball home games originally scheduled as part of a doubleheader for this Wednesday, Feb. 2 against Cuyahoga Community College at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. have been postponed. No make-up dates have been announced.

The next home games for the Express women’s and men’s basketball teams will take place on Sat., Feb. 12 against Cincinnati State Community College. The Express women’s basketball program will battle the Surge at 1 p.m., while Owens men’s basketball team will entertain Cincinnati State at 3 p.m.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College to Host Baseball High School Prospect Camps, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20

Posted on January 10th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players in high school the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts Express Baseball High School Prospect Camps in January and February.

The College’s two Express Baseball High School Prospect Camps will take place on Sundays, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. Owens’ baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions as part of each daylong Express Baseball High School Prospect Camp. The morning sessions will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon sessions will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The two camps will take place in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camps to listen and observe at no additional charge. Participants are encouraged to wear baseball pants or sweats, T-shirts and tennis/cross training shoes. Additionally, attendees should bring their own baseball glove, bat, helmet and catcher’s equipment.

The camp fee for each session is $45 per player or $80 per player for individuals interested in attending two sessions, $110 per player for individuals interested in attending three sessions and $135 per player for individuals interested in attending four sessions. For more information, or to register, contact Head Coach Del Young at (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Baseball Youth Camp, Jan. 17

Posted on January 4th, 2011

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area baseball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts a one-day Express Baseball Youth Camp on Monday, Jan. 17.

The Express baseball program will offer two separate camp sessions on Monday (Jan. 17). The morning session will focus on infield and outfield positions and take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., while the afternoon session will concentrate on pitching and catching skills and occur from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Both camp sessions will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Youth ages 7-13 will be divided by age groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, pitching, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting and pitching.

The camp fee for each session is $45 per player or $80 per player for individuals interested in attending two sessions. For more information, or to register, contact Express Head Coach Del Young at (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936. Individuals can also register online by accessing the College’s website at www.owens.edu/athletics.

Owens Express Volleyball Pink-Themed Volley for the Cure Event Raises $760 for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research

Posted on December 20th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Pink volleyballs, pink T-shirts, pink bracelets and pink necklaces were appropriately abundant on a recent afternoon at Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center as the Express women’s volleyball team and the Raising Awareness Club raised funds to help support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the organization’s efforts in the fight against breast cancer. Both fans and student-athletes alike wore pink and purchased clothing items and participated in fundraising contests in honor of breast cancer awareness during the Express’ home match against Cuyahoga Community College.

In a little under two hours, the Owens volleyball team and the Raising Awareness Club collected over $760 through various “pink-themed” activities, which included a game ball raffle, T-shirt, necklace and bracelet sales, and a pink game worn Express volleyball jersey silent auction.

“Every dollar counts in helping to find a cure against breast cancer,” explained sophomore outside hitter and defensive specialist Jessica Knueve of Kalida, who also played in Volley for the Cure matches as a junior and senior at Kalida High School in Putnam County. “I want to thank everyone who helped support this year’s Volley for the Cure. Together, we can make a difference.”

In addition to contributions raised, the Express volleyball team won the match against Cuyahoga Community College in three consecutive games 25-11, 25-5 and 25-8.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. More than $1 billion has been raised to aid the fight against breast cancer in the world.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Sonny Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

In addition, Owens’ volleyball team advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished 11 among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. The Express also participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Express volleyball team members include Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Jessica Knueve of Kalida (Kalida H.S.), Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo (Start H.S.), Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Lauren Lind of Millbury (Lake H.S.), Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.), Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Alyssa Pelish of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Ellie Comes of Toledo (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Ashley Horak of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Julia Haupricht of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.), Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich. (Milan H.S.), Allison Seifker of Norwalk (Monroeville H.S.) and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

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Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on December 17th, 2010

Brittany Egbert

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College recently honored its fall athletic programs for displaying outstanding excellence during intercollegiate competition. Express student-athletes participating in women’s volleyball and men’s soccer were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Brittany Egbert of Fostoria (pre-physical therapist assistant major) being named NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American in women’s volleyball.

This marks 13 out of 15 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Egbert’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year and several NJCAA All-Region XII awards. Egbert, a freshman middle blocker from Hopewell-Loudon High School, led the team with 520 kills, 161 blocks and 81 aces.

The Express women’s volleyball program ended their 2010 season with a 42-9 overall record and finished 11-1 (first place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens has now won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Head Coach Sonny Lewis’ squad also was ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

In addition, Owens’ volleyball team advanced to its second NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament where they finished 11 among 16 participating intercollegiate teams. The Express also participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with an 11-10 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in third place in the final Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings. The Express lost to Ancilla College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Offensive Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

Defensive Most Valuable Player – Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (13 kills, 942 digs, 13 assists and 43 aces) (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (2 kills, 272 digs, 5 assists and 24 aces) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.)
Coaches Award – Jessica Knueve of Kalida, outside hitter/defensive specialist (112 kills, 48 digs, 19 assists, 4 aces and 58 blocks) (Kalida H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Brittany Egbert

OCCAC Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Brittany Egbert; Ellie Comes; Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter/outside hitter (213 kills, 317 digs, 929 assists, 46 aces and 57 blocks) (Monroe H.S.); and Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (237 kills, 51 digs, 29 assists, 3 aces and 71 blocks) (Monroeville H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (362 kills, 162 digs, 8 assists, 73 aces and 81 blocks) (Bowling Green H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Brittany Egbert and Ellie Comes

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Brittany Egbert, Ellie Comes and Erin Schatzle

NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Most Valuable Player – Brittany Egbert

NJCAA All-Region XII Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis

NJCAA All-American Division II Second Team – Brittany Egbert

Owens Express volleyball team members also included Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, outside hitter/setter (38 kills, 236 digs, 768 assists, 61 aces and 5 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo, defensive specialist (4 kills, 166 digs, 2 assists and 10 aces) (Start H.S.); Amanda Schuster of Sylvania, middle blocker/outside hitter (26 kills, 9 digs, 4 assists, 3 aces and 10 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Lauren Lind of Millbury, outside hitter (102 kills, 26 digs, 13 assists, 1 ace and 31 blocks) (Lake H.S.); Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville, defensive specialist (25 digs and 2 aces) (Eastwood H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter/middle blocker (251 kills, 34 digs, 11 assists, 9 aces and 97 blocks) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); and Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (251 kills, 63 digs, 10 assists, 2 aces and 94 blocks) (Milan H.S.).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Michael Hamouda of Liverpool, United Kingdom, midfielder (14 goals, 11 assists and 39 points) (Rainhill H.S.)

Offensive MVP – Glenroy Miller of Belleville, N.J., forward (16 goals, 5 assists and 37 points) (St. James H.S.)

Defensive MVP – Lamar Lemonius of Ilford, United Kingdom, defender (4 goals, 3 assists and 11 points) (Barking Abby School)

Most Improved Player – Kyle Whitmore of Toledo, midfielder (1 goal and 2 points) (Start H.S.)

Coaches Award – Travis Turner of Toledo, defender (1 goal and 2 points) (Springfield H.S.)

OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Michael Hamouda and Lamar Lemonius

OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Glenroy Miller and Rodcliff Hall of Boston, Mass., forward (11 goals, 2 assists and 24 points) (William Knibb Memorial H.S.)

NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Michael Hamouda

NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team – Lamar Lemonius

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included Cody Katschke of Martin, defender (2 goals and 4 points) (Genoa H.S.); Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg, midfielder (3 goals, 4 assists and 10 points) (St. Francis de Sales H.S.); Pavle Udovicic of Belgrade, Serbia, goalie (50 saves) (Sportska Gimnazija Belgrade); Dustin Lamon of Findlay, goalie (43 saves) (Liberty-Benton H.S.); Mikhail Weatherly of Montego Bay, Jamaica, forward (1 goal, 5 assists and 7 points) (Cornwall College); Sean McEneff of Baldoyle, Ireland, defender (2 assists and 2 points) (St. Paul’s College); Matthew Spence of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., forward (1 assist and 1 point) (Calabar H.S.); Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., midfielder (2 goals, 1 assist and 5 points) (Ypsilanti H.S.); Nikoy Wallace of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defender (3 assists and 3 points) (Anchovy H.S.); Sean Kaighin of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); Jerry Doekieh of Bristol, Pa., defender (Harry S. Truman H.S.); Brian Kirton of Bridgetown, Barbados, midfielder (Queens College); and Hugo Sierra of Toledo, midfielder (Rogers H.S.).

Four Owens Community College Student-Athletes Named NJCAA Academic All-Americans

Posted on December 2nd, 2010

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PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Four Owens Community College student-athletes have been selected to the 2009-10 Academic All-American Team by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the athletic playing field.

Jahvan Russell of Montego Bay, Jamaica (men’s soccer) Distinguished Academic All-American, Jon Moore of Toledo (men’s soccer) Distinguished Academic All-American, Calvin Edwards of Delaware (men’s basketball) Academic All-American and Lorenzo Carrion-Bistolfi of Medell”n, Colombia (men’s soccer) Academic All-American are among only 55 student-athletes since 1994 to receive the award at Owens.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our four Academic All-Americans for their hard work and dedication exhibited within the classroom,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Their success as scholars is a positive reflection on the College’s athletic programs and commitment shown toward educational values.”

Russell, a sophomore midfielder (accounting) from Cornwall College, was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and achieved a 3.91 grade point average for the academic year. Last season, he totaled one goal, four assists and six points for the Express men’s soccer program, which finished with a 12-7-1 overall record and a 3-3 mark (second place) in the OCCAC. Additionally, Russell was an OCCAC All-Conference Second Team selection.

