News Releases

Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on January 18th, 2007

Owens Community College recently honored its fall athletic programs for displaying outstanding excellence during intercollegiate competition. Thirty-six student-athletes participating in women’s volleyball and men’s soccer were recognized for their athletic achievements, highlighted by Stephanie Champine of Lambertville, Mich., being named NJCAA Division II Honorable Mention All-American in women’s volleyball, while Sean Bucknor of Springfield, Mass., received NJCAA Division I Second Team All-American honors in men’s soccer.

This marks 10 out of 11 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Champine’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year and several NJCAA All-Region XII awards.

Champine, a freshman outside hitter from Bedford High School, holds Owens’ volleyball records with 595 kills for a season, 35 kills for a match, 4.88 kills for a game and a .360 hitting efficiency for a season.

Bucknor is a freshman from Cornwall College. The Express forward/midfielder is the first men’s soccer student-athlete to earn All-American recognition. During the 2006 season, Bucknor broke several school records, including most goals and points for a season with 28 and 59, respectively. In addition to his All-American honors, Bucknor was named OCCAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, and NJCAA All-Region XII First Team.

Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, the Express completed its season with a 33-10 overall record. The program captured its seventh consecutive OCCAC regular season championship, finishing with an overall 9-1 conference record. Owens has won eight out of the last nine conference titles. The Express lost to Schoolcraft College in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its ninth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 6-12-1 overall record and a 2-6 mark (fifth place) in the OCCAC.

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Stephanie Champine
Most Improved Player – Lindsay Trumitch of Riverview, Mich. (Riverview H.S.)
Most Valuable Defensive Player – Stephanie Czupich of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
Coaches Award – Allison Siefker of Ottawa (Kalida H.S.) and Elisha Milks of Erie, Mich. (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Stephanie Champine
OCCAC Coach of the Year – Sonny Lewis
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Stephanie Champine, Stephanie Czupich and Allison Siefker
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Lindsay Trumitch
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Stephanie Champine, Stephanie Czupich and Allison Siefker
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Stephanie Champine
NJCAA All-American Division II Honorable Mention – Stephanie Champine

Owens Express volleyball team members also included Amanda Hensley of Fremont (Fremont St. Joe H.S.), Madison Cupp of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.), Kristy Bailey of Adrian, Mich. (Lenawee Christian H.S.), Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.), Lindsay Trumitch of Riverview, Mich. (Riverview H.S.), Lindsay Lehmann of LaSalle, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.), Kim Zimmerman of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Lindsay Word of Edon (Edon H.S.) and Andria Niese of Ottawa (Ottawa-Glandorf H.S.).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Mugisha Rwehumbiza of Toledo (Newlands Manor School)
Offensive MVP – Sean Bucknor
Defensive MVP – Zach Wazny of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.)
Most Improved Player – David Skoczyn of Celina (Celina Senior H.S.)
Coaches Award – Robert Fountain of Holland (Springfield H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Sean Bucknor
OCCAC Offensive Player of the Year – Sean Bucknor
OCCAC Coach of the Year – Art Johnson
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Sean Bucknor
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Mugisha Rwehumbiza and Zach Wazny
NJCAA All-Region XII First Team – Sean Bucknor
NJCAA All-Region XII Second Team – Zach Wazny
NJCAA All-American Division I Second Team – Sean Bucknor

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Jeff Kuehne of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Torrey Korsog of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Adam Grzybowski of Lima (Findlay H.S.), John Shaffer of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.), Chad Graven of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Gilbert King of Norwalk (Norwalk H.S.), Ryan Davis of Tucson, Ariz. (Mountain View H.S.), Housam Adoure-Zehaim of Maumee (Springfield H.S.), Justin Williams of Lima (Lima Senior H.S.), Zane Polack of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.), Nathan Stevely of Wapakoneta (Wapakoneta H.S.), Matheus DeSouza of Livingston, Texas (Livingston H.S.), Josiemar Crooks of Westmoreland, Jamaica (Godfrey Stewart H.S.), Nathan Baer of Northwood (Lake H.S.) and Douglas Hoblet of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Baseball Hitting School, Jan. 13-14

Posted on December 21st, 2006

Owens Community College will offer area baseball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as men’s baseball hosts a two-day Express Baseball Hitting School, Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 13-14.

The baseball hitting school runs daily from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus.

Camp instructors will include Owens Express Head Coach Bob Schultz and Assistant Coaches Jason Halka and Gabe Medina, and area college coaches and scouts. Youth ages 8-18 will be divided by age groups and receive individual instruction on baseball skills, which will include an evaluation of each player’s hitting, throwing and defensive techniques. In addition, attendees will learn about custom exercises for baseball and gain tips on improving their hitting.

The men’s baseball program finished the 2006 campaign with a 32-21 overall record and an 11-9 mark (third place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Macomb Community College. The program captured back-to-back OCCAC regular season titles in 2004 and 2005.

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 shoes.

The camp fee is $70 per player, which includes a camp T-shirt. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7936 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936.

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad Competes for Second Consecutive National Championship Title

Posted on December 5th, 2006

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad Area residents will once again be entertained by outstanding halftime dance routines as Owens Community College’s national champion Competitive Cheerleading team performs at home men’s basketball games.

In addition, the program will look to build upon its success in competition on a national level by participating against some of the country’s best intercollegiate cheerleading teams at the National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals in April. In order to compete at the College Nationals, the Express must qualify by attending a National Cheerleaders Association sanctioned regional tournament. The program is also expected to participate in the Midwest Open National Championship in February. Last year, the Express were recognized nationally by being named the American Championships Coed College National Champions.

In 2006, the Owens Competitive Cheerleading squad was also selected for an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime show.

“We have a very talented and spirited squad that will certainly build upon the success of last year’s team,” said Tracy Rollins, Owens Competitive Cheerleading Head Coach. “In addition to supporting the Express men’s basketball team, the group has identified several goals that they would like to accomplish, highlighted by winning another national championship.”

Rollins added, “This year’s squad is really putting forth the time and effort that it takes to achieve success at the national level. The team has a great opportunity to continue Owens’ tradition of cheerleading excellence.”

Since 2001, the Owens Competitive Cheerleading program has earned regional and national acclaim for cheerleading, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter Nationals.

The Owens Competitive Cheerleading program is led by sixth-year Head Coach Tracy Rollins. A Perrysburg resident, she previously served as a cheerleading coach for nine years at Lake Junior, Bowling Green and Eastwood high schools, and has worked with several area All-Star squads. Coach Rollins also worked with the National Cheerleading Association organizing various cheer clinics throughout Northwest Ohio. Her squads are known for their creativity and have won various awards in all competitions.

Returning student-athletes to the Owens Express program include Cory Ertle of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.), Stephanie Welling of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Krista Rakich of Medina (Archbishop Hoban H.S.) and Matt Currier of Rossford (Rossford H.S.).

First-year performers are Danielle Grady of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Ashley Huss of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Stephanie Mason of Toledo (Central Catholic H.S.), Elizabeth Kaczmarek of Grand Rapids (Anthony Wayne H.S.), Erin Schroeder of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Andrea Schulte of Pemberville (Eastwood H.S.), Jade Belmares of Rising Sun (Bettsville H.S.), Kiley Forche of Swanton (Swanton H.S.), Amy Hamilton of Cleveland, Okla. (Cleveland H.S.), Kelly Hower of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.) and Carlin Tran of Sylvania (Northview H.S.).

Owens Community College Hosts Express Cheerleading Clinic, Dec. 6

Posted on November 21st, 2006

Owens Community College will offer area elementary and junior high school (K-6th grade) students the opportunity to learn about and experience various cheers and dance routines as the competitive cheerleading program hosts a one-day Express Cheerleading Clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

The Express Cheerleading Clinic will occur from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Clinic instructors will include Express Head Coach Tracy Rollins and the Owens cheerleaders. Each individual will be taught a cheer, chant and cheer dance. The clinic participants then will perform their new cheers at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Friday, Dec. 8. The game begins at 7 p.m. and admission is free. Each clinic participant should arrive at 6 p.m.

Since its founding as a competitive cheerleading program in 2001, the Owens Competitive Cheerleading Team has participated in regional, state and national competitions, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at the American Championships (Coed College National Champions), JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Ohio Winter Nationals, Cheerleaders of America Open Championship and the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open.

The clinic fee is only $15 and includes a t-shirt. For more information, call (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935, or (419) 343-0537.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Basketball Camp, Nov. 24

Posted on November 7th, 2006

Owens Community College will offer area basketball players the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the sport as the men’s basketball program hosts a one-day Express Basketball Camp on Friday, Nov. 24.

The basketball camp will occur from 7 a.m. – noon for grades 4-6 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Camp registration will begin at 6:30 a.m.

Camp instructors will include the Owens Express men’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.

The Express’ overall record currently stands at 2-1. Additionally, the program has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. During the 2005-06 season, the Express finished with a 26-7 overall record and a 9-5 mark (third place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC).

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

The camp fee is $25 per player, which includes a basketball. For more information, or to register, call (567) 661-7940 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7940.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Wins Seventh Consecutive OCCAC Championship

Posted on October 31st, 2006

Volleyball player blocking shot The year was 2000. William Jefferson Clinton was leading the country from the White House, the price of gasoline was at a reasonable cost as it hovered in the range of $1 per gallon and Owens Community College women’s volleyball was capturing an Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship. Seven years later, President George W. Bush is in his second term as commander-in-chief, gas prices are well over the $2 per gallon range and Owens women’s volleyball is capturing yet another OCCAC regular season championship. How some things change, others remain the same.

On Saturday (Oct. 28), the Express women’s volleyball team captured its seventh consecutive OCCAC regular season championship with a decisive home match victory over Lakeland Community College (30-17, 30-22, 30-28). Owens’ overall record now stands at 30-8 and 9-1 in the OCCAC regular season standings. The Express is ranked No. 11 in the most recent NJCAA Division II volleyball regular season poll.