A sophomore defender from Toledo Christian Schools, Moore (pre-business administration) earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and received the team’s Coaches Award. He recorded two goals, six assists and 10 points for the 12-win Express men’s soccer program. Moore also earned OCCAC All-Conference Second Team honors and achieved a 3.88 grade point average during the academic year.

Edwards (business management) is a freshman guard/forward from Rutherford B. Hayes High School. His postseason accomplishments included OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. Edwards helped the program finish fourth in the OCCAC (8-6 record) with a 15-16 overall record by averaging 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds. He achieved a 3.75 grade point average during the academic year.

A sophomore defender from Centro Educacional Conquistadores, Carrion-Bistolfi (international business) earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was an NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and an OCCAC All-Conference First Team selection. Also named team Defensive MVP and OCCAC Defensive Player of the Year, he achieved a 3.74 grade point average during the academic year and totaled one assist and one point as a defender for the Express men’s soccer program. Last year, Carrion-Bistolfi was named NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American.

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving between 3.60-3.79 grade point average for NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American honors and 3.80-4.0 grade point average for NJCAA Academic All-American status.

Lake High School Basketball Teams Open Seasons at Owens Community College Express Home Court

Posted on November 23rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – High school boys and girls basketball is coming to Owens Community College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) as the home court for the Express will also serve as the home athletic venue for the Lake High School Flyers’ boys and girls basketball teams during the upcoming 2010-11 season.

The Lake girls junior varsity and varsity basketball teams will begin their 2010-11 campaign in the SHAC with a season-opening home contest against the Rossford Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 27. The junior varsity game will begin at 6 p.m. The Flyers’ boys basketball program tips off the season with a home game against Rossford on Saturday, Dec. 4. The first game of the tripleheader will feature the freshmen boys basketball team and start at 4:30 p.m. The boys junior varsity and varsity games will follow the freshmen contest. The College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) is located on the Toledo-area Campus in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College is honored to assist the Lake High School boys and girls basketball teams and welcome them to the Student Health and Activities Center,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “The Student Health and Activities Center, or better known as the SHAC, has been a tough place for visiting college teams to play basketball since the facility opened in 2000. I expect the Flyers to have a very similar home court advantage as the Express basketball teams. On behalf of the Owens Athletics Department, I wish the Flyers all the best during their upcoming seasons.”

Additional boys freshmen, junior varsity and varsity home games taking place at the SHAC are Dec. 18 (freshman) against Toledo Christian Schools at 4:30 p.m. and (junior varsity and varsity) against Lakota H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 21 against Northwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 28 against Bettsville H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 7 against Woodmore H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 18 against Eastwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 21 against Genoa H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Jan. 27 against Elmwood H.S. at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 4 against Otsego H.S. at 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 15 against Gibsonburg H.S. at 4:30 p.m.

Lake girls junior varsity and varsity home games at Owens will also include Dec. 3 against Elmwood H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 7 against Anthony Wayne H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 14 against Otsego H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 22 against Clay H.S. at 6 p.m., Dec. 27 against Whitmer H.S. at 6 p.m., Jan. 6 against Gibsonburg H.S. at 6 p.m., Jan. 14 against Genoa H.S. at 6 p.m., Feb. 3 against Woodmore H.S. at 6 p.m. and Feb. 11 against Eastwood H.S. at 6 p.m.

In June, Owens and Lake Local Schools entered into a new partnership that provides the school district with a temporary home for Lake High School staff and students as a result of their educational facilities being damaged or destroyed by tornados that devastated the Northwest Ohio region. Since August, over 430 Lake High School students in grades 9-12 have received their classroom instruction at the College’s Center for Development and Training building, which is located on Tracy Road in Northwood.

Lake High School students are receiving their regular comprehensive academic curriculum at the College’s Center for Development and Training building to include such course offering as art, business, computer technology, family and consumer science, music, physical education and health, and science, among other opportunities.

Owens’ 53,500 square-foot Center for Development and Training building, which housed some Workforce and Community Services and Skilled Trades Technologies educational courses, among other areas, features 10 classrooms, three computer laboratories, 34 offices, two reception areas and 12 experiential learning laboratories, all with state-of-the-art technology and academic resources to meet the needs of the Lake High School’s staff and students. In an effort to accommodate Lake High School’s educational needs, Owens relocated academic courses housed within the Center for Development and Training building to other campus locations.

Owens Community College Hosts Third Annual Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage, Nov. 19

Posted on November 16th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twelve high school varsity girls basketball teams will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best high schools from around the region as part of the third annual Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage hosted by Owens Community College on Friday, Nov. 19.

The basketball mega scrimmage will occur from 4:30-9:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Varsity girls basketball teams competing in the Express Girls High School Mega Scrimmage include Perrysburg High School, Bedford High School, Bellevue High School, Archbold High School, Otsego High School, Scott High School, Tiffin Calvert High School, Margaretta High School, Clay High School, Toledo Central Catholic High School, Delphos Jefferson High School and North Baltimore High School. Each high school varsity team will compete in several games throughout the scrimmage.

The Express women’s basketball program is led by Head Coach Mike Llanas. Early in the 2010-11 campaign, the Express’ overall record stands at 5-0 after five games. Owens is currently ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Owens Express women’s basketball program. For more information, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Owens Men’s Basketball to Host Express Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 12-13

Posted on November 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team will take an overall 2-0 record into this weekend as they host their annual Express Tip-Off Classic tournament, Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, the host Express will face Marygrove College JVs, while Kellogg Community College will take on Lourdes College JVs at 9 p.m.

On Saturday (Nov. 13), Owens will play against Kellogg at 1 p.m.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Program Advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament, Nov. 18-20

Posted on November 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College’s volleyball program is one step away from being crowned national champions after winning its respective regional (District D) tournament. As a result of their postseason success, the Express women’s volleyball team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 18-20. The tournament will take place in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

This marks Owens’ second trip to the NJCAA Division II national championship tournament. Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

“We knew coming into this year we had a good recruiting class and the team as a collective group worked hard throughout the year to get to this point,” said Owens Express Head Coach Sonny Lewis. “This has been a goal, making it to nationals. A lot of our matches were close and the team did what they needed to do to win matches.”

The Express earned their trip to the nationals by winning in the NJCAA Region XII Championships at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Owens defeated Oakland Community College (23-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17) in the championship match to advance to the national tournament.

The volleyball program’s overall record now stands at 41-7 and the team has not lost since Sept. 25 when fellow national tournament qualifier Kirkwood Community College defeated the Express in four games at the Parkland Invitational.

Additionally this year, the Express women’s volleyball team captured the OCCAC regular season championship with a victory over Cuyahoga Community College (25-11, 25-5, 25-8) on Oct. 30. Owens has won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 11-1 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. The Express also is currently on a 26-match winning streak.

Owens’ will play Illinois Central College in their first match of the double elimination consolation national tournament at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Johnson County Community College/Hagerstown Community College at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. The championship match will occur at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The 16 teams competing in the national tournament include Iowa Lakes Community College (37-7), Johnson County Community College (27-5), Cowley County Community College (31-3), East Central College (36-7), Parkland College (39-10), Kishwaukee College (40-10), Illinois Central College (31-8), Grand Rapids Community College (35-2), Pasco-Hernando Community College (32-7), Owens Community College (41-7), North Platte Community College (31-9), Glendale Community College (22-14), Kirkwood Community College (30-11), Moraine Valley Community College (34-6), Hagerstown Community College (26-7) and Genesee Community College (38-8).

The Express went 3-4 against six teams that qualified for the national tournament during the regular season. They defeated Moraine Valley and Parkland College, split with Kirkwood and lost to Kishwaukee, Grand Rapids and Illinois Central.

Owens played one invitational tournament at the national tournament site in mid-October and went 7-0 including wins against Moraine Valley and Kirkwood.

“We play a tough schedule every year. Our schedule has a lot of teams that are listed in the Top 20,” Lewis said. “It only makes our team better at the end of the year.”

Express volleyball team members include Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, outside hitter/setter (35 kills, 218 digs, 716 assists, 57 aces and 5 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Jessica Knueve of Kalida, outside hitter/defensive specialist (104 kills, 41 digs, 18 assists, 4 aces and 50 blocks) (Kalida H.S.); Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo, defensive specialist (3 kills, 162 digs, 2 assists and 8 aces) (Start H.S.); Amanda Schuster of Sylvania, middle blocker/outside hitter (23 kills, 7 digs, 5 assists, 3 aces and 10 blocks) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Lauren Lind of Millbury, outside hitter (101 kills, 40 digs, 13 assists, 1 ace and 32 blocks) (Lake H.S.); Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville, defensive specialist (50 digs and 2 aces) (Eastwood H.S.); Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter/outside hitter (191 kills, 294 digs, 876 assists, 45 aces and 51 blocks) (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (2 kills, 234 digs, 5 assists and 22 aces) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (13 kills, 839 digs, 13 assists and 41 aces) (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (336 kills, 149 digs, 8 assists, 66 aces and 76 blocks) (Bowling Green H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter/middle blocker (245 kills, 34 digs, 11 assists, 9 aces and 92 blocks) (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (239 kills, 56 digs, 9 assists, 4 aces and 92 blocks) (Milan H.S.); Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (228 kills, 49 digs, 28 assists, 3 aces and 67 blocks) (Monroeville H.S.): and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker (479 kills, 266 digs, 39 assists, 80 aces and 148 blocks) (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Men’s Basketball Opens Season Against Indiana Tech, Nov. 4

Posted on November 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s basketball will begin its 2010-11 campaign with a season-opening home contest against Indiana Tech on Thursday, Nov. 4. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.

All home games are free and held at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens men’s basketball program is led by fourth-year Head Coach Kevin Skaggs. His Assistant Coaches are Travis Lewis and Allen Drake. Owens finished the 2009-10 season with a 15-16 overall record and an 8-6 mark (fourth place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. The Express lost to Sinclair Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“We really have a great group of student-athletes who want to get better and are putting forth the time and effort to build a championship-caliber club,” explained Skaggs. “Our preseason schedule will once again be challenging and the conference will be very competitive. This team is truly a joy to work with. We have four veteran players who are leading by example and setting the pace for the incoming first-year student-athletes. I expect our team to be in the mix for a conference title.”

Owens has four returning players, including Derrick Sanderfer Jr. of Toledo (Rogers H.S.) and Calvin Edwards of Delaware (Rutherford B. Hayes H.S.). During the 2009-10 season, Sanderfer Jr. earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Most Improved Player. The sophomore guard/forward averaged 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds for the Express. Edwards, a sophomore guard/forward, averaged 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds during the season. Additionally, he was named to the NJCAA Academic All-American team and earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors.

Also returning to the men’s basketball program are Tommy Kralovic Jr. of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Craig Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.). In 2009-10, Kralovic Jr., a sophomore guard, earned the team’s Coaches Award. He averaged 5.2 points and 1.1 rebounds for the Express. Short is a sophomore forward/center and averaged 3.3 points and 5.2 rebounds for Owens last year.

First-year players are Taronta Cole Jr. of Gulfport, Miss., guard (Gulfport H.S.); Andrew Scarton of Flat Rock, Mich., guard (Flat Rock Community H.S.); Kesean Kerkulah of Toledo, guard (Rogers H.S.); Greg Garrett of Sandusky, guard (Sandusky H.S.); Jerron Jamerson of South Bend, Ind., guard/forward (Washington H.S.); Kendall Frank of Chicago, guard/forward (Plainfield North H.S.); John Jacobs of Cleveland, forward (Garfield Heights H.S.); James Wimberly of Akron, forward/center (Firestone H.S.); Michael Williamson of Toledo, guard (Start H.S.); and Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., forward/center (Ypsilanti H.S.).

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Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Nov. 5-7

Posted on November 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball team will look to advance to their seventh national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday-Sunday, Nov. 5-7.

Coached by Sonny Lewis, the Express will take a 37-7 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play against Mott Community College (10-13) at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5 in quarterfinal action. If they would advance, the Express will play the winner of the Macomb Community College (21-16)/St. Clair County Community College (22-18) match at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 in the semifinals. The championship match will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Columbus State Community College (23-6), Henry Ford Community College (5-19), Schoolcraft College (20-13) and Oakland Community College (32-5).

On Saturday (Oct. 30), the Express women’s volleyball team captured the OCCAC regular season championship with a victory over Cuyahoga Community College (25-11, 25-5, 25-8). Owens has won 10 out of the last 11 OCCAC regular season championships. Lewis’ squad finished 11-1 in the OCCAC regular season standings and is ranked No. 11 in the latest NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll. Additionally, the Express is currently on a 22-match winning streak.

The NJCAA Division II National Championship will be held Nov. 18-20 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Opens Season Against Indiana Tech, Nov. 4

Posted on November 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball will look build on last year’s successful season as the Express open its 2010-11 campaign against Indiana Tech JVs on Thursday, Nov. 4. The season opener will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is led by seventh-year Head Coach Michael Llanas. During his sixth year at the helm, Llanas led the Express to a 27-6 overall record and a second-place finish in the OCCAC (11-3 record). Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships last year. Llanas’ Assistant Coaches are Stephen Perry and Jessica Lewis.

All home games are free and occur at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“I am very optimistic about the upcoming season,” Llanas stated. “We did lose some key players to graduation, however, I really believe the first-year student-athletes will be able to step in and perform at a very high level for this year’s team. We also have some great veteran leadership and expectations remain extremely high with the goal of continuing the tradition of Express basketball excellence.”

In addition, the Owens women’s basketball program has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 9 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the No. 1 ranking.

The Express have five players returning from last year’s team, including Jasmine Blanton of Toledo (Notre Dame Academy) and Saige Meyer of Deshler (Patrick Henry H.S.). In 2009-10, Blanton earned NJCAA All-Region XII Team and OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors. The sophomore guard also was named OCCAC Newcomer of the Year and the team’s Co-MVP. She led the team with a 15.8 points per game average. Additionally, Blanton averaged five rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals during the season. Meyer, a sophomore guard, averaged 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists for the Express. She was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and earned team Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Also returning to Llanas’ squad are Jordan Floyd of Waterville (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Nasumbi Beard of Mansfield (Ontario H.S.) and Karrah Windau of Carey (Carey H.S.). During the 2009-10 season, Floyd, a sophomore guard/forward, earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Coaches Award recipient. She averaged 1.8 points for the Express. Beard is a sophomore point guard and averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals for the women’s basketball program last year. Windau was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection. The sophomore forward averaged 2.8 points, two rebounds and one assist for the Express.

First-year players to the Express women’s basketball program are Kieona Foster of Lima, guard (Lima Shawnee H.S.); Dana Mathews of Struthers, guard (Struthers H.S.); Brittany Morris of Sandusky, forward (Margaretta H.S.); Joi Jennings of Detroit, guard (Waterford Christian Academy); Aja Hall of Fostoria, forward (Fostoria H.S.); Hailey Galvan of Archbold, center (Archbold H.S.); and Megan Miller of Tiffin, center (Tiffin Columbian H.S.).

Owens Express Men’s Soccer Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Oct. 27-31

Posted on October 25th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s soccer team will look to advance to their first national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Soccer Championship, Oct. 27-31.

Coached by Art Johnson, the Express will take an 11-9 overall record into the six-team single elimination tournament where they will play Ancilla College (6-9-1) at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The first round match will take place at the College’s Soccer Field in Perrysburg Township.

If they would advance, the Express will play Schoolcraft College (16-3-1) at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 in the semifinals. The championship game will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. The semifinal and championship matches will take place at Delta College in University Center, Mich.

Teams participating in the regional tournament include Owens Community College, Ancilla College, Schoolcraft College, Cincinnati State Community College (17-2), Lakeland Community College (10-6-1) and Delta College (7-8-2).

Johnson’s team finished in third place in the final Ohio Community College Athletic Conference/Michigan Community College Athletic Conference (10-6 record) standings.

The NJCAA Division I National Championship will be held, Nov. 18-21 in Trenton, N.J.

Owens Express Volleyball to Host ‘Volley for the Cure’ During Match Against Cuyahoga Community College, Oct. 30

Posted on October 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College volleyball program and the Raising Awareness Club are encouraging area residents to help in supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the organization’s efforts in the fight against breast cancer by making a donation during the Express’ home match against Cuyahoga Community College on Saturday, Oct. 30. The match begins at 12 p.m.

Owens representatives will be accepting donations inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance with all the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure initiative. Additionally, each attendee making a donation will receive a ticket, which will serve as a raffle ticket for the chance to win a pink game ball signed by the current Express volleyball team. The match will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

In addition to the admission donation, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraisers throughout the event, which will be located at several tables inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance. The Express volleyball team will be wearing pink jersey uniforms during the match, as well as hosting a bake sale and a silent auction to win a pink game worn Express volleyball jersey. Breast cancer awareness T-shirts and bracelets will also be available for purchase during the “Volley for the Cure” event. All money raised by the team will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 33-7 overall record and currently is in first place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 7-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Owens’ Raising Awareness Club was recently founded with the overall purpose of raising awareness about an array of issues and causes. Comprised of Owens students, employees and alumni, the group is committed to advocating for animal rights, the acceptance of cultural differences and adoption, as well as against suicide, cancer and sexual slave trade, among many other issues.

Since the initial fundraising event in 2008, the Owens volleyball program has collected over $2,300 through various “pink-themed” activities. For more information about the “Volley for the Cure” event, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Volleyball to Retire Stephanie Champine’s No. 11 During Edison State CC Match, Oct. 13

Posted on October 8th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College volleyball will honor arguably one of the greatest student-athletes in the program’s history as the Express retire the No. 11 jersey of former standout Stephanie Champine on Wednesday, Oct. 13. The jersey retirement ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. after the second set of the Owens volleyball match against Edison State Community College.

The match will begin at 6 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to home matches is free.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 24-7 overall record and currently is in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 6-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 16 in the NJCAA Division II poll. Edison State enters the match with an overall record of 13-4 and a 6-0 mark (first place) in the OCCAC.

Champine was a member of the highly successful Express volleyball program from 2006-07. During those two years, Owens captured back-to-back OCCAC titles and accumulated an overall record of 69-23. A 2006 graduate of Bedford High School, Champine holds several Owens volleyball records, including kills for a season (595) and career (1,129) and hitting efficiency for a season (.360) and career (.330). The former Owens outside hitter also holds the record of 35 kills in a match, which was set against Mott Community College on Oct. 3, 2006.

Additionally, the Lambertville, Mich., resident was named NJCAA Division II Second Team and Honorable Mention All-American in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Champine’s other honors included OCCAC Player of the Year, OCCAC All-Conference First Team, NJCAA All-Region XII Team, NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team and team MVP in 2006 and 2007.

Champine continued her collegiate career at Austin Peay State University where she was a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honorable Mention All-American in 2008 and 2009. She also was named to the AVCA’s Midwest All-Region First Team for two consecutive years. Champine is the only Austin Peay player to receive AVCA national and regional recognition in program history.

The Austin Peay outside hitter also was named the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Player of the Year in 2009 and was a two-time All-OVC First Team selection, becoming the third student-athlete to receive back-to-back first-team honors.