“The success that Owens Community College women’s volleyball program has had down through the years is credit to the student-athletes,” said Sonny Lewis, Owens Head Coach of women’s volleyball, who during his six-year tenure has compiled a 214-70 overall record. “Each student-athlete that has worn the Express women’s volleyball uniform has brought to the Owens learning community a level of excellence both academically and athletically, distinguishing themselves at the regional and national levels.”

Lewis added, “Owens women’s volleyball student-athletes have always been leaders on the court and in the classroom. I am very proud of what this program represents, which is a rich tradition of excellence.”

Owens has won eight out of the last nine OCCAC regular season championships. During the title run, Owens also accumulated an astounding 82 consecutive OCCAC match-winning streak from 1999-2005. The consecutive match winning streak is a conference record. Since 2000 alone, the Express women’s volleyball program has produced three NJCAA Academic All-Americans, 27 OCCAC All-Conference players, 18 NJCAA All-Region players and five NJCAA Athletic All-Americans.

Additionally, the program has advanced to six NJCAA National Championship tournaments and holds an overall 391-179 record since being established in 1994.

Volleyball team in action The women’s volleyball team begins its postseason run toward a national title this upcoming weekend as they compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District D) Women’s Volleyball Championships. The tournament will be held at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday-Saturday, Nov. 3-4.

Owens will play on Friday, Nov. 3 at either 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. in the double-elimination tournament. The championship match will occur at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championships will be held Nov. 15-18 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Owens volleyball team members include Elisha Milks of Erie, Mich. (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.); Stephanie Czupich of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.); Allison Siefker of Ottawa (Kalida H.S.); Amanda Hensley of Fremont (Fremont St. Joe H.S.); Madison Cupp of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.); Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.); Kristy Bailey of Adrian, Mich. (Lenawee Christian H.S.); Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.); Lindsay Trumitch of Riverview, Mich. (Riverview H.S.); Lindsay Lehmann of LaSalle, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.); Kim Zimmerman of Maumee (Maumee H.S.); Lindsay Word of Edon (Edon H.S.); Andria Niese of Ottawa (Ottawa-Glandorf H.S.); and Stephanie Champine of Lambertville, Mich. (Bedford H.S.).

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Begins Season With Home Opener Against Delta College, Nov. 1

Posted on October 26th, 2006

Owens Community College men’s basketball will begin its 2006-07 campaign with a season-opening home contest against Delta College on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The game will begin at 7 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, four miles from downtown Toledo.

The Owens men’s basketball program enters a new era led by first-year Head Coach Jack Trainer of Pemberville. Trainer replaces longtime Head Coach Jim Welling. Prior to being named Express Head Coach, he served as an Assistant Men’s Basketball for six years at Owens. During that time, Trainer helped lead the Express to an overall 179-29 record. His Assistant Coaches are Leroy King of Perrysburg and Kevin Skaggs of Lambertville, Mich.

During the 2005-06 season, the Express finished with a 26-7 overall record and a 9-5 mark (third place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). Owens advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Cincinnati State Community College. The Express was ranked as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II men’s basketball poll.

“I’m really looking forward to the beginning of the regular basketball season,” said Trainer. “We have a great group of student-athletes who are working extremely hard on the basketball court and in the classroom. Our non-conference schedule will not be easy. However, our players are up to the challenge and the non-conference schedule will certainly prepare us for the conference season.”

Trainer added, “Our veteran leadership will play a huge role in the team’s success. Their commanding presence and positive attitude is rubbing off on our younger players and will make a difference throughout the season.”

In addition, the Owens men’s basketball program has earned the distinction of being ranked No. 4 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. Mott Community College in Flint, Mich., who Owens will play on Saturday, Nov. 4, received the No. 1 ranking.

Owens has three returning players, including Julian Logan of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Loy Norrix H.S.). During the 2005-06 season, the sophomore guard/forward led the team with 12.9 points and grabbed 7.3 rebounds in 31 games. His postseason honors included being named OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention.

The other returning players to the Express roster include Chris Trobaugh of Elkhart, Ind., guard (Jimtown H.S.) and Noah Williams of Cleveland, guard (Shaker Heights H.S.).

In 2005-06, Trobaugh, a sophomore, averaged 3.7 points and 2.8 assists in 28 games. Williams, a sophomore, last played for the Express during the 2002-03 season. During that year, he averaged 3.9 points and 1.1 assists in 34 games.

First-year players are Kyle Lightner of Toledo, guard (Scott H.S.); Sedelle Broyles of Canton, guard (Canton McKinley H.S.); C.J. Simmons of Inkster, Mich., forward (Ypsilanti H.S.); DeAndre Hall of Pontiac, Mich., forward (Pontiac Northern H.S.); Barry Smith of Baltimore, Md., guard (Randallstown H.S.); T.R. Ellis of Inkster, Mich., guard (Melvindale H.S.); Gabe Gibbs of Eastpointe, Mich., forward (Detroit Community H.S.); Marcus Outlaw of Toledo, post (Scott H.S.); Brandon Dawson of Inkster, Mich., guard (Inkster H.S.); Wes Taylor of Oregon, forward (Clay H.S.); David Davis of Detroit, forward (Melvindale H.S.); Blayne Welling of Hicksville, forward (Hicksville H.S.); and Michael Gibson of Inkster, Mich., post (Belleville H.S.).

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Opens Season at Mott Community College, Nov. 4

Posted on October 25th, 2006

Owens Express Women's Basketball team Owens Community College women’s basketball will open its 2006-07 season at Mott Community College on Saturday, Nov. 4. The season opener will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The Owens women’s basketball program is led by third-year Head Coach Michael Llanas of Toledo. During his second year, Llanas led the Express to a 17-14 overall record and an 8-4 mark (second place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season standings. The Express lost to Schoolcraft College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships. Llanas’ assistant coaches are Christa Strube of Toledo and Shawn Ginnan of Perrysburg.

The Express will open its home campaign against the Ohio State University Club team on Wednesday, Nov. 8. 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, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“Our coaching staff is very excited about this year’s team and extremely optimistic about the upcoming season,” Llanas said. “We have a great group of both first-year and returning players who really support and respect each other on and off the basketball court. Each student-athlete really knows the others’ strengthens and weaknesses, which will certainly play a key factor in our success.”

Llanas added, “This team has a great opportunity ahead of them to be very successful and contend for a conference championship, and maybe even more.”

The Express have four players returning from last year’s team, including OCCAC Honorable Mention All-Conference selection Tia Simms of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.). In 2005-06, the sophomore forward played in 30 games and averaged 6.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals. She also was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Also returning to Llanas’ squad are Tashe Jacobs of Findlay (Findlay H.S.), Amanda Cogley of Lima (Lima Bath H.S.) and Amanda Coressel of Malinta (Patrick Henry H.S.).

Jacobs, a sophomore forward, played in 23 games and averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. Her postseason honors included being named Owens’ Coaches Award recipient. During the 2005-06 season, Cogley, a sophomore guard, played in 24 games and averaged 3.8 points and 1.0 rebound. Coressel is a sophomore guard and averaged 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds in 28 games.

First-year players to the Express women’s basketball program are Candace Black of Detroit, Mich., guard (Communication and Media Arts H.S.); Melissa Moore of Urbancrest, guard (Central Crossing H.S.); Joan Anderson of Maumee, guard (St. Ursula Academy); Laura Gerhardt of South Milwaukee, Wis., center (South Milwaukee H.S.); Kendra Johnson of Kalamazoo, Mich., forward (Loy Norrix H.S.); Nikki Van Dine of Columbus, forward (Westland H.S.); Melanie Schroeder of Leipsic, guard (Miller City H.S.); Stacie Coressel of Hamler, forward (Patrick Henry H.S.); and Nikki Coates of Bolingbrook, Ill., center (Bolingbrook H.S.).

Owens Express Women’s Volleyball Cancels Matches Originally Scheduled For Oct. 7

Posted on October 5th, 2006

Owens Community College women’s volleyball matches originally scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 7 against Lorain County Community College and the Express Alumni at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Student Health and Activities Center have been canceled.

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

Owens Community College Presents Fourth Annual Express Two-Person Golf Scramble, Sept. 24

Posted on September 21st, 2006

Area residents are invited to enjoy a day of golf to benefit student-athletes and intercollegiate athletic programs as Owens Community College presents its fourth annual Express Two-Person Golf Scramble. The event will occur on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Organized by Owens’ Student Enrichment and Athletics, the golf outing will be held at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course in Oregon. The event will feature 18-holes of golf, lunch, dinner and an awards program.

The two-person golf scramble competition will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration will occur at 11:30 a.m. The day will conclude with participants recalling their golfing experience during a short awards program, which will recognize the top twosome in three divisions (open, mixed and senior), as well as the longest drive, closest to the pin, the most accurate drive and a putting contest.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are invited to support the Express Two-Person Golf Scramble by entering a team. The entry fee is only $55 for individuals who register in advance and $60 for those who register the day of the event.

All proceeds from the event will benefit intercollegiate athletic programs at Owens, which include men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, golf and cheerleading.

For more information, call (567) 661-7934 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7934.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Signs Student-Athletes to Scholarships

Posted on September 15th, 2006

Sixteen first-year student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play NJCAA intercollegiate men’s basketball for the Owens Community College Express. As a result of competing at the Division II level, the College is able to offer each student-athlete a scholarship, which will pay for tuition, fees and books.

“I am really excited about our first-year class,” said Jack Trainer, Owens first-year Head Coach of Men’s Basketball. “They are exceptional individuals both within the classroom and on the basketball court. Each student-athlete is committed to the men’s basketball program at Owens Community College and willing to put forth the effort to make this team successful. Through hard work, I really believe this year’s team has a great chance to compete for a conference title.”

The Express finished the 2005-06 campaign with a 26-7 overall record and a 9-5 mark (third place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season standings. Owens advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Cincinnati State Community College. The team was ranked as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II men’s basketball poll.