Champine is the second student-athlete to have their jersey retired in Owens intercollegiate athletics’ history, joining former men’s basketball standout Jeff Massey who played for the Express from 1991-93. His No. 30 was retired in 1995. Champine currently serves as a Girls Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach at Monroe High School in Monroe, Mich.

Owens Express Volleyball to Host ‘Get Your Heart In The Game’ During Quadrangular Against Grand Rapids, Oakland and Jackson, Oct. 10

Posted on October 4th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College volleyball program and the Raising Awareness Club are encouraging area residents to help in supporting the American Heart Association and the organization’s efforts in the fight against cardiovascular disease by making a donation during the Express’ home quadrangular against Grand Rapids Community College, Oakland Community College and Jackson Community College on Sunday, Oct. 10. The quadrangular begins at 12 p.m.

Owens representatives will be accepting donations inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance with all the proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. Additionally, each attendee making a donation to the American Heart Association will receive a ticket, which will serve as a raffle ticket for the chance to win a red game ball signed by the current Express volleyball team. The quadrangular will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Beginning at 12 p.m., the host Express will face Jackson (4-14), while Grand Rapids (19-2) will take on Oakland (23-2). The second set of matches will begin at 1:45 p.m. with Owens squaring off against Grand Rapids. The other match will feature Jackson against Oakland.

In addition to the admission donation, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraisers throughout the quadrangular, which will be located at several tables inside the Student Health and Activities Center gymnasium entrance. The Express volleyball team will be wearing red jersey uniforms during the match as well as hosting a heart healthy bake sale and a silent auction to win a red game worn Express volleyball jersey. Cardiovascular disease literature will also be available during the “Get Your Heart In The Game” event. All money raised by the event will go directly to the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association was founded with the overall mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke and is an advocate for improvements to cardiovascular disease prevention, care and research at the local, state and national levels.

The Express women’s volleyball program has amassed a 23-7 overall record and currently is in second place in the OCCAC standings. Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, their conference record is 5-1. The Owens women’s volleyball program is currently ranked No. 17 in the NJCAA Division II poll.

For more information about the “Get Your Heart In the Game” event, call (567) 661-7583 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7583.

Owens Community College Presents Eighth Annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble, Sept. 26

Posted on September 9th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf to benefit golf student-athletes and the intercollegiate program as Owens Community College presents its eighth annual Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. The event will occur on Sunday, Sept. 26.

Organized by Owens’ Department of Athletics, the golf outing will be held at Tamaron Country Club Golf Course in Toledo. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch and an awards program.

The four-person golf scramble competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. Owens’ event will conclude with participants recalling their golfing experience during a short awards program, which will recognize the top foursome, as well as the longest drive and closest to the pin contests.

Led by Head Coach Gilbert Guerrero, the Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional Championship after rounds of 333-307 (640) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Additionally, Owens placed seventh in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championship.

Individuals must register prior to the date of the Express Four-Person Golf Scramble. For more information, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

One of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio, Owens Community College is a fully accredited two-year, state-assisted institution of higher education that has served Northwest Ohio since 1965. With a commitment to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability, the College serves the diverse academic needs of credit and non-credit students on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. Owens offers associate degrees that transfer to baccalaureate degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 130 technical program areas in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Skilled Trades, and Engineering and Transportation Technologies. Owens students also can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree with a smooth transfer to any area four-year college or university. For more information, visit www.owens.edu.

Owens Express Women’s Soccer Club Team Opens First-Ever Season Against Lorain County CC, Sept. 1

Posted on August 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The new Owens Community College women’s soccer club team will make its season and program debut as the Express hosts Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 1. The season opener will start at 4 p.m.

All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

“This is a very exciting day for Owens Community College and collegiate women’s soccer in Northwest Ohio,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Owens women’s soccer has received a lot of interest from students since the announcement was made to expand the College’s intercollegiate athletic programs. We have a very talented group of students comprising the new women’s soccer club team and I expect them to be very competitive during the inaugural fall season.”

First-year players to the Express women’s soccer club team are Sarah Weaver of Margaretta (Margaretta H.S.), Alexia Proch of Perrysburg (St. Ursula Academy), Marissa Szabo of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Erica Lankey of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools), Amalia Diaz of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Alyvia Lieber of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Brittany Jarouche of Toledo (Start H.S.), Aleha Almester of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Heather Majewski of Ida, Mich. (Ida H.S.), Jillian Whitlow of Toledo (Toledo Christian Schools), Alecia Zaper of Whitehouse (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Shara Williams of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Shelly Smith of Toledo (Start H.S.), Lauren McFellin of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Sara Ruiz of Swanton (Swanton H.S.), Amanda Roumaya of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Jessica Kuhn of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Malaysia Wright of Toledo (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.) and Shelby Ramirez of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.).

Earlier this month, Owens announced the expansion of its intercollegiate athletic programs with the creation of a new women’s soccer team. The Express program will officially begin NJCAA competition during the 2011 fall season and serve as a club sport during the 2010 fall semester.

Owens new women’s soccer club team is currently under the leadership of Art Johnson, the veteran Head Coach of the intercollegiate men’s soccer team, and his Assistant Coaches Jeremiah McNutt and Keith Closson. During his tenure at Owens, Johnson-led teams have compiled a 128-100-15 overall record. Express men’s soccer finished with a 12-7-1 overall record during the 2009 fall campaign.

The Express women’s soccer program becomes the eighth intercollegiate athletic program offered at Owens. The seven other sports include men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s golf, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

Owens Community College Express Soccer Opens Season at Delta College Invitational, Aug. 28-29

Posted on August 27th, 2010

.PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s soccer will look to contend for its first-ever conference title by opening the 2010 schedule at the Delta College Invitational in University Center, Mich., Aug. 28-29. The Express will take on Delta College on Saturday (Aug. 28) and Ancilla College on Sunday (Aug. 29). The Delta College match will begin at 3 p.m., while the Ancilla College match will start at 1 p.m.

The Express will open its home season against Lorain County Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 8. The home opener will start at 4 p.m. All home matches are played at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Owens men’s soccer program is led by Head Coach Art Johnson. Johnson’s Assistant Coaches are Jeremiah McNutt and Keith Closson. The Express completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program in 2009. Owens finished with a 12-7-1 overall record and in second place in the final OCCAC (3-3 record) standings.

“We have an extremely talented team that is committed to working hard and getting better each and every day on the soccer field,” stated Johnson. “I am really counting on our veterans to provide strong leadership for the first-year players, which will be critical to our success. Several of the first-year players will also be expected to step in and play at a very high level. Our team certainly has the potential of competing for the program’s first conference title.”

The Express has eight players returning from last year’s team. Among the second-year players on Johnson’s squad are Michael Hamouda of Liverpool, United Kingdom (Rainhill H.S.) and Rodcliff Hall of Boston, Mass. (William Knibb Memorial H.S.). In 2009, Hamouda was named team MVP and was a NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team selection. The sophomore midfielder led the team with 13 assists and totaled six goals and 24 points. Hall is a sophomore forward and earned NJCAA All-Region XII First Team and OCCAC All-Conference First Team honors. He was the team leader with 24 goals and 52 points.

Also returning to the Express program are Cody Katschke of Martin (Genoa H.S.), Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg (St. Francis de Sales H.S.) and Pavle Udovicic of Belgrade, Serbia (Sportska Gimnazija Belgrade). Last year, Katschke, a sophomore defender, recorded two goals and four points. In 2009, Aliakbar earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors. The sophomore midfielder recorded two goals, three assists and seven points. Udovicic is a sophomore goalie and recorded 39 saves and posted six shutouts for men’s soccer during the 2009 season.

Other returning student-athletes include Dustin Lamon of Findlay (Liberty-Benton H.S.) and Mikhail Weatherly of Montego Bay, Jamaica (Cornwall College). In 2009, Lamon, a sophomore goalie, recorded 12 saves and posted three shutouts for the Express. Weatherly is a sophomore forward and totaled four goals, three assists and 11 points for Owens last season.

First-year players to the Express men’s soccer program are Sean McEneff of Baldoyle, Ireland, defender (St. Paul’s College); Kyle Whitmore of Toledo, midfielder (Start H.S.); Lamar Lemonius of Ilford, United Kingdom, defender (Barking Abby School); Travis Turner of Toledo, defender (Springfield H.S.); Matthew Spence of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., forward (Calabar H.S.); Ababacar Ndoye of Ann Arbor, Mich., midfielder (Ypsilanti H.S.); Glenroy Miller of Belleville, N.J., forward (St. James H.S.); Nikoy Wallace of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., defender (Anchovy H.S.); Sean Kaighin of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); Samuel Swen of Levittown, Pa., defender (Harry S. Truman H.S.); Idris Avci of Istanbul, Turkey, midfielder (Inonu Endustri Meslek Lisesi School), and Grantham Maclean of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, midfielder (Otto Du Plessis H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Opens Season at Grand Rapids Invitational, Aug. 27-28

Posted on August 23rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s volleyball program will open its 2010 season with a tournament, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 27-28 at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The Owens volleyball program is led by ten-year Head Coach Sonny Lewis. During his ninth season as the Head Volleyball Coach at Owens, Lewis led the Express to 32 wins. Lewis’ Assistant Coaches are Denny Caldwell and Alison Mugler.

The Express will open its home campaign by hosting the Owens Express Invitational, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 3-5. All home matches are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home matches is free.

Last season, the Express women’s volleyball program completed their season with a 32-20 overall record. Owens finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-3 record). The team’s season concluded with a loss to St. Clair County Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“I am really looking forward to the start of the upcoming season,” Lewis stated. “This year’s team has really worked hard and put forth the effort in the preseason. The potential is there for this group to be mentioned among the great teams in the program’s long and storied history. However, we have to get better each and every day to achieve our goals.”

The Express have six players returning from last season’s team, including OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selection Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). In 2009, the sophomore outside hitter and setter recorded 238 kills, 195 assists, 242 digs and 67 blocks for the Express. Her postseason accolades also included being named the team’s Most Improved Player and OCCAC Academic All-Conference.

Lewis’ squad also returns Jessica Knueve of Kalida (Kalida H.S.), Alyssa Wielfaert of Toledo (Start H.S.) and Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). Knueve, a sophomore outside hitter and defensive specialist, played in 151 games and recorded 116 kills, 16 aces and 268 digs. Additionally, Knueve was named the recipient of the Coaches Award. Wielfaert is a sophomore defensive specialist and recorded 287 digs and 26 aces in 170 games last season for the Express. Schuster is a sophomore middle blocker and outside hitter. She played in 149 games and recorded 196 kills and 80 blocks. Schuster also earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors.

Additionally, Owens Express returners include Lauren Lind of Millbury (Lake H.S.) and Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.). Lind is a sophomore outside hitter and recorded 135 kills, 44 digs and 16 blocks in 66 games last season for Owens. LaVoy, a sophomore defensive specialist, played in 21 games and recorded 19 digs. Additionally, she was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection.

First-year players to the women’s volleyball program are Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter and outside hitter (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Ellie Comes of Toledo, defensive specialist (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (Bowling Green H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, outside hitter and middle blocker (Toledo Central Catholic H.S.); Allie McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker (Milan H.S.); Allison Seifker of Norwalk, outside hitter (Monroeville H.S.), and Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.).

Owens Community College Announces New Express Women’s Soccer Intercollegiate Athletic Program

Posted on August 3rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is expanding its intercollegiate athletic programs by announcing the creation of a new women’s soccer team. The Express program will officially begin NJCAA competition during the 2011 fall season and serve as a club sport this upcoming 2010 fall semester.

The recommendation for the new women’s soccer program was officially approved during the regularly scheduled Owens Board of Trustees meeting.

“Owens Community College intercollegiate athletics and our student-athletes are committed to excellence both within the classroom and on the athletic playing field,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “The Northwest Ohio region is known statewide and beyond for its exceptional soccer programs both at the high school and college levels. Owens is proud to build upon that tradition with the establishment of a new intercollegiate women’s soccer program. Our ultimate goal for women’s soccer is to become one of the elite programs in the country.”

The Express women’s soccer program will become a Division II member of the NJCAA. Owens will primarily compete against other colleges and universities from Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, including Cincinnati State Community College, Lorain County Community College, Jackson Community College, Schoolcraft College, Delta College and Ohio Northern University and Mercyhurst North East, among others. Owens’ Soccer Complex will serve as the home venue for the new intercollegiate program and matches will be scheduled from late August through October.

According to Rickard, Owens plans to begin a search for a permanent Head Coach to lead the new women’s soccer program in the near future.

Owens Express Soccer to Hold Open Tryouts, July 31

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s soccer at Owens Community College are invited to open tryouts on Saturday, July 31.

The open tryouts begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the College’s Soccer Field on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, this past year completed its twelfth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 12-7-1 overall record. Johnson’s team finished in second place in the final OCCAC (3-3 record) standings.

Owens Community College Presents Express Golf Clinic, July 21

Posted on July 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area high school golf players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as the men’s golf program hosts an Express Golf Clinic on Wednesday, July 21.

The Owens clinic will take place from 9-11 a.m. for boys and girls in grades 9-12 at Heather Downs Country Club in Toledo.

Clinic instructors will include the Owens Express men’s golf coaching staff and current and former collegiate players. Each clinic participant will receive individual instruction on golf skills that include full swing on woods and irons, chipping, putting, sand play, rules and etiquette. In addition, attendees will receive a swing evaluation to enhance their playing ability.

The clinic fee is $20 per player. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Express Student-Athletes Named OCCAC 2009-10 Academic All-Conference

Posted on July 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Twenty-four Owens Community College student-athletes have received Academic All-Conference honors by the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) in recognition of their scholarly achievements for the 2009-10 academic year.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of these student-athletes who have demonstrated both hard work and exceptional commitment to academic achievement,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Their success as scholars is a positive reflection on each athletic program and the dedication shown toward educational values.”

Selection criterion for the honored recipients is based upon achieving a minimum 3.30 grade point average.

Student-athletes receiving OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors include:
ï Garrett Busch of Toledo (pre-business administration), a Start H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.56 grade point average.
ï Michael Romano of Oregon (biomedical electronics), a Clay H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
ï Brooks Gradner of Bowling Green (pre-business administration), a Bowling Green H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.67 grade point average.
ï Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (pre-physical therapist assistant), a Whitmer H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.82 grade point average.
ï Calvin Edwards of Delaware (business management), a Rutherford B. Hayes H.S. graduate (men’s basketball) with a 3.75 grade point average.
ï Derrick Sanderfer Jr. of Toledo (accounting), a Rogers H.S. graduate (men’s basketball) with a 3.51 grade point average.
ï Yadi Aliakbar of Perrysburg (psychology), a St. Francis de Sales H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.35 grade point average.
ï Jahvan Russell of Montego Bay, Jamaica (accounting), a Cornwall College graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.91 grade point average.
ï Jon Moore of Toledo (pre-business administration), a Toledo Christian Schools graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.88 grade point average.
ï Lorenzo Carrion-Bistolfi of Montevideo, Uruguay (international business), a Centro Educacional Conquistadores graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.74 grade point average.
ï Magan Gerding of Perrysburg (architectural engineering technology), a Northview H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.50 grade point average.
ï Keri Seel of Fostoria (pre-business administration), a Fostoria H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (middle childhood education), a Central Catholic H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.84 grade point average.
ï Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue (pre-medical imaging technologies), a Bellevue H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Amanda Drew of Maumee (biology), a Springfield H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
ï Maureen Kurtz of Tiffin (pre-business administration), a Mohawk H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.84 grade point average.
ï Alyssa LaVoy of Pemberville (biology), an Eastwood H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Amanda Schuster of Sylvania (pre-occupational therapy assistant), a Southview H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.77 grade point average.
ï Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (pre-nursing), a Southview H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.36 grade point average.
ï Renee Bidlack of Payne (communication studies), a Wayne Trace H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.31 grade point average.
ï Kaila Corrothers of Detroit, Mich. (pre-occupational therapy assistant), a Detroit Consortium H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.30 grade point average.
ï Jordan Floyd of Waterville (undecided), an Anthony Wayne H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Saige Meyer of Deshler (journalism), a Patrick Henry H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 4.0 grade point average.
ï Karrah Windau of Carey (pre-dental hygiene), a Carey H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.63 grade point average.

Owens Community College to Host Mitchell-Jackson Youth Basketball Camp, July 19-22

Posted on July 12th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area youth will have the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of basketball and life lessons as basketball stars Todd Mitchell and Jim Jackson host their annual basketball camp at Owens Community College, Monday-Thursday, July 19-22. This marks the fourth year that the annual basketball camp is being held at Owens Community College.

The four-day youth basketball camp runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“Owens Community College appreciates the opportunity to once again play an active role in supporting a longstanding community outreach program dedicated to enriching the lives of area youth through education and the sport of basketball,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics. “Todd Mitchell and Jim Jackson are both leaders on and off the basketball court and Owens is proud to collaborate on such a worthwhile initiative effecting area youth throughout Northwest Ohio.”

Camp instructors for the four-day event will include college and professional basketball standouts Mitchell and Jackson, as well as area high school coaches and current and former collegiate basketball players. Boys and girls entering grades 5-12 will receive instruction on various basketball skills, highlighted by ball handling, passing, shooting, defense and rebounding.

Additionally, participants will learn about teamwork, eating healthy and making the right decisions in life. Attendees will also be evaluated on their skill level and compete in games and a variety of contests.

The camp registration fee is $100 per participant and space is limited. Lunch is provided daily. For more information, call (419) 491-0704 or (419) 340-1303.

Owens Community College Hosts Detroit Pistons Youth Basketball Training Camp, July 26-29

Posted on July 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College will offer area basketball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as part of the Detroit Pistons 2010 Youth Basketball Training Camp Tour, Monday-Thursday, July 26-29.

“Owens Community College is proud to once again collaborate with the Detroit Pistons organization and host an exciting week of basketball for area youth throughout Northwest Ohio,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics.

Camp instructors for the four-day event will include Detroit Pistons officials and players, Michigan college and high school coaches, and current and former collegiate basketball superstars. Youth in grades 1-12 will receive instruction on various basketball skills, highlighted by ball handling, passing, shooting, defense and rebounding. Additionally, participants will be evaluated on their skill level and compete in games and a variety of contests.

The registration fee for the camp is $179 per participant and space is limited. In addition, each individual will receive a Detroit Pistons’ reversible training camp jersey, a basketball and one free ticket to a Pistons home game and courtside pass.

During the past 13 years more than 27,000 boys and girls have attended the Detroit Pistons Training Camp Tour occurring throughout Ohio and Michigan. For more information, call (567) 661-7973, 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973 or (248) 377-8653.

Owens Community College Announces New Express Women’s Club Soccer Program

Posted on July 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College is expanding its athletic programs by announcing the creation of a new women’s soccer club team. The Express program will officially begin competition during the upcoming 2010 fall semester.

The new women’s soccer club team will hold its first information meeting for prospective area residents on Tuesday, July 13. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and occur in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

“The new Owens Community College women’s soccer club program is a welcome addition to student life and athletics and will afford new opportunities for the College’s students to experience the benefits of teamwork, leadership, responsibility and achievement,” said Michael Rickard, Owens Director of Athletics.