First-year student-athletes receiving men’s basketball scholarships include:
Sedelle Broyles of Canton, is a graduate of Canton McKinley H.S. (guard)
David Davis of Detroit, is a graduate of Melvindale H.S. (forward)
Brandon Dawson of Inkster, Mich., is a graduate of Inkster H.S. (guard)
T.R. Ellis of Detroit, is a graduate of Melvindale H.S. (guard)
Gabe Gibbs of Detroit, is a graduate of Detroit Community H.S. (forward)
Michael Gibson of Inkster, Mich., is a graduate of Belleville H.S. (post)
DeAndre McCurn Hall of Pontiac, Mich., is a graduate of Pontiac Northern H.S. (forward)
DeAngelo Jordan of Detroit, is a graduate of Detroit Highland Park H.S. (forward)
Kyle Lightner of Toledo, is a graduate of Scott H.S. (guard)
Marcus Outlaw of Toledo, is a graduate of Scott H.S. (post)
C.J. Simmons of Ypsilanti, Mich., is a graduate of Ypsilanti H.S. (forward)
Barry Smith of Baltimore, is a graduate of Randallstown H.S. (guard)
Wes Taylor of Oregon, is a graduate of Clay H.S. (forward)
James Walker of Toledo, is a graduate of Scott H.S. (guard)
Blayne Welling of Hicksville, is a graduate of Hicksville H.S. (forward)
Terrell West of Toledo, is a graduate of Start H.S. (guard)

Owens Community College Express Soccer Opens Season Against Delta College, Aug. 26

Posted on August 22nd, 2006

Owens Community College men’s soccer will look to build upon last year’s 16-win season by opening its 2006 schedule against Delta College on Saturday, Aug. 26. 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, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to all home matches is free.

The Owens men’s soccer program is led by ninth-year head coach Art Johnson of Toledo. During his eighth season as the head soccer coach at Owens, Johnson led the Express to a school-best 16-5-2 overall record. Johnson’s assistant coach is Jeremiah McNutt of Toledo.

The 2005 edition of men’s soccer completed its eighth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 16-5-2 overall record and a 5-3-2 mark (third place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). The 16 victories and 10 shutouts registered by Owens were both school records for a season. Johnson’s team was ranked as high as No. 14 in the NJCAA Division II men’s soccer poll.

Additionally, the program captured its first-ever NJCAA Region XII Championship and was one match victory away from advancing to the NJCAA Championships.

“I really believe this is one of the best teams that I have ever coached at Owens,” Johnson said. “We have an extremely talented group of players that believe in each other.”

Johnson added, “Our early season non-conference schedule is very difficult and will be a huge test for this team. The players are really working hard and putting forth the effort needed to become conference champions and beyond.”

The Express have seven players returning from last year’s team, which finished third in the OCCAC. Among the second-year players on Johnson’s squad is NJCAA All-Region XII and OCCAC All-Conference First Team award-winner Zach Wazny of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.). In 2005, the sophomore defender recorded one goal and four assists as part of the highly successful defensive unit. His postseason honors also included being named the team’s Defensive MVP and selection to the NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team.

Also returning to the Express program are Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.) and Jeff Kuehne of Maumee (Maumee H.S.). McIntyre, a sophomore midfielder, led the team with 11 goals on 37 shots. His postseason honors included being named NJCAA Academic All-American and OCCAC Academic All-Conference. In 2005, Kuehne, a sophomore defender, was an OCCAC Academic All-Conference selection and played a significant role in the team registering a record 10 shutouts during the season.

Other returning student-athletes include Mugisha Rwehumbiza of Toledo, defender / midfielder (Newlands Manor School); Torrey Korsog of Maumee, midfielder (Maumee H.S.); Adam Grzybowski of Lima, defender (Findlay H.S.), and Robert Fountain of Holland, forward / midfielder (Springfield H.S.).

First-year players to the Express men’s soccer program are John Shaffer of Pemberville, goalkeeper (Eastwood H.S.); Chad Graven of Maumee, goalkeeper (Maumee H.S.); Phil Costello of Monroe, Mich., midfielder (Monroe H.S.); Gilbert King of Norwalk, defender (Norwalk H.S.); Ryan Davis of Tucson, Ariz., midfielder (Mountain View H.S.); Housam Adoure-Zehaim of Maumee, midfielder (Springfield H.S.); Justin Williams of Lima, midfielder (Lima Senior H.S.); Zane Polack of Bowling Green, forward (Bowling Green H.S.); Nathan Stevely of Wapakoneta, forward (Wapakoneta H.S.); Matheus DeSouza of Livingston, Texas, forward (Livingston H.S.); Josiemar Crooks of Westmoreland, Jamaica, midfielder (Godfrey Stewart H.S.); Sean Bucknor of Springfield, Mass., forward / midfielder (Cornwall College); David Skoczyn of Celina, defender (Celina Senior H.S.); Nathan Baer of Northwood, defender (Lake H.S.), and Douglas Hoblet of Perrysburg, defender (Perrysburg H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Three Owens Community College Student-Athletes Named NJCAA Academic All-Americans

Posted on August 21st, 2006

Three Owens Community College student-athletes have been selected to the Division II 2005-06 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.

Bridget Buss of Toledo (women’s basketball), Ross Graham of Oregon (men’s baseball) and Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (men’s soccer) are among only 34 student-athletes, since 1994, to ever receive the award at Owens.

“Owens Community College is extremely proud of our three Academic All-Americans for their hard work and dedication exhibited within the classroom,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of student enrichment and athletics. “Their success as scholars is a positive reflection on the College’s athletic programs and commitment shown toward educational values.”

Welling added, “As good as the three of them are academically, they are even better people and citizens in their respective communities.”

Buss, a sophomore guard from Whitmer High School, is an OCCAC First Team and Honorable Mention All-Conference selection. Last year, she averaged 16 points, three rebounds and one steal for the Express women’s basketball program, which finished with a 17-14 overall record. Buss’ postseason honors also included being named to the NJCAA All-Region XII Team, OCCAC Academic All-Conference and team MVP. During the 2005-06 academic year, Buss achieved a 3.60 GPA.

A sophomore outfielder from Clay High School, Graham earned both OCCAC Athletic All-Conference and Academic All-Conference honors. Named the team’s Coaches Award winner, the Oregon resident led the team with 40 hits and 30 runs and compiled a .333 batting average for the 32-21 Express men’s baseball program. He achieved a 3.79 GPA during the 2005-06 academic year.

McIntyre, a freshman midfielder from Monroe High School, was an integral part of the Express men’s soccer program, which finished with a 16-5-2 overall record and was one match victory away from advancing to the NJCAA National Championships. The Monroe, Mich., resident led the team with 11 goals on 37 shots. McIntyre earned OCCAC Academic All-Conference honors and achieved a 3.73 GPA during the 2005-06 academic year.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Express Volleyball Opens Season at Kellogg Invitational, Aug. 25-26

Posted on August 17th, 2006

The six-time OCCAC defending Owens Community College women’s volleyball program will open its 2006 season with a tournament, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 25-26 at Kellogg Community College in Coldwater, Mich.

The Owens volleyball program is led by sixth-year head coach Sonny Lewis of Toledo. During his fifth season as the head volleyball coach at Owens, Lewis led the Express to 25 wins. Lewis’ assistant coaches are Rachel Mohler of Maumee and Stephen Boston of Bowling Green.

The Express will open its home campaign by hosting the Owens Express Invitational, Friday-Saturday, Sept. 1-2. All home matches are played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to all home matches is free.

Last season, the Express women’s volleyball program ended their season with a 25-17 overall record. The program captured its sixth consecutive OCCAC championship, finishing with an overall 8-2 conference record.

During the six-year title run, Owens accumulated a record-setting 82 consecutive OCCAC match-winning streak, which came to an end this past year.

“I am very excited about how our student-athletes are coming together as a team,” Lewis stated. “We have great veteran leadership along with outstanding first-year players who have all dedicated themselves to continuing the tradition of Express volleyball excellence both on and off the court. I expect their hard work to pay off in the regular season as we look to defend our conference championship.”

The Express have 10 players returning from last year’s championship team, including OCCAC All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region XII team selection Elisha Milks of Erie, Mich. (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.) and Stephanie Czupich of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.). In 2005, Milks, a sophomore defensive specialist and setter, played in 97 games, led the team with 71 aces and recorded 273 digs. Czupich played in 115 games and led the team with 310 kills. The sophomore outside hitter and defensive specialist also was second on the team with 307 digs.

Also returning to Lewis’ squad is Allison Siefker of Ottawa (Kalida H.S.). Siefker, a sophomore middle blocker, played in 107 games and was second on the team with 92 blocks and third on the team with 215 kills. Her postseason honors included OCCAC Athletic All-Conference First Team and Academic All-Conference.

Other returning student-athletes include Amanda Hensley of Fremont, outside hitter / defensive specialist (Fremont St. Joe H.S.); Madison Cupp of Leipsic, outside hitter (Leipsic H.S.); Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.); Kristy Bailey of Adrian, Mich., outside hitter (Lenawee Christian H.S.); Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa, outside hitter (Genoa H.S.); Lindsay Trumitch of Riverview, Mich., setter (Riverview H.S.), and Lindsay Lehmann of LaSalle, Mich., middle blocker (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s volleyball program are Kim Zimmerman of Maumee, outside hitter (Maumee H.S.); Lindsay Word of Edon, middle blocker (Edon H.S.); Andria Niese of Ottawa, setter and defensive specialist (Ottawa-Glandorf H.S.), and Stephanie Champine of Lambertville, Mich., outside hitter (Bedford H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Express Names New Men’s Basketball Head Coach

Posted on August 9th, 2006

Jack Trainer

Owens Community College has named Express assistant coach Jack Trainer to the position of head coach for the men’s basketball program. Coach Trainer succeeds Jim Welling, who retired as the men’s basketball head coach after 20 years.

“We are excited that an individual with Jack’s extensive knowledge and experience within the coaching profession will be leading the Owens men’s basketball program,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of student enrichment and athletics. “Jack is an exceptional leader who will serve as not only an outstanding role model for our student-athletes but serve as an ambassador for the College.”

Trainer has served as an Express assistant men’s basketball coach for six years. During that time, he helped lead the Express to an overall 179-29 record. His 16 years of college coaching experience also includes previously serving as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Youngstown State University for three years and at Eastern Kentucky University for one year. Additionally, Trainer served as an assistant women’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator for Miami University for one year.