Rickard added, “The goal is to eventually transition the club team to varsity status, compete at the NJCAA Division II level and award scholarships.”

Owens’ Soccer Complex will serve as the home venue for the new club program. Home and away soccer matches will be scheduled from late August through October and include colleges and universities primarily from Ohio and Michigan. Teams in which Owens will compete against in the upcoming season include Cincinnati State Community College, Lorain County Community College, Jackson Community College, Schoolcraft College, Delta College and Ohio Northern University, among others.

Owens new women’s soccer club team will be placed under the leadership of Art Johnson, the veteran Head Coach of the intercollegiate men’s soccer team, and his Assistant Coaches Jeremiah McNutt and Keith Closson. During his tenure at Owens, Johnson-led teams have compiled a 128-100-15 overall record. Express men’s soccer finished with a 12-7-1 overall record during the 2009 fall campaign.

For more information about the upcoming informational meeting, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Announces Signing of Nine Student-Athletes to Scholarships

Posted on June 29th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Nine first-year student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play NJCAA intercollegiate women’s volleyball for the Owens Community College Express during the upcoming 2010-11 academic year.

The Express women’s volleyball program completed their 2009 season with a 32-20 overall record. Owens finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-3 record). The team’s season concluded with a loss to St. Clair County Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

“The incoming class may be the most talented group of student-athletes ever to play volleyball at Owens, which is saying a lot as the program has a long and storied history of academic and athletic excellence,” said Lewis, whose teams have captured 10 out of the last 12 conference titles. “Each individual brings a wide variety of skills and abilities to this year’s team, which complements an experienced group of returning veterans. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season and the potential of capturing another conference title.”

First-year student-athletes receiving women’s volleyball scholarships are Alexa Ansell of Oregon, rightside hitter (Genoa H.S. and Northern Kentucky University transfer); Elizabeth Comes of Sylvania, defensive specialist (Southview H.S.); Brittany Egbert of Fostoria, middle blocker and outside hitter (Hopewell-Loudon H.S.); Julia Haupricht of Toledo, middle blocker and outside hitter (Central Catholic H.S.); Ashley Horak of Bowling Green, outside hitter (Bowling Green H.S. and Eastern Kentucky University transfer); Alexandria McAfee of Ypsilanti, Mich., middle blocker and outside hitter (Milan H.S.); Erin Schatzle of Monroe, Mich., setter and outside hitter (Monroe H.S.); Alyssa Pelish of Toledo, defensive specialist (Central Catholic H.S.), and Allison Seifker of Norwalk, rightside hitter (Monroeville H.S.).

Owens Community College Hosts Express Volleyball Camp, July 12-14

Posted on June 28th, 2010

Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, Owens Express women’s volleyball completed their 2009 season with a 32-20 overall record. Owens finished in second place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (9-3 record). The team’s season concluded with a loss to St. Clair County Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge.

The camp fee is $80 per player, which includes a camp T-shirt. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7939 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7939.

Owens Express Golf to Hold Open Tryouts, June 21-24

Posted on June 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate golf at Owens Community College are invited to four-day open qualifier Monday-Thursday, June 21-24.

Open tryouts begin at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 21 at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. The second round of the four-day qualifier will start at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22 at Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course in Oregon. The final two rounds will begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday-Thursday, June 23-24 at Heather Downs Country Club in Toledo.

Registration is required prior to open tryouts and the green fee for the four-day tournament is $63. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-2643 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 2643.

Owens Express Baseball and Softball to Host Open Tryouts, June 10

Posted on June 3rd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s baseball or women’s softball at Owens Community College are invited to open tryouts on Thursday, June 10.

The open tryouts for men’s baseball begin at 4 p.m. at the College’s Baseball Complex, while the women’s softball open tryouts start at 4:30 p.m. at the Owens Softball Complex. Owens’ Toledo-area Campus is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

The Owens men’s baseball program completed the 2010 season with a 35-20 overall record. Led by Head Coach Bob Schultz, the Express finished the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season with a 4-8 (third place) mark. Owens lost to Kellogg Community College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Express women’s softball finished the 2010 season with a 33-16 overall record and captured its eighth Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (8-0 record) title in the program’s history. Owens has won five out of the last six OCCAC regular season championships (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). Led by Head Coach Duane Lanham, the Express lost to Muskegon Community College in the championship game of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Scholarships are still available. Owens Express players must be high school graduates and should bring their own equipment. For more information on the open tryouts, call (567) 661-7936 (baseball), (567) 661-7937 (softball) or (567) 661-7974 (Athletics Department Office).

Owens Honors Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs

Posted on May 26th, 2010

Led by Head Coach Michael Llanas, the Express women’s basketball team finished the 2009-10 campaign with a 27-6 overall record and an 11-3 mark (second place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships. The Express was ranked No. 6 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

Women’s Basketball awards presented were:
Co-Most Valuable Players – Brittany Darling of Curtice (Genoa H.S.) and Jasmine Blanton of Toledo (Notre Dame Academy)
Most Improved Player – Renee Bidlack of Payne (Wayne Trace H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Saige Meyer of Deshler (Patrick Henry H.S.)
Coaches Award – Jordan Floyd of Waterville (Anthony Wayne H.S.)
Mark Henry Award – Sarah Clark of Delphos (Delphos St. John’s H.S.)
OCCAC Newcomer of the Year – Jasmine Blanton
OCCAC All-Conference First Team– Brittany Darling and Jasmine Blanton
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Sarah Clark
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Jasmine Blanton
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Brittany Darling
NJCAA Division II Pre-Season All-American Second Team – Sarah Clark

Express women’s basketball team members also included Rachelle Allen of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Ashley Hooker of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Kaila Corrothers of Detroit (Detroit Consortium H.S.), Kelsey Perry of Willard (Willard H.S.), Rashanna Johnson of Columbus (Whitehall-Yearling H.S.), Nasumbi Beard of Mansfield (Ontario H.S.), Demi Moschetti of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Gabbie Cerovski of Hebron (Lakewood H.S.) and Karrah Windau of Carey (Carey H.S.).

Led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs, the Express men’s basketball team finished the 2009-10 season with a 15-16 overall record and an 8-6 mark (fourth place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens lost to Sinclair Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Men’s Basketball awards presented were:
Most Valuable Player – Jonathan Dunn of Toledo (St. John’s Jesuit H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Derrick Sanderfer Jr. of Toledo (Rogers H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Earl Hardison of Westland, Mich. (John Glenn H.S.)
Coaches Award – Tommy Kralovic of Rossford (Rossford H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Jonathan Dunn
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Earl Hardison, Dalante Heard of Toledo (Rogers H.S.) and Joshua Robinson of Elkhart, Ind. (Elkhart Central H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Jonathan Dunn

Members of the Owens Express men’s basketball team also were Michael Lee of Inkster, Mich. (Wayne Memorial H.S.), Virgil McGuire of Jackson (Jackson H.S.), Calvin Edwards of Delaware (Rutherford B. Hayes H.S.), Dylan Jablonski of Erie, Mich. (Mason H.S.) and Craig Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.).

Owens Women’s Basketball Student-Athletes Continue Careers at Tennessee Tech University and The University of Toledo

Posted on May 24th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball student-athletes Brittany Darling of Curtice and Sarah Clark of Delphos recently signed national letters of intent to continue their intercollegiate careers at Tennessee Tech University and The University of Toledo.

“I am really proud of Brittany Darling and Sarah Clark and excited that they will have an opportunity to continue their college education and athletic careers at Tennessee Tech University and The University of Toledo,” said Owens Women’s Basketball Head Coach Michael Llanas. “Both Brittany and Sarah were leaders on and off basketball court and will certainly succeed at their respective four-year schools.”

During her career at Owens, Darling averaged 10.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 block shots per game for the Express. This past year, the sophomore center earned First Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and was named the team’s co-MVP. Additionally, Darling, a 2008 graduate of Genoa High School, holds the school records for most rebounds in a single game (21) and blocks in a season (127).

Clark averaged 11.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the Express during her career. In 2009-10, the sophomore guard/forward was a Second Team OCCAC All-Conference selection and was named the team’s Mark Henry Award recipient. The 2008 Delphos St. John’s High School graduate also earned NJCAA Division II Pre-Season All-American Second Team honors.

Led by Head Coach Llanas, the Express women’s basketball team finished the 2009-10 campaign with a 27-6 overall record and an 11-3 mark (second place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens lost to Schoolcraft College in the finals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships. The Express was ranked No. 6 in the final NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles finished their 2009-10 season with a 14-16 overall record, while The University of Toledo Rockets completed their 2009-10 campaign with an overall record of 25-9.

Owens Express women's basketball teammates Sarah Clark (left) and Brittany Darling will continue their intercollegiate careers at NCAA Division I four-year academic institutions.

Owens Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete to Sign National Letter of Intent with University of Toledo, May 20

Posted on May 20th, 2010

Sarah Clark

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball student-athlete Sarah Clark of Delphos will sign a national letter of intent to continue her collegiate career at the University of Toledo on Thursday, May 20. The official signing ceremony will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center at 4:30 p.m.

During her career at Owens, Clark averaged 11.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the Express. This past year, the sophomore guard/forward earned Second Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and was named the team’s Mark Henry Award recipient. Additionally, Clark, a 2008 graduate of Delphos St. John’s High School, was a NJCAA Division II Pre-Season All-American Second Team selection.

The University of Toledo Rockets finished their 2009-10 season with a 25-9 overall record.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Girls ‘Summer Slam’ Basketball Camp, June 21-24

Posted on May 17th, 2010

The basketball camp will occur each day from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Parents and coaches are invited to attend the camp to listen and observe at no additional charge.