In addition to his college coaching experience, Trainer served as the varsity girl’s head basketball coach at Waverly High School and the varsity boy’s head basketball coach at Peebles High School each for two years.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to serve as head coach of the Owens Express men’s basketball program and look forward to building upon the already rich academic and athletic tradition,” Trainer said.

Trainer currently serves as the dean of students at Rogers High School. The Pemberville resident earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Rio Grande and a master’s degree in physical education from Ohio University.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Express Men’s Baseball Signs Student-Athletes to Scholarships

Posted on August 8th, 2006

Sixteen first-year student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play NJCAA intercollegiate baseball for the Owens Community College Express.

Led by head coach Bob Schultz, the baseball program is beginning its sixth year at the Division II level. Participating in intercollegiate athletics at the Division II level allows the College to offer scholarships to pay for tuition, fees and books for its student-athletes.

“We have a great group of first-year student-athletes with a lot of potential,” said Schultz. “Through hard work and dedication, I expect these individuals to excel both in the classroom and on the playing field.”

First-year student-athletes receiving baseball scholarships include:
John Paul Akers of Naples, Fla., is a graduate of Naples H.S. (Pitcher)
Brandon Best of Toledo is a graduate of Sylvania Southview H.S. (Outfield / Pitcher)
Dominick Coduti of Northwood is a graduate of Northwood H.S. (Infield)
Jason Cress of Bowling Green is a graduate of Bowling Green H.S. (Shortstop)
Brent Graham of Oregon is a graduate of Clay H.S. (Catcher / Third Base)
Rob Hufford of Oregon is a graduate of Clay H.S. (First Base)
Alex Majewski of Toledo is a graduate of St. Francis de Sales H.S. (Pitcher)
Adam McNalley of Clay Center is a graduate of Genoa H.S. (Infield)
Ajay Meyer of Hamler is a graduate of Patrick Henry H.S. (Pitcher)
Michael Nuitrai of Toledo is a graduate of Start H.S. (Catcher)
Manoli Pahoulis of Warren is a graduate of Howland H.S. (Outfield)
Tony Pozega of Warren is a graduate of Howland H.S. (Outfield)
Austin Ritson of Toledo is a graduate of Whitmer H.S. (Shortstop / Pitcher)
Jeremy Sheeks of Bowling Green is a graduate of Otsego H.S. (Pitcher)
Aaron Stewart of Toledo is a graduate of Start H.S. (Pitcher)
Steve Weigle of Naples, Fla., is a graduate of Naples H.S. (Outfield / Infield)

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Express Baseball Holds Open Tryouts, Aug. 7-10

Posted on July 17th, 2006

Prospective high schools graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate men’s baseball are invited to open tryouts at Owens Community College, Aug. 7-10.

The open tryouts begin at 4 p.m. each day and will be held at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

The men’s baseball program, led head coach Bob Schultz, finished the 2006 campaign with a 32-21 overall record and an 11-9 mark (third place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Owens advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Macomb Community College.

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 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7936.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Express Honors Baseball, Golf and Softball Programs

Posted on July 7th, 2006

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.

Express men’s golf this past year completed its first season as an Owens athletic program. Led by head coach Jim Welling, the Express made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing 14th in the tournament. Owens captured six match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional. The program earned its trip to the nationals by defeating Oakland Community College 16-17 in a sudden-victory playoff in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

The Owens women’s softball program finished with a 39-11 overall record and captured its second consecutive OCCAC regular season championship with a 16-0 mark. Led by head coach Duane Lanham, Owens’ program advanced to the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Lansing Community College. Lanham’s squad was ranked as high as No. 13 in the NJCAA Division II women’s softball poll.

Men’s baseball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Austin Taylor of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Drew Linder of Bellevue (Bellevue H.S.)
Coaches Award – Ross Graham of Oregon (Clay H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Team – Austin Taylor, Ross Graham and Mike Ramlow of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Mike Ramlow

Owens Express men’s baseball team members also were Peter Seitz of Naples, Fla. (Naples H.S.), Brett Tscherne of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Adam Blachuta of Wayne (Elmwood H.S.), Thomas Arvay of Toledo (Start H.S.), Brandon Best of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Wes Blank of Millbury (Lake H.S.), Jeremy Sheeks of Tontogany (Otsego H.S.), Joshua Barton of Toledo (Bowsher H.S.), Dylan Hefflinger of Defiance (Defiance H.S.), Andy Bean of Hebron (Lakewood H.S.), Chris Feix of Mansfield (Ontario H.S.), Jimmy Johnson of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Steve Weigle of Naples, Fla. (Naples H.S.), TJ Willison of Defiance (Defiance H.S.), Jordan Schultz of Defiance (Defiance H.S.), Scott Conley of Millbury (Lake H.S.), Josh Converse of Novi, Mich. (Franklin Road H.S.) and Josh Pheils of Rossford, pitcher (Rossford H.S.).

Men’s golf awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Blake Tucker of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Ryan Brown of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
Coaches Award – Michael Guerrero of Toledo (Start H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Blake Tucker and Ryan Brown

Men’s golf team members also included Brian Bowker of Van Buren (Van Buren H.S.), Aaron Whitlow of Toledo (Toledo Christian H.S.), Josh Williams of Fostoria (Arcadia H.S.), Brian Roosenberg of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.) and Kyle Tracy of Toledo (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.).

Women’s softball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Kelli Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Danielle Stead of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)
Offensive Player of the Year – Kylie Zweifel of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Mackenzie Heban of Grand Rapids (Notre Dame Academy)
Coaches Award – Ashley Henney of Oregon (Clay H.S.)
Heart of a Champion Award – Kari Bockbrader of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Kylie Zweifel
OCCAC Pitcher of the Year – Kelli Short
OCCAC All-Conference Team – Kylie Zweifel, Kelli Short, Mackenzie Heban, Cortney Simmons of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Jessica Snyder of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.)
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Kylie Zweifel and Kelli Short
NJCAA Region XII All-Tournament Team – Kylie Zweifel and Kelli Short

Members of the Express women’s softball program also were Lindsay Guinn of Erie, Mich. (Mason H.S.), Monica Brinkman of Oregon (Notre Dame Academy), Allicia Lawrence of Fostoria (St. Wendelin H.S.), Katie Henry of Erie, Mich. (Mason H.S.), Paige Kingsborough of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Whitney Ondrus of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Kelly Acker of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.), Raquel Lehmann of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Tarah Dominique of Swanton (Swanton H.S.) and Sarah Borowske of Genoa (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Express Golf Holds Open Tryouts, July 10

Posted on June 26th, 2006

Prospective high school graduates and area residents interested in playing intercollegiate golf at Owens Community College are invited to an open tryout on Monday, July 10.

The open tryout begins at 7 a.m. and will be held at Maumee Bay State Park. The green fee is $11. Participants in the top 10 will advance to second round competition occurring at Belmont Country Club on Tuesday, July 11. Second round competition will begin at 2 p.m.

The golf program, led by head coach Jim Welling, this past year completed its first season as an Owens athletic program. The Express made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing 14th in the tournament. Owens captured six match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional. The program earned its trip to the nationals by defeating Oakland Community College 16-17 in a sudden-victory playoff in the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Scholarships are available to both males and females. Owens Express players must be high school graduates. For more information on the open tryout, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Express Student-Athletes Named OCCAC Academic All-Conference

Posted on June 22nd, 2006

Sixteen 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 2005-06 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 Jennifer Mann, Owens representative of Student Enrichment and 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.

Owens has been a member of the OCCAC for the past 19 years. The nine other member schools comprising the OCCAC are Clark State Community College, Cincinnati State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Edison State Community College, Lakeland Community College, Sinclair Community College, Southern State Community College and Terra Community College.

Student-athletes receiving Academic All-Conference honors include:

Bridget Buss of Toledo (marketing and sales), a Whitmer H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.79 GPA.

Kelli Fisher of Perrysburg (associate of arts, general concentration), a Perrysburg H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.52 GPA.

Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (health information technology), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.74 GPA.

Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (health information technology), a Genoa H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 4.00 GPA.

Ross Graham of Oregon (adolescence education), a Clay H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 3.72 GPA.

Arthur Griffin Jr. of Lima (associate of arts, general concentration), a Lima Senior H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 4.00 GPA.

Ashley Henney of Oregon (small business management), a Clay H.S. graduate (women’s softball) with a 3.47 GPA.

Amanda Hensley of Fremont (fine art), a Fremont St. Joe H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.56 GPA.

Gibril Kargbo of Holland (pre-nursing), a Sierra Leone Grammar School graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.49 GPA.

Jeff Kuehne of Maumee (pre-engineering), a Maumee H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.40 GPA.

Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (associate of science, general concentration), a Monroe H.S. graduate (men’s soccer) with a 3.48 GPA.

Brian Roosenberg of Findlay (pre-business administration), a Van Buren H.S. graduate (men’s golf) with a 3.75 GPA.

Jeremy Sheeks of Tontogany (criminal justice technology), an Otsego H.S. graduate (men’s baseball) with a 4.00 GPA.

Kelsey Shumaker of Dresden (dental hygiene), a Tri-Valley H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.58 GPA.

Allison Siefker of Ottawa (medical office support certificate), a Kalida H.S. graduate (women’s volleyball) with a 3.63 GPA.

Tia Simms of Fremont (commercial art), a Fremont Ross H.S. graduate (women’s basketball) with a 3.40 GPA.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Hosts Express Volleyball Camp, July 17-20

Posted on June 19th, 2006

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 four-day Express Volleyball Camp, Monday-Thursday, July 17-20.

The volleyball camp will offer two separate sessions daily from 9 a.m. – noon for grades 4-7 and from 1-4:30 p.m. for grades 8-12 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

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 completed its 2005 season with a 25-17 overall record. The program captured its fifth consecutive OCCAC regular season championship, finishing with an overall 8-2 conference record. During this title run, Owens accumulated a record-setting 79 consecutive OCCAC match-winning streak, which came to an end this past year.