The camp fee is $75 per player, which includes a camp “gym sack” and awards. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Owens Express Men’s Baseball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, May 14-16

Posted on May 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s baseball team will look to advance to its third World Series national tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Baseball Championships this coming weekend. The tournament will be held in Battle Creek, Mich., Friday-Sunday, May 14-16.

Coached by Bob Schultz, the Express will take a 34-18 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play Jackson Community College at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 14. If they would advance, the Express will play at 6 p.m. on Friday. The championship game will occur at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 16.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Jackson Community College (36-18), Vincennes University (26-19), Kalamazoo Valley Community College (35-18), Sinclair Community College (42-8), Muskegon Community College (42-14), Kellogg Community College (37-15) and Grand Rapids Community College (26-25).

Schultz’s team finished the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season with a 4-8 (third place) overall record.

The NJCAA Division II World Series National Championships will be held May 29 – June 5 in Enid, Okla.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Girls Team Shootout, June 25-26

Posted on May 7th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Area high school girls basketball teams interested in competing against some of the best high schools from the Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio regions are invited to participate in a two-day Express Girls “Summer Slam” Team Shootout hosted by Owens Community College, Friday-Saturday, June 25-26.

The basketball team shootout competition will begin each day at 8 a.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township.

Each high school team will be guaranteed four games per day and basketball programs will have the opportunity to compete on either Friday or Saturday, or both days. The camp fee is $200 per team for one day or $250 per team for both days.

The number of participating teams is limited and reservations are required. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7941 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7941.

Owens Express Women’s Softball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, May 13-14

Posted on May 6th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s softball team will look to advance to the national championship tournament as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Softball Championship next week. The tournament will be held in Battle Creek, Mich., Thursday-Friday, May 13-14.

Coached by Duane Lanham, the Express will take a 29-13 overall record into the double elimination tournament where they will play the winner of the Lake Michigan College/Kalamazoo Valley CC game at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 13. If they would advance, the Express will play at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 14. The championship game will occur at 12 p.m. on Friday.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Kalamazoo Valley Community College (32-8), Jackson Community College (26-24), Muskegon Community College (48-6), Lansing Community College (29-12) and Lake Michigan College (17-23).

Earlier this year, Lanham’s team won its eighth regular season Ohio Community College Athletic Conference title (8-0 record) in the program’s history. The conference championship is the fifth in the last six years.

The NJCAA Division II Softball National Championship will be held May 20-22 in Normal, Ill.

Owens Express softball student-athletes include Allison Braun of Celina (Celina H.S.), Chelsea Lingenfelter of Lima (Lima Shawnee H.S.), Christine Zappone of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Aerica Susor of Curtice (Genoa H.S.), Lydia Eckel of Genoa (Genoa H.S.), Haley Whitcomb of Sandusky (Perkins H.S.), Jolynn Brossia of Curtice (Genoa H.S.), Magan Gerding of Perrysburg (Northview H.S.), Heather Whitcomb of Sandusky (Perkins H.S.), Kelley Molloy of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo (Central Catholic H.S.), Lindsey Bandeen of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Matea Rice of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue (Bellevue H.S.), Brittney Guerrero of Toledo (Bowsher H.S.), Kaela Alexander of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Keri Seel of Fostoria (Fostoria H.S.), Shelby Schuster of Sylvania (Southview H.S.), Courtney Parr of Castalia (Margaretta H.S.), Elizabeth Weber of Elmore (Oak Harbor H.S.), Morgan Gray of Clyde (Clyde H.S.), Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.) and Courtney Mowery of Genoa (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Golf Competes in NJCAA Regional Championships, May 10-11

Posted on May 5th, 2010

The Express golf team captured one match and invitational title during the season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also finished second in the NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after rounds of 333-307 (640) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg.

Now in its fifth year as an intercollegiate athletic program, Owens will compete against 10 intercollegiate golf programs and over 60 individuals in the two-day 54-hole NJCAA Region XII tournament. The program must finish as one of the top two teams to advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship, May 18-21. Individuals can also advance to the national championship tournament. Owens made two trips (2006 and 2008) to the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Owens Express golf student-athletes include Tyler Bice of Elida, 79.7 scoring average (Lima Bath H.S.); Torey Brummett of Oregon, 76.5 scoring average (Cardinal Stritch H.S.); Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green, 81.9 scoring average (Bowling Green H.S.); Kyle Laberdee of Bowling Green, 77.2 scoring average (Bowling Green H.S.); Ryan Medeiros of Pickering, Canada, 80.5 scoring average (Notre Dame Catholic H.S.); Lee Schmidlin of Toledo, 86.6 scoring average (Whitmer H.S.); Nick Speck of Perrysburg, 84.6 scoring average (Eastwood H.S.), and Patrick Stacy of Findlay, 83.0 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.).

Owens Community College Express Baseball Competes in OCCAC Postseason Tournament, April 30 – May 1

Posted on April 30th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s baseball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Men’s Baseball Postseason Tournament Championship, Friday-Saturday, April 30 – May 1.

Sinclair Community College will serve as host to the OCCAC Postseason Tournament, which will take place in Xenia, Ohio. The winner and runner-up of the OCCAC Postseason Tournament advance to the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Baseball Championship, which will be held May 14-16 in Battle Creek, Mich.

Teams participating in the tournament will include Owens Community College, Sinclair Community College, Cuyahoga Community College and Lakeland Community College.

Coached by Bob Schultz, the Express will take a 30-16 overall record (4-8 third place finish in OCCAC) into the double elimination tournament where they will play Lakeland (13-18) at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 30 in semifinal action. The other semifinal game on Friday will feature Sinclair (39-8) versus Cuyahoga (3-16) at 1 p.m.

The losers of the Owens/Lakeland and Sinclair/Cuyahoga games will play at 6 p.m. on Friday. The other game on Friday will feature the winners of the Owens/Lakeland and Sinclair/Cuyahoga games at 8:30 p.m. A consolation bracket game will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. The OCCAC championship game will occur at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about the tournament, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete to Sign National Letter of Intent with Tennessee Tech, April 14

Posted on April 14th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s basketball student-athlete Brittany Darling of Curtice will sign a national letter of intent to continue her collegiate career at Tennessee Tech University on Wednesday, April 14. The official signing ceremony will take place in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center at 3:30 p.m.

During her career at Owens, Darling (small business management) averaged 10.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 block shots per game for the Express. This past year, the sophomore center earned First Team OCCAC All-Conference honors and was named the team’s co-MVP. Additionally, Darling, a 2008 graduate of Genoa High School, holds the school records for most rebounds in a single game (21) and blocks in a season (127).

The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles finished their 2009-10 season with a 14-16 overall record.

Owens Express Golf Opens Season at Jets Spring Invite, April 2

Posted on April 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College golf will make its 2010 season debut at the Jets Spring Invitational on Friday, April 2. The non-conference invitational is being hosted by Jackson Community College.

The match will begin at 10 a.m. and take place at the Grande Golf Club in Jackson, Mich. Owens’ home intercollegiate golf events will occur at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Admission to all Express golf events is free and open to the public.

Owens’ golf program is guided by fourth-year Head Coach Gil Guerrero. The Express golf team captured five match and invitational titles during the 2009 spring season, highlighted by its third consecutive first-place finish in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Championship Invitational. The program also captured its fourth NJCAA Region XII Sub-Regional championship after rounds of 317-314 (631) at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg.

“Our golf team is extremely young as we are without any returning student-athletes from last year’s conference championship squad,” stated Guerrero. “Even though we are young and inexperienced at the collegiate level, our goal remains the same as previous years, which is to compete at the highest level and contend for another conference title.”

First-year players to the Express golf program are Tyler Bice of Elida (Lima Bath H.S.), Torey Brummett of Oregon (Cardinal Stritch H.S.), Brooks Gardner of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Kyle Laberdee of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Ryan Medeiros of Pickering, Canada (Notre Dame Catholic H.S.), Lee Schmidlin of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Nick Speck of Perrysburg (Eastwood H.S.) and Patrick Stacy of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.).

Owens Express Baseball Home Weekend Schedule Features Grand Rapids CC, Mott CC and Jackson CC, March 19-21

Posted on March 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Three Michigan community college baseball teams will make their way to Northwest Ohio this weekend as the Owens Community College men’s baseball program entertains Grand Rapids Community College, Mott Community College and Jackson Community College, Friday-Sunday, March 19-21.

The Express will play Grand Rapids CC at 3 p.m. on Friday (March 19), Mott CC at 1 p.m. on Saturday (March 20) and Jackson CC at 1 p.m. on Sunday (March 21). All home games are played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

Bob Schultz begins his eighth year as Head Coach of the Owens men’s baseball program. In the past seven years, he has guided the Express to many notable achievements, including five conference championships in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Prior to his position as Head Coach, Schultz served as an Express Assistant Coach for five years. His Assistant Coaches are Gabe Medina and Tom DeMarco.

The Owens men’s baseball program finished the 2009 season with a 34-10 overall record and captured its eighth Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (11-4 record) title in the program’s history. The conference championship is the fifth in the last six years. Owens Express men’s baseball, which was ranked No. 10 in the final NJCAA Division II poll, lost to Lakeland Community College in the NJCAA Sub-Region XII Championships.

Early in the 2010 season, Owens has a compiled a 9-3 overall record following games played in South Carolina and a pair of victories against Glen Oaks Community College.

“I am very optimistic about this year’s team,” stated Schultz. “We have 13 veteran returners from last year’s championship ballclub and some extremely talented first-year student-athletes. In order to be successful and compete for another conference title, we are going to need a total team effort. Our expectations remain very high and we anticipate playing a significant role in who wins the conference championship.”

The Express has 13 players returning from last year’s championship team, including Joe Engle of Sidney (Sidney H.S.) and Jared Gibbons of West Carrollton (West Carrollton H.S.). In 2009, Engle, a sophomore infielder, was a First Team OCCAC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII selection. His accomplishments also included being named OCCAC Player of the Year and the team’s Most Valuable Player, among other honors. Engle led the team with 62 hits, 53 RBIs and a .477 batting average. Gibbons, a sophomore infielder, earned First Team OCCAC All-Conference and OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and was named the recipient of the team’s Most Improved Player award. He collected 49 hits, 31 RBIs and 11 stolen bases and compiled a .445 batting average.

Schultz’s squad also returns Eric Vaughan of Delta (Delta H.S.) and Tim DeCant of Toledo (Lake H.S.). Vaughan, a sophomore pitcher, was a First Team OCCAC All-Conference selection and earned the team’s Outstanding Pitching Award. He compiled a 5-1 record and a 1.83 earned run average and registered 40 strikeouts. DeCant is a sophomore outfielder. In 2009, he was named the recipient of the team’s Coaches Award. Additionally, DeCant was the team leader with 11 doubles, five triples and 31 stolen bases and compiled a .379 batting average.

Returning sophomore student-athletes to the Owens team also include Kevin Dorsten of Huber Heights, pitcher (Wayne H.S.); Neal Linthicum of Perrysburg, pitcher (Perrysburg H.S.); Joe Maurer of Toledo, catcher (Start H.S.); Ben Fox of Huber Heights, infield (Wayne H.S.); Bryan Daniel of Englewood, outfield (Northmont H.S.); Michael Romano of Oregon, outfield (Clay H.S.); Ross Joost of Sherwood, pitcher (Fairview H.S.); Josh Newman of Dayton, infield (Northmont H.S.); and Joel Gattoni of Thornhill, Canada, pitcher (Langstaff Secondary School).

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Blake Schmenk of Perrysburg, outfield (Perrysburg H.S.); Nate Davis of Temperance, Mich., outfield (Bedford H.S.); Jesse Solomon of Huber Heights, infield (Wayne H.S.); Eric Stuart of Mantua, pitcher (Crestwood H.S.); Derrick Garcia of Perrysburg, pitcher (Perrysburg H.S.); Matt Hayes of Pickerington, infield (Pickerington H.S. North); Garrett Busch of Toledo, catcher and pitcher (Start H.S.); Austin Gunn of Delta, infield (Delta H.S.); Ryan West of Englewood, pitcher (Northmont H.S.); Devin East of Neapolis, infield (Anthony Wayne H.S.); Chris Rice of Taylor, Mich., pitcher (Gabriel Richard Catholic H.S.); and Matt Joseph of Sylvania, catcher (Southview H.S.).

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Muskegon Community College, March 19

Posted on March 19th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2010 home season against Muskegon Community College on Friday, March 19. The game will begin at 3 p.m.

All home games will be played at the College’s Softball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road in Perrysburg Township. Admission to all home games is free.

The Owens softball program is guided by seventh-year Head Coach Duane Lanham. His Assistant Coaches are Michael Murphy and Kevin Snyder.

Express women’s softball completed the 2009 season with a 34-10 overall record and captured its seventh Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (11-4 record) title in the program’s history. Owens has won four out of the last five OCCAC regular season championships (2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009). The Express lost to Lansing Community College in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Owens began its season on the road with games in Florida as part of the program’s annual spring break trip. The Express’ current overall record is 1-5.

“I am extremely optimistic about the upcoming season,” said Lanham. “We have great veteran leadership and a very talented group of first-year players. I expect our depth in pitching, strong defense and continued improvement in our hitting to play key roles in a successful season. This team has the ability and talent to defend our OCCAC conference title and advance beyond the regional tournament.”

Owens has nine players returning from last year’s championship team, including Allison Braun of Celina (Celina H.S.) and Chelsea Lingenfelter of Lima (Lima Shawnee H.S.).

In 2009, Braun, a sophomore infielder, was named First Team OCCAC All-Conference and the team’s Offensive Player of the Year. She led the team with 13 homeruns, which is a new school record. Braun also collected 34 hits, scored 28 runs, had 38 RBIs and compiled a .315 batting average. Lingenfelter is a sophomore pitcher. She compiled an 8-3 record and a 1.48 earned run average.

Lanham’s squad also returns Christine Zappone of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Aerica Susor of Curtice (Genoa H.S.) and Lydia Eckel of Genoa (Genoa H.S.). Zappone, a sophomore infielder, scored 16 runs, had 15 RBIs and compiled a .286 batting average. Susor is a sophomore pitcher. She compiled a 6-3 record and a 2.57 earned run average last year. Eckel, a sophomore infielder, collected 25 hits, 10 doubles and 27 RBIs for the Express last year.

Returning sophomore student-athletes to the Owens team also include Haley Whitcomb of Sandusky, catcher (Perkins H.S.); Jolynn Brossia of Curtice, infielder (Genoa H.S.); Magan Gerding of Perrysburg, catcher (Northview H.S.); and Heather Whitcomb of Sandusky, outfielder (Perkins H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s softball program are Kelley Molloy of Toledo, outfielder (Whitmer H.S.); Ashleigh Whitacre of Toledo, outfielder (Central Catholic H.S.); Lindsey Bandeen of Holland, infielder (Springfield H.S.); Matea Rice of Oregon, infielder (Clay H.S.); Bridget Wolfe of Bellevue, catcher (Bellevue H.S.); Brittney Guerrero of Toledo, outfielder (Bowsher H.S.); and Kaela Alexander of Holland, infielder (Springfield H.S.).

Express first-year players also include Keri Seel of Fostoria, pitcher (Fostoria H.S.); Shelby Schuster of Sylvania, catcher (Southview H.S.); Courtney Parr of Castalia, pitcher (Margaretta H.S.); Elizabeth Weber of Elmore, pitcher (Oak Harbor H.S.); Morgan Gray of Clyde, outfielder (Clyde H.S.); Annie DeTray of Oak Harbor, infielder (Oak Harbor H.S.); and Courtney Mowery of Genoa, outfielder (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, March 5-7

Posted on March 2nd, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College men’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a third national title as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championship this weekend. The tournament will be held at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Friday-Sunday, March 5-7.

Coached by Kevin Skaggs, the Express will take a 17-13 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Sinclair Community College (21-9) at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 5. If they would advance, the Express will play at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 6 against Cincinnati State Community College (22-8) in the semifinals. The championship game will occur at 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 7.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Lakeland Community College (19-10), Columbus State Community College (22-6), Edison State Community College (15-11) and Cuyahoga Community College (14-11).

In addition, Skaggs’ team finished in fourth place in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (8-6 record).

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 16-20 in Danville, Ill.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Hosts NJCAA Region XII Tournament, March 5-7

Posted on February 25th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – The Owens Community College women’s basketball team begins its postseason run toward a national title as the Express compete in and host the NJCAA Region XII (District H) Women’s Basketball Championship, Friday-Saturday, March 5-7.

Teams participating in the tournament will include Schoolcraft College, Macomb Community College, Delta College, Owens Community College, Lakeland Community College, Oakland Community College, St. Clair County Community College and Henry Ford Community College.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express has amassed an overall record of 25-3 and is 11-1 (first place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Llanas’ team is currently ranked No. 6 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The Express will play Macomb (11-13) at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 5 in quarterfinal action. Other quarterfinal games on Friday will feature St. Clair County (21-6) versus Delta (14-13) at 3 p.m., Lakeland (20-7) versus Oakland (17-10) at 5 p.m. and Schoolcraft (26-1) versus Henry Ford (4-23) at 7 p.m.

The winner of the Owens/Macomb game will play the St. Clair County/Delta winner at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. The other semifinal game on Saturday will feature Lakeland/Oakland versus Schoolcraft/Henry Ford and begin at 4 p.m. The championship game will occur at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 7.

Later today (Feb. 25), Owens travels to Cincinnati to face its archrival Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (18-9, 10-2). The game begins at 4 p.m. Owens will conclude the regular season portion of its schedule with an away contest at Piqua against Edison State Community College (18-6, 7-5) on Saturday, Feb. 27. The game start time is 1 p.m.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship will be held March 17-20 in East Peoria, Ill.

Tickets for the NJCAA Region XII Women’s Basketball Championships are $5 per person. Children ages 5 or under are admitted free, as well as Owens students, employees and alumni with valid College identification. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Express Basketball Teams Conclude Regular Home Season Against Lakeland CC, Feb. 17

Posted on February 17th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball programs will conclude the regular season home portion of their schedules with games against Lakeland Community College on Wednesday, Feb. 17. The women’s team will play Lakeland (19-5, 8-2) at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will battle the Lakers (18-7, 8-2) beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Both games will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Admission to home games is free.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express has amassed an overall record of 24-2 and is 10-0 (first place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Llanas’ team is currently on a 17-game winning streak and is ranked No. 4 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The 2009-10 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 13-13 and a 6-4 mark (third place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

Owens Community College Express Basketball Reschedules Home Games Against Lorain County CC, Feb. 11

Posted on February 11th, 2010

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, OH – Owens Community College men’s and women’s basketball home games originally scheduled for Feb. 10 against Lorain County Community College will occur on Thursday, Feb. 11. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m. against the Commodores, while the Express men will battle Lorain County beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express has amassed an overall record of 22-2 and is 8-0 (first place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference regular season standings. Llanas’ team is currently on a 15-game winning streak and is ranked No. 4 in the most recent NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.

The 2009-10 edition of the men’s basketball program has an overall record of 11-13 and a 4-4 mark (fifth place) in the OCCAC. The Express is led by Head Coach Kevin Skaggs.

For more information, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.