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 one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Express Baseball Student-Athlete Signs With Milwaukee Brewers Organization

Posted on June 12th, 2006

Owens Community College Express baseball standout Mike Ramlow of Maumee has signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers professional organization. The Maumee High School graduate is the third Express student-athlete in the baseball program’s history to be drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft.

“Mike has been an outstanding pitcher for our Express baseball program,” said Bob Schultz, Owens Express baseball head coach. “He certainly was an anchor for the pitching staff these past two years and one of the reasons the program captured a conference title in 2005. I expect Mike to make a very smooth transition to professional baseball and compete at a very high level.”

Ramlow is expected to report to Helena, Mont., and the Single-A Helena Brewers later this month. The Helena Brewers play in the Pioneer League, which is a short-season rookie league. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted the Express baseball standout in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball Draft in June 2005.

While at Owens this past spring, Ramlow posted a 3-2 record and a 1.74 earned run average in 11 games. He also registered one save and recorded 70 strikeouts. His athletic accomplishments helped him earn NJCAA Region XII and Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) All-Conference first team honors this past year.

In 2005, the adolescence education major earned OCCAC All-Conference first team honors and was named OCCAC Player of the Year. Ramlow led the team with a 5-1 record, 1.18 earned run average and 61 strikeouts.

Other Express baseball student-athletes to be drafted include Aaron Franke (8th round) by the then Anaheim Angels in 1999 and Ryan Clark (40th round) by the New York Yankees in 2000.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Express Golf Student-Athlete To Compete at the University of Cincinnati

Posted on May 23rd, 2006

Owens Community College Express golf standout Blake Tucker of Findlay has signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Cincinnati and play for the school’s intercollegiate golf program during the upcoming 2006-07 academic year. The Van Buren High School graduate is the first Express student-athlete in golf to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

“Blake is an exceptional student-athlete and intercollegiate golfer,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of student enrichment and athletics and Express golf head coach. “He has been a steadying influence for our golf program. Blake leads by example, consistently shooting scores in the 70s and his work ethic is outstanding. His contributions this past year is certainly one of the reasons the program is competing for an NJCAA Division II national championship.”

Welling added, “I’m very impressed with how quickly he has adapted to playing at the intercollegiate level. I really think Blake has a bright future ahead of him at the University of Cincinnati.”

Tucker was the first Owens student-athlete to be awarded a golf scholarship in school history. The freshman adolescence education major anchors the program’s first intercollegiate golf team, which has captured six match and invitational titles during the season. Team highlights include a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional and a berth in the NJCAA Division II Golf National Championships this week.

While at Owens, Tucker has recorded a 76.6 scoring average during match and invitational tournament play. He most recently finished third in the NJCAA Region XII Golf Championships with a total three-round score of 221. His third-place finish helped him earn NJCAA Region XII first team honors.

His high school accomplishments include receiving first team All-Blanchard Valley Conference and National High School Coaches Association All-American selection. Tucker was also named BVC Player of the Year and finished runner-up in the Ohio High School State Tournament. In addition, he qualified for the Ohio Amateur in 2005.

The new Express golf program officially began NJCAA competition during the current 2006 spring season. Owens is a Division II member of the NJCAA and participates in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). The College primarily competes against other community colleges from Ohio and Michigan.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Owens Community College Express Golf Program Advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament, May 23-26

Posted on May 17th, 2006

Owens Community College’s golf program is one step away from being crowned national champions after placing second at their respective regional tournament this past weekend. As a result of their postseason success, the Express golf team will now advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, Tuesday-Friday, May 23-26.

This marks Owens’ first trip to the national championship in its first season as an intercollegiate athletic program. The Express earned their trip to the nationals by defeating Oakland Community College 16-17 in a sudden-victory playoff in the NJCAA Region XII Championships at Bedford Valley Golf Club (Bedford, Mich.).

Mott Community College captured the 54-hole NJCAA Region XII Championship with an overall score of 914. Both Owens and Oakland tied for second with 921 scores and were forced to compete in a 12-person playoff in which the best four scores for each team determined the outcome.

“I am extremely proud of our golf team and their outstanding success,” said Jim Welling, Owens director of Student Enrichment and Athletics and first-year head coach of the Express golf program. “Having an athletic program advance to the national championship tournament in its first year is unheard of. The program’s success is a credit to the work ethic of our student-athletes and assistant coach Gilbert Guerrero.”

Welling, who already has taken seven teams to national championship tournaments while serving as Express men’s basketball head coach, added, “This team has really come a long way since the beginning of the season. Our student-athletes are very deserving of an opportunity to compete for a national championship title.”

Owens’ golf team captured six match and invitational titles during the season, highlighted by a first place finish in the NJCAA Sub Regional. The NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament will be held 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. Tee times will be set prior to the tournament in accordance with NJCAA rules.

Owens will compete against over 15 intercollegiate golf programs and 160 individuals across the country for the NJCAA Division II National Championship team and individual title. Express golfers expected to compete in the national championship tournament are Brian Bowker of Van Buren, 80.7 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.), Ryan Brown of Temperance, Mich., 80.4 scoring average (Bedford H.S.), Blake Tucker of Findlay, 76.6 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.), Aaron Whitlow of Toledo, 80.3 scoring average (Toledo Christian H.S.), Josh Williams of Fostoria, 81.6 scoring average (Arcadia H.S.) and alternate Michael Guerrero of Toledo, 78.5 scoring average (Start H.S.).

Express golf first-year players also include Brian Roosenberg of Findlay, 84.8 scoring average (Van Buren H.S.) and Kyle Tracy of Toledo, 81.6 scoring average (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.).

The College’s golf program is a Division II member of the NJCAA and participates in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). Owens primarily competes against other community colleges from Ohio and Michigan. Academic institutions from the OCCAC competing in intercollegiate golf include Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Columbus State Community College, Sinclair Community College and Cincinnati State Community College.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers baccalaureate transfer degrees in the Arts and Sciences and over 150 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.

Dual Van Buren H.S. and Owens Community College Student Competes on Intercollegiate Golf Team

Posted on April 25th, 2006

Owens student-athlete Brian Bowker prepares to strike his ball during golf action.
Consider the unique situation of an individual attending both college and participating in intercollegiate athletics while still a senior in high school. Van Buren High School’s Brian Bowker is accomplishing such a rare feat by pursuing both an Owens Community College education as a high school senior and competing on the school’s golf team during the spring semester.

Bowker is one of more than 300 high school students in Northwest Ohio obtaining an Owens education through the College’s Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program on the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses. However, the dual Van Buren High School and Owens Community College student is the only student-athlete in the academic institution’s history – and one of the only individuals currently in Ohio – to compete in NJCAA intercollegiate athletics prior to graduating from high school.

According to Jim Welling, Owens director of Student Enrichment and Athletics and head coach of the College’s new golf team, one of Bowker’s former high school golf teammates and current Owens student-athlete, Blake Tucker suggested that the program take a look at a pretty good golfer with the potential for a bright future at the college level.

“Owens Community College has never had an individual compete in intercollegiate athletics while pursuing both a high school and college education at the same time,” explained Welling. “This is a very rare and really unique situation for Brian and the College’s athletic program. Golf is about the only sport that such a feat could occur in Ohio due to high school golf being a fall sport and NJCAA golf being a spring sport.”

Welling added, “Brian is very mature for his age and an exceptional student. He was definitely up to the challenge and made the transition to college life very easily.”

Following an outstanding high school golf career in which Bowker twice competed in the Ohio High School Athletic Association state tournament and was named the Blanchard Valley Conference Player of the Year, he enrolled in classes at Owens and began his pursuit of a future career in business.

Having fulfilled the proper NJCAA guidelines by attending classes at Owens during both the fall and spring terms, Bowker, who resides in Van Buren, became eligible to compete as a student-athlete on the College’s new intercollegiate golf team. The Van Buren senior is currently taking 13 credit hours of coursework at Owens, including classes in English composition, American government and mathematics of finance.

“I really felt I was ready to begin pursuing my college education during my senior year,” explained Bowker, who will graduate from Van Buren High School in June. “However, I never thought I would also be participating on the College’s golf team at the same time.”

Making the transition from high school to intercollegiate golf has not been easy for Bowker. “Competition at the college level has been fierce,” he stated. “You have to be ready to play every day because each golfer is extremely talented. Making mistakes are extremely costly. One stroke can make all the difference in a match.”

The Van Buren High School senior couldn’t be more appreciative to head coach Jim Welling and Owens for helping him achieve both his educational and athletic aspirations. “Owens is a perfect fit and I am extremely grateful,” Bowker said.

Bowker is excelling both in his academic studies and golfing at Owens. The pre-business administration major has achieved a 3.0 GPA and scored rounds in the mid 70s during recent matches and invitations.

“Brian has great potential as a intercollegiate golfer,” stated Welling. “His scores are continuing to improve as the season progresses, resulting from enhanced shot selection and golf course management. I’m very impressed with how quickly he has adapted to playing at the college level. I really think Brian has a bright future ahead of him.”

Owens student-athlete Brian Bowker sports his Van Buren High School colors.
Bowker’s former Van Buren High School golf coach and teacher, Eric Heitkamp, echoes coach Welling’s sentiments. “I had Brian both as a student and athlete in high school,” he said. “He is an exceptional individual who is dedicated to achieving the highest level of excellence, both in the classroom and on the golf course.”

Heitkamp, who currently has a total of three former Van Buren High School golfers – Bowker, Blake Tucker and Brian Roosenberg – on the Express team, added, “One minute Brian was taking my high school web design class and the next day I hear he’s attending Owens and a member of the golf team. Pretty amazing.”

Bowker and his teammates will look to build upon their continued success as a first-year Owens intercollegiate athletic program when the team, which has won two out of its last three golf invitations, hosts the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Invitational on Wednesday, April 26. The invitational, which will include six teams, will begin with a shotgun start 12 p.m. at Belmont County Club in Perrysburg.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Honors Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs

Posted on April 19th, 2006

Owens Community College recently honored its basketball programs for displaying excellence during intercollegiate competition. Twenty-five student-athletes participating in men’s and women’s basketball were recognized for their athletic achievements.

Led by head coach Jim Welling, the Express finished the 2005-06 campaign with a 26-7 overall record and a 9-5 mark (third place) in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season standings. Owens advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Cincinnati State Community College. Welling’s team was ranked as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II men’s basketball poll.

Men’s Basketball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Alex Davenport of Belleville, Mich. (Belleville H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Zach Diekman of Martin (Genoa H.S.)
Coaches Award – Johnny Willhite of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Loy Norrix H.S.)
Ozone Award – Andrew Vroman of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Alex Davenport, Brian Sellers of Cincinnati (Western Hills H.S.) and Julian Logan of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Loy Norrix H.S.)

Members of the Owens Express men’s basketball team also were: DeAuntay Scott of Cleveland (Cleveland East H.S.), Chris Trobaugh of Elkhart, Ind. (Jimtown H.S.), Craig Ash of Pontiac, Mich. (Pontiac H.S.), Vershawn Chears of Toledo (Scott H.S.), Jordan Murphy of Bowling Green (Otsego H.S.) and Kenny Thomas of Barberton (Barberton H.S.).

The Express women’s basketball program is led by head coach Mike Llanas and completed their season with a 17-14 overall record and an 8-4 mark (second place) in the OCCAC regular season standings. Llanas’ squad lost to Schoolcraft College in the first round of the NJCAA Region XII Championships.

Women’s Basketball awards presented were:

Most Valuable Player – Bridget Buss of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Sarah Moore of Taylor, Mich. (Truman H.S.)
Defensive Player of the Year – Tia Simms of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.)
Coaches Award – Tashe Jacobs of Findlay (Findlay H.S.) and Ashley Williams of Toledo (Start H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Bridget Buss
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Sarah Moore
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Tia Simms
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Bridget Buss

Express women’s basketball team members also included: Kelly McPherson of Northwood (Lake H.S.), LaToya Bidden of Detroit, Mich. (Detroit Community H.S.), Kelsey Shumaker of Dresden (Tri-Valley H.S.), Amanda Coressel of Malinta (Patrick Henry H.S.), Brittany Barrera of Oregon (Cardinal Stritch H.S.), Brittany Murrell of Toledo (Central Catholic H.S.), Katie Culver of Tiffin (Tiffin Columbian H.S.) and Amanda Cogley of Lima (Lima Bath H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Golf Opens First-Ever Home Season With Express Invitational, Apr. 9

Posted on March 31st, 2006

Back Row (L to R) Michael Guerrero, Blake Tucker, head coach Jim Welling, Aaron Whitlow and Brian Bowker. Front Row (L to R) Josh Williams, Kyle Tracy, Brian Roosenberg and Ryan Brown. Not pictured Scott Daney.
Owens Community College golf will makes its home debut as an intercollegiate athletic program by hosting the first-ever Express Invitational on Sunday, April 9. The 12-team invitational will begin at 11 a.m.

All golf matches will be played at the nationally recognized Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg. Admission to all Express golf events is free and open to the public.

The College’s golf program is a Division II member of the NJCAA and participates in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). Owens primarily competes against other community colleges from Ohio and Michigan. Academic institutions from the OCCAC competing in intercollegiate golf include Lakeland Community College, Columbus State Community College, Sinclair Community College and Cincinnati State Community College.

Jim Welling of Northwood, Owens director of Student Enrichment and Athletics, will serve as the program’s first-ever head coach. His assistant coach is Gilbert Guerrero of Toledo.

According to Welling, who recently retired as head coach of the Express men’s basketball program, the golf team has been very competitive during the early portion of the season.

“We have a very talented group of student-athletes who want to make their mark and build this program into one of the best in the country,” explained Welling. “Having the opportunity to play in a few warm weather tournaments early on will be very beneficial to our team when conference matches begin. I expect our team to be very competitive in the OCCAC.”

Welling added, “Owens is extremely appreciative to Belmont Country Club for serving as the College’s home course. Arguably, Belmont Country Club will become the pinnacle of golf venues within the conference and enable Owens to contend for a national title very quickly.”

First-year players to the Express golf program are Brian Bowker of Van Buren (Van Buren H.S.), Ryan Brown of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.), Scott Daney of Oregon (Cardinal Stritch H.S.), Michael Guerrero of Toledo (Start H.S.), Brian Roosenberg of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.), Kyle Tracy of Toledo (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.), Blake Tucker of Findlay (Van Buren H.S.), Aaron Whitlow of Toledo (Toledo Christian H.S.) and Josh Williams of Fostoria (Arcadia H.S.).

The Express golf program becomes the seventh intercollegiate athletic program offered at Owens. The six other sports include men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Softball Opens Home Season Against Oakland Community College, March 25

Posted on March 15th, 2006

Owens Express Softball team
Owens Community College women’s softball will open its 2006 home season against Oakland Community College on Saturday, March 25. The game will begin at 1 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, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to all home games is free.

The Owens softball program is guided by third-year head coach Duane Lanham of Sylvania. In his second year as head coach, he led the Express to a record 44-win season.

The Express women’s softball program this past year finished with a 44-12 overall record and captured the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship with an 18-0 mark. The program made its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships, finishing fifth in the tournament. Owens was ranked as high as No. 8 in the NJCAA Division II women’s softball poll. Additionally, the 44 victories was a school record for most wins in a season, surpassing the previous mark of 41 in 2003.

Owens currently has a compiled a 4-6 overall record this season following games against teams from Florida.

“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season,” said Lanham. “Last year’s team had an exciting run at a national title and certainly see that as a great motivator for the current group.”

Lanham added, “We have great veteran leadership from our returning players who know how to win. The team also has a very talented group of first-year players who will definitely contribute to our success. I would expect our team to once again be in the title hunt for another OCCAC championship.”

The nine Express players returning from last year’s team include NJCAA All-Region XII All-Tournament Team selection Kelli Short of Toledo (Rogers H.S.). In 2005, the sophomore pitcher / infielder posted a 12-2 record and a 1.62 earned run average for the Express. Additionally, she led the team with 15 doubles and a .472 batting average. Her postseason honors also included being named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Lanham’s squad also returns Mackenzie Heban of Grand Rapids (Notre Dame Academy) and Kylie Zweifel of Sylvania (Sylvania Southview H.S.). Heban, a sophomore first baseman, collected 43 hits, had 38 RBIs and compiled a .323 batting average. Her postseason honors included being named OCCAC All-Conference and OCCAC Academic All-Conference. She also received the team’s Heart of a Champion Award. Zweifel is a sophomore outfielder. In 2005, she earned OCCAC All-Conference honors. She collected 25 hits, recorded 23 runs and compiled a .357 batting average.

Other returning sophomore players include Lindsay Guinn of Erie, Mich., shortstop (Mason H.S.); Cortney Simmons of Rossford, outfield (Rossford H.S.); Kari Bockbrader of Toledo, pitcher and third base (Whitmer H.S.); Monica Brinkman of Oregon, outfield (Notre Dame Academy); Allicia Lawrence of Fostoria, catcher (St. Wendelin H.S.), and Katie Henry of Erie, Mich., pitcher (Mason H.S.).

First-year players to the Express women’s softball program are Paige Kingsborough of Fremont, catcher and third base (Fremont Ross H.S.); Danielle Stead of Maumee, catcher (Maumee H.S.); Jessica Snyder of Sylvania, third base (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Whitney Ondrus of Oregon, infield (Clay H.S.); Kelly Acker of Sylvania, first base (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Ashley Henney of Oregon, pitcher and infield (Clay H.S.); Raquel Lehmann of Toledo, catcher (Whitmer H.S.); Tarah Dominique of Swanton, outfield (Swanton H.S.), and Sarah Borowske of Genoa, pitcher (Genoa H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Baseball Opens Home Schedule Against Adrian College JVs, Mar. 18

Posted on March 9th, 2006

Owens Community College Men's Baseball Team
The Owens Community College men’s baseball program will open the 2006 home portion of its schedule against the Adrian College JVs on Saturday, March 18. The game will begin at 1 p.m.

All home games are played at the College’s Baseball Complex on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to all home games is free.

Bob Schultz of Toledo begins his fourth year as head coach of the Owens men’s baseball program. During the past three years, he has guided the Express to back-to-back conference championships in 2004 and 2005. Prior to his position as head coach, Schultz served as an Express assistant coach for five years. His assistant coaches are Gabe Medina of Toledo and Jason Halka of Rossford.

The men’s baseball program finished the 2005 campaign with a 31-23 overall record. They also tied with Columbus State Community College for the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship – their second consecutive title. Owens achieved a 12-8 mark in the OCCAC. The Express completed the recent fall season with 11-4 overall and 6-4 OCCAC records.

Additionally, Owens currently has a compiled a 3-1 overall record this season following games against teams from Florida.

“Our coaching staff is very excited about this season,” stated Schultz. “We have a great core group of returning student-athletes, which will provide a lot of depth and experience for the ball club.”

He added, “Pitching will definitely be one of our team’s strengths and I expect our first-year players to contribute heavily to our success. I expect the men’s baseball program to once again play a significant part in who wins the OCCAC championship.”

The Express have nine players returning from last year’s team, including OCCAC All-Conference selection Mike Ramlow of Maumee (Maumee H.S.). In 2005, the sophomore pitcher led the team with a 5-1 record, 1.18 earned run average and 61 strikeouts. Additionally, Ramlow was named OCCAC Player of the Year and drafted in the 24th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Schultz’s squad also returns Thomas Arvay of Toledo (Start H.S.) and Ross Graham of Oregon (Clay H.S.). Arvay, a sophomore shortstop, collected 27 hits, had 16 RBIs and compiled a .310 batting average. Graham is a sophomore outfielder. In 2005, he was second on the team with 22 RBIs and 14 walks. His postseason honors included being named to the OCCAC All-Academic team.

Other returning sophomore student-athletes include Peter Seitz of Naples, Fla., pitcher (Naples H.S.); Brett Tscherne of Oregon, pitcher (Clay H.S.); Drew Linder of Bellevue, pitcher (Bellevue H.S.); Adam Blachuta of Wayne, pitcher (Elmwood H.S.), and Austin Taylor of Toledo, catcher (St. Francis de Sales H.S.).

First-year players to the Express men’s baseball program are Brandon Best of Sylvania, pitcher and outfield (Sylvania Southview H.S.); Wes Blank of Millbury, outfield and pitcher (Lake H.S.); Micah Smith of Lorain, outfield and pitcher (Lorain Southview H.S.); Jeremy Sheeks of Tontogany, pitcher (Otsego H.S.); Joshua Barton of Toledo, shortstop (Bowsher H.S.); Dylan Hefflinger of Defiance, second base and shortstop (Defiance H.S.); Andy Bean of Hebron, third base (Lakewood H.S.); Chris Feix of Mansfield, outfield (Ontario H.S.); Jimmy Johnson of Toledo, pitcher (Whitmer H.S.); Steve Weigle of Naples, Fla., second base (Naples H.S.); TJ Willison of Defiance, pitcher (Defiance H.S.); Jordan Schultz of Defiance, catcher (Defiance H.S.); Scott Conley of Millbury, pitcher (Lake H.S.); Josh Converse of Novi, Mich., third base and catcher (Franklin Road H.S.), and Joshua Pheils of Rossford, pitcher (Rossford H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Men’s Basketball Hosts NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Mar. 10-12

Posted on March 1st, 2006

The Owens Community College men’s basketball program begins its postseason run toward a third national title as the Express compete in and host the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championships, Friday-Sunday, March 10-12.

The tournament will be held at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

Teams participating in the tournament will include Edison State Community College, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College, Clark State Community College, Owens Community College and Cincinnati State Community College.

The Express, coached by Jim Welling, will take a 25-6 overall record into the single elimination tournament, where they will battle Clark State (13-13) at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10. Other first round games on Friday will feature Edison State (13-17) versus Columbus State (11-18) at 2:30 p.m. and Cuyahoga (12-16) versus Lakeland (23-7) at 4:30 p.m.

The winner of the Owens/Clark State game will play Cincinnati State (20-8) at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 11. The other semifinal game on Saturday will feature Edison State/Columbus State versus Cuyahoga/Lakeland and begin at 2 p.m. The championship game will occur at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 12.

Welling will lead his Express team into postseason play one final time after announcing that this season will be his last as head coach of the men’s basketball program. His teams have previously won seven Great Lakes Region XII championships to qualify for the national tournament. They also captured NJCAA national championships in 1992 and 1993 and finished as the national runner-up in 1994. Owens completed the Ohio Community College Athletic Association (OCCAC) regular season in fourth place with a 9-5 record and is ranked No. 8 in the nation, according to the final NJCAA Division II poll.

The NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championships will be held Wednesday-Saturday, March 22-25 in Danville, Ill.

Tickets for the NJCAA Region XII Men’s Basketball Championships are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Children ages 5 or under are admitted free. Individuals can purchase a tournament pass for $12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (567) 661-7973 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7973.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Women’s Basketball Competes in NJCAA Region XII Tournament, Mar. 2-5

Posted on February 28th, 2006

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 H) Women’s Basketball Championships this weekend. The tournament will be held at Delta College in University Center, Mich., Thursday-Sunday, March 2-5.

Coached by Michael Llanas, the Express will take a 17-13 overall record into the single elimination tournament where they will battle Schoolcraft College at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 3. If they would advance, Owens will play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. The championship game will occur at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 5.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Delta College, Oakland Community College, Mott Community College, Schoolcraft College, Wayne County Community College, Kirtland Community College, Lakeland Community College, Columbus State Community College and St. Clair County Community College.

Llanas’ team finished the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) tied for second place with an 8-4 record. Last year, the Express advanced to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region XII Championships before losing to Schoolcraft College.

The NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championships will be held Wednesday-Saturday, March 15-18 in Phoenix.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Men’s Basketball Wins Last Home Game For NJCAA Legendary Head Coach

Posted on February 22nd, 2006

Owens men's basketball head coach Jim Welling provides guidance to his Express team during his last regular-season home game.
Owens Community College men’s basketball head coach Jim Welling capped his final regular-season home game with what else – a victory. The Express added another win to his impressive record with a 103-69 victory over Siena Heights University JVs at the Student Health and Activities Center.

At the conclusion of the game, Owens honored coach Welling and his family for exemplary contributions to the men’s basketball program during the past 20 years. As part of the ceremony, Owens vice president of Student Services, Dr. Bill Ivoska awarded coach Welling the game ball.

“It has been a privilege to coach so many talented players and with such tremendous assistant coaches over the years,” said Welling. “I also owe a debt of gratitude to my family, friends and Owens Community College and the support they have shown during my career.”

Earlier this year, coach Welling announced that the upcoming 2005-06 season would be his last, signaling an end to the most successful era in the program’s history.

Welling began his coaching career at Owens during the 1986-87 season. In his first year, he led the Express to 22 victories. Welling, whose career record now stands at 548-125, has recorded only one losing season during his 20-year tenure at Owens. He has led the Express to many notable achievements, including NJCAA Division II National Championships in 1992 and 1993. In addition, Owens has averaged 27 wins while Welling has served as head coach.

Coach Welling addresses the home crowd after yet another victory.
His squads have captured seven Great Lakes Region XII Championships, nine Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) State Tournament Championships and eight OCCAC Conference Championships. Welling has been named Coach of the Year five times by the OCCAC, seven times by Region XII and twice by the NJCAA Division II.

Last year, Welling reached a milestone in his illustrious basketball career by earning victory No. 500 with an 81-71 win over Hillsborough Community College. At the age of 45, he was one of the youngest basketball coaches in NJCAA history ever to accomplish this feat.

Since 1986, Welling has sent 58 players to NCAA Division I programs. Overall, 90 percent of his student-athletes have gone on to play intercollegiate basketball at four-year academic institutions. Most importantly, Welling’s program has graduated 86 percent of his players.

Although he is stepping down as head coach of men’s basketball, Welling will continue to serve as the College’s director of Student Enrichment and Athletics, as well as head coach of the new Express golf program.

Owens men’s basketball program has amassed an overall record of 24-5 and a 9-4 mark (second place tie) in the OCCAC. They also are ranked No. 8 in the nation, according to this week’s NJCAA Division II poll.

The Express will conclude their regular season at Cincinnati State Community College on Saturday, February 25. Owens will next play at home when they host the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championships in postseason competition, March 9-12.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Men’s Basketball Honors NJCAA Legendary Head Coach During Last Regular Season Home Game, Feb. 20

Posted on February 16th, 2006

Owens Men's Basketball Honors NJCAA Legendary Head Coach During Last Regular Season Home Game, Feb. 20
Owens Community College men’s basketball will honor Jim Welling, one of the most successful coaches in NJCAA history, when the Express entertain Siena Heights University JVs to conclude the regular season home portion of their schedule on Monday, February 20. The Express men will battle the Siena Heights Saints beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The game will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to home games is free.

At the conclusion of the game, Owens will honor coach Welling for his exemplary contributions to the men’s basketball program during the past 20 years.

Earlier this year, coach Welling announced that the upcoming 2005-06 season would be his last, signaling an end to the most successful era in the program’s history.

“Jim Willing epitomizes the best of Owens Community College, both on and off the basketball court,” said Dr. Bill Ivoska, Owens vice president of Student Services. “He is one of the most respected coaches throughout the region because of his integrity and values, which are instilled within each one of his student-athletes. Owens Community College is proud of his outstanding accomplishments and what he has meant to the men’s basketball program.”

Welling began his coaching career at Owens during the 1986-87 season. In his first year, he led the Express to 22 victories. Welling, whose career record now stands at 546-125, has recorded only one losing season during his 20-year tenure at Owens. He has led the Express to many notable achievements, including NJCAA Division II National Championships in 1992 and 1993. In addition, Owens has averaged 27 wins while Welling has served as head coach.

His squads have captured seven Great Lakes Region XII Championships, nine Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) State Tournament Championships and eight OCCAC Conference Championships. Welling has been named Coach of the Year five times by the OCCAC, seven times by Region XII and twice by the NJCAA Division II.

Owens men’s basketball program has amassed an overall record of 22-5 and a 7-4 mark (third place tie) in the OCCAC. They also are ranked No. 9 in the nation, according to this week’s NJCAA Division II poll.

The Express recently has compiled wins over Sinclair Community College 90-72, Edison State Community College 73-54 and Clark State Community College 90-83.

Owens will next play at home when they host the NJCAA Region XII (District 7) Men’s Basketball Championships in postseason competition, March 9-12.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Hosts Cheerleading Competition for Youth and High School Students, Feb. 17-18

Posted on February 9th, 2006

More than 20 area cheerleading teams will have the opportunity to test their ability against some of the best squads in Ohio as Owens Community College hosts its annual Cheerleading Competition, February 17-18.

Sponsored by Owens’ Cheerleading Program, the competition is from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, February 17 and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 in the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo.

“I anticipate a very exciting weekend of cheerleading with each participant incorporating a lot of spirit, energy and enthusiasm into their routines,” said Tracy Rollins, Owens Cheerleading head coach. “Many cheerleading squads ranging from high school varsity to pee wee are expected to participate in the competition.”

Cheerleading squad participants are between preschool and 12th grade. Additionally, there will be an open competition for individuals ages 18 and over. Divisions for the competition will include Specialty, Cheer Squads and School. Specific categories are Individual Cheer, Individual Tumble, Recreation Leagues, All Stars, Junior High, Freshmen, Junior Varsity, Small Varsity, Large Varsity and Collegiate/Open.

Routines performed by each team cannot exceed two minutes and 30 seconds in length, while individual routines cannot exceed 1 minute and 30 seconds in length. Both routines are allowed a maximum of one minute and 15 seconds for the music section. The routines must include one cheer, one chant and a dance. A panel of judges will critique all divisions with the top three teams in each division receiving awards.

High schools and junior high schools participating in the various categories are Northview, Southview, Eastwood, Clay, Whitmer, Start and Northwood, among others.

Since their founding as a cheer/dance mounting squad in 2001, the Owens Cheerleading Program has participated in a variety of regional and state competitions, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter Nationals. Earlier this month the group was chosen to dance to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime show.

Tickets for the competition, which is open to the general public, are $5 for adults, $2 for youth and free for children under the age of 3. Individuals can also purchase a $8 two-day event pass. For more information, call (567) 661-7935 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, Ext. 7935.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Men’s and Women’s Basketball Entertain Lakeland Community College in Crucial Conference Games, Feb. 1

Posted on January 30th, 2006

Owens Community College Express men’s and women’s basketball programs will entertain Lakeland Community College Lakers in crucial conference games on Wednesday, February 1. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will battle Lakeland beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Both games will be played at the College’s Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) on the Toledo-area Campus. Owens is located on Oregon Road, four miles from downtown Toledo. Admission to home games is free. The men’s game will be broadcasted live on BCSN television, while the Express women will air on a taped delay at a later date. In addition, the 65-member JJ Express Drill and Drum Corps will be performing as part of the evening’s entertainment.

The Express women’s basketball program has amassed a 12-11 overall record and currently is in a second place tie in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) standings. Led by head coach Michael Llanas, their conference record is 4-2.

In recent weeks, Owens has captured victories over Clark State Community College 76-63, Edison State Community College 65-55, Columbus State Community College 107-42 and Sinclair Community College 53-42.

The 2004-05 edition of the men’s basketball program is off to a successful start in Jim Welling’s last year as Express head coach. Owens has an overall record of 20-3 and a 5-2 mark (second place tie) in the OCCAC. They also are ranked No. 6 in the nation, according to this week’s NJCAA Division II poll.

The Express recently has compiled wins over Clark State Community College 90-83, Cuyahoga Community College 87-60, Edison State Community College 76-74 and Sinclair Community College 86-67.

Lakeland enters the Wednesday night doubleheader with the men (ranked No. 16 nationally) owning an 18-5 overall record (5-2 OCCAC second place tie), while the women are 17-7 overall (4-2 OCCAC second place tie).

The next home men’s and women’s basketball games will occur on Wednesday, February 8 as the Express entertain Sinclair Community College. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m., while the Express men will take on Sinclair beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Express Cheerleading Squad To Perform at Super Bowl With Rolling Stones

Posted on January 30th, 2006

Owens Community College’s Cheerleading team will be taking their energy and enthusiasm on the road, performing on what is considered the largest sporting and entertainment stage in the world – the Super Bowl. Sixteen student-athletes and their two coaches will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance to the music of the legendary Rolling Stones as part of the Super Bowl XL halftime show.

The Express cheerleading squad was among 2,000 groups and individuals recently chosen to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show at Ford Field in Detroit. Owens’ cheerleaders and coaches will be dressed in rock n’ roll apparel and will dance to rock classics such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Start Me Up.”

“Owens Community College’s Cheerleading squad is beyond excited,” said Tracy Rollins, Owens Cheerleading head coach. “To perform in front of millions of people worldwide is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Rollins added, “I have a very talented and spirited squad that cheers on the Owens Express this year. Their selection for such an amazing opportunity is a credit to the group’s hard work and dedication.”

The Super Bowl is watched before more than 130 million viewers in the United States and is the highest-rated television program annually. The game will be broadcast to a potential worldwide audience of one billion in more than 225 countries and territories.

According to Rollins, the Express cheerleaders will participate in a dress rehearsal on Friday (Feb. 3) night at Ford Field and are expected to perform around the 50-yard line during the Rolling Stones’ concert.

The College’s Cheerleading team cheers on the Owens Express men’s basketball team and entertains crowds with halftime dance routines at all home games during the season.

Since their founding as a cheer/dance mounting squad in 2001, the Owens Cheerleading squad has participated in a variety of regional and state competitions, garnering several awards. Such honors include first place finishes at JamFest – Collegiate Open Cheer and the Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Team Championships. In addition, Owens’ squad was second at the Cheerleaders of America Open Championship, the Cheerleaders of America Midwest Open and the Ohio Winter Nationals.

The squad is led by fifth-year head coach Rollins. A Perrysburg resident, she previously served as a cheerleading coach for nine years at Lake Junior, Bowling Green and Eastwood high schools, and has worked with several area All-Star squads. Coach Rollins also worked with the National Cheerleading Association organizing various cheer clinics throughout Northwest Ohio. Her squads are known for their creativity and have won various awards in all competitions. Her assistant coach is Kelly Melnyk of Northwood (Lake H.S.).

The Owens Cheerleading squad returning members include Heather Placko of Oregon (Clay H.S.), Stephanie Welling of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Amanda Hill of Bowling Green (Bowling Green H.S.) and Joshua Johnson of Toledo (Waite H.S.).

First-year members are Tiffany Miller of Ottoville (Ottoville H.S.), Stephanie Emch of Toledo (Start H.S.), Tiffany Schramm of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Melissa VanNess of Oak Harbor (Oak Harbor H.S.), Krista Rakich of Medina (Archbishop Hoban H.S.), Delana Simms of Fremont (Fremont Ross H.S.), Jasmie Pauley of Toledo (Rogers H.S.), Brian Lomeli of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Matt Carrier of Rossford (Rossford H.S.), Scott Miles of Rossford (Rossford H.S.) and Michael Stella of Toledo (Waite H.S.) and Michael Ertle of Ottawa Hills (St. Francis de Sales H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.

Owens Community College Honors Fall Athletic Programs

Posted on January 10th, 2006

This marks nine out of 10 years that at least one Owens volleyball player has received All-American honors. Barr’s other honors included Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Year, NJCAA All-Region XII Player of the Year, as well as Owens’ Most Valuable Player.

Ceara Barr
Barr, a sophomore setter from Fremont Ross High School, holds Owens’ volleyball records with 2,137 assists for a career, 1,477 assists for a season and 6,079 sets for a career and 4,104 sets for a career.

Led by Head Coach Sonny Lewis, the Express completed its season with a 25-17 overall record. The program captured its fifth consecutive OCCAC regular season championship, finishing with an overall 8-2 conference record. During this title run, Owens accumulated a record-setting 79 consecutive OCCAC match-winning streak, which came to an end this past year.

The men’s soccer program, led by Head Coach Art Johnson, recently completed its eighth season as an Owens athletic program. The Express finished with a 16-5-2 overall record and a 5-3-2 mark (third place) in the OCCAC. The 16 victories and 10 shutouts registered by Owens are both school records for a season. The program captured its first-ever NJCAA Region XII Championship and was one match victory away from advancing to the NJCAA National Championships.

Women’s Volleyball Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Ceara Barr
Most Improved Player – Kelli Fisher of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.)
Coaches Award – Mallory Bieringer of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
OCCAC Player of the Year – Ceara Barr
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Ceara Barr, Elisha Milks of Erie, Mich. (Emmanuel Baptist H.S.), Stephanie Czupich of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.) and Allison Siefker of Ottawa (Kalida H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention – Kelli Fisher
NJCAA Region XII Player of the Year – Ceara Barr
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Ceara Barr, Elisha Milks and Stephanie Czupich
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Ceara Barr
NJCAA All-American Division II Second Team – Ceara Barr

Owens Express volleyball team members also included: Alexi Carnicom of Gibsonburg (Gibsonburg H.S.), Anna Rauch of Wyandotte, Mich. (Roosevelt H.S.), Amanda Hensley of Fremont (Fremont St. Joe H.S.), Madison Cupp of Leipsic (Leipsic H.S.), Kristy Bailey of Adrian, Mich. (Lenawee Christian H.S.), Sarah Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.), Lindsay Trumitch of Riverview, Mich. (Riverview H.S.), Lindsay Lehmann of LaSalle, Mich. (St. Mary Catholic Central H.S.) and Laura Gerkensmeyer of Genoa (Genoa H.S.).

Men’s Soccer Awards:

Most Valuable Player – Logan Anderson of Findlay (Findlay H.S.)
Offensive MVP – Anthonio Briggs of Lima (Lima Senior H.S.)
Defensive MVP – Zach Wazny of Toledo (St. Francis de Sales H.S.)
Most Improved Player – Matt Francis of Temperance, Mich. (Bedford H.S.)
Coaches Award – Jeff Kuehne of Maumee (Maumee H.S.)
OCCAC All-Conference First Team – Logan Anderson and Zach Wazny
OCCAC All-Conference Second Team – Anthonio Briggs and Matt Ringle of Ottawa Lake, Mich. (Whiteford H.S.)
NJCAA Region XII Coach of the Year – Art Johnson
NJCAA All-Region XII Team – Anthonio Briggs and Zach Wazny
NJCAA All-Region XII Tournament Team – Logan Anderson, Zach Wazny and Andrew Snook of Findlay (Findlay H.S.)

Members of the Owens Express men’s soccer team also included: Ryan Michaels of Holland (St. Francis de Sales H.S.), Brian Whitner of Perrysburg (Perrysburg H.S.), Kyle Kaiser of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Gibril Kargbo of Holland (Sierra Leone Grammar School), Mugisha Rwehumbiza of Bowling Green (Newlands Manor School), Josh Radtkin of Toledo (Maumee Valley Country Day School), Torrey Korsog of Maumee (Maumee H.S.), Adam Grzybowski of Lima (Findlay H.S.), Justin McIntyre of Monroe, Mich. (Monroe H.S.), Bobby Barriger of Toledo (Whitmer H.S.), Arthur Griffin Jr. of Lima (Lima Senior H.S.), Robert Fountain of Holland (Springfield H.S.), Sasa Markovic of Windsor, Canada (Riverside Secondary School) and Alex Taheri of Stockholm, Sweden (Jakobsbergs Folkhogskola H.S.).

Owens Community College is one of the fastest-growing higher educational institutions in Ohio. On the Toledo-area and Findlay-area campuses, Owens serves more than 45,000 credit and non-credit students, making it the number one choice for new college students. Owens is committed to providing small classes, personal attention and unmatched affordability. Owens Community College offers over 150 program areas in Agriculture, Business, Fine and Performing Arts, Health, Public Service, Skilled Trades, and Industrial and Engineering 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.