Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, has a proud tradition of producing top-notch athletes across a variety of sports. Known as the Ohio Bobcats, the university’s teams have competed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1946, and have had a number of standout players over the years. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous Ohio Bobcats players across a variety of sports.
Football
Ohio University has produced a number of talented football players who have gone on to play professionally. One of the most notable is Dave Zastudil, who played for the Bobcats from 1998-2001. Zastudil was a punter and was named a First-Team All-American in 2001. He went on to play in the NFL for 12 seasons, playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals.
Another famous Ohio Bobcat football player is Kareem Wilson. Wilson played for Ohio University from 1993-1996 and was a standout linebacker. He was named a First-Team All-American in 1996 and went on to play in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Basketball
Ohio University has a rich basketball tradition, with many talented players having passed through the program. One of the most famous is Gary Trent, who played for the Bobcats from 1992-1995. Trent was a prolific scorer and was named a Second-Team All-American in 1995. He went on to play in the NBA for nine seasons, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Another standout Ohio Bobcat basketball player is Walter Luckett. Luckett played for Ohio University from 1973-1976 and was one of the top scorers in the country during his time there. He was named a First-Team All-American in 1976 and went on to play in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons and Kansas City Kings.
Baseball
Ohio University’s baseball program has produced a number of talented players over the years, including a few who went on to play in the major leagues. One of the most famous is Mike Schmidt, who played for the Bobcats from 1967-1971. Schmidt was a standout third baseman and was named a Second-Team All-American in 1970. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the MLB, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies for 18 seasons.
Another notable Ohio Bobcat baseball player is Matt Carpenter. Carpenter played for Ohio University from 2005-2009 and was a standout second baseman. He was named a First-Team All-American in 2009 and went on to play in the MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Track and Field
Ohio University’s track and field program has produced a number of talented athletes over the years, including a few who have competed in the Olympics. One of the most famous is Julie Brown, who competed for the Bobcats from 1977-1980. Brown was a sprinter and set a number of school records during her time at Ohio University. She went on to compete in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where she won a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay.
Another standout Ohio Bobcat track and field athlete is Jake Blankenship. Blankenship competed for Ohio University from 2012-2015 and was a pole vaulter. He was named a First-Team All-American in 2014 and 2015 and went on to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Softball
Ohio University’s softball program has also produced a number of talented players over the years. One of the most famous is Lauren McClary, who played for the Bobcats from 2003-2006. McClary was a pitcher and was named a First-Team All-American in 2006. She set numerous school records during her time at Ohio University and went on to play professionally in the National Pro Fastpitch league.
Another notable Ohio Bobcat softball player is Raven King. King played for Ohio University from 2010-2013 and was a standout outfielder. She was named a Second-Team All-American in 2013 and set a number of school records during her time at Ohio University.
Volleyball
Serena Warner is one of the most famous Ohio Bobcats volleyball players in recent memory. Warner played for Ohio University from 2012-2015 and was a standout outside hitter. She was named a First-Team All-American in 2015 and set numerous school records during her time at Ohio University. Warner went on to play professionally overseas in Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland.
Wrestling
Ohio University’s wrestling program has produced a number of talented athletes over the years, including Phil Wellington. Wellington wrestled for the Bobcats from 2003-2007 and was a standout heavyweight wrestler. He was a two-time All-American and won the MAC championship twice during his collegiate career. Wellington went on to compete in the World Championships and the Pan American Games as a member of the Canadian wrestling team.
Soccer
Ohio University’s soccer program has produced several talented players over the years, including Cathryn Rogers. Rogers played for the Bobcats from 2010-2013 and was a standout defender. She was a three-time First-Team All-MAC selection and was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Rogers was also a two-time NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I All-Great Lakes Region selection. She went on to play professionally for the Houston Aces in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
These players, along with the previously mentioned athletes, showcase the breadth and depth of talent that Ohio University has produced over the years. They have left their mark on the program and continue to inspire future generations of Ohio Bobcats athletes.
Ohio University has a proud tradition of producing top-notch athletes across a variety of sports, and the above players are just a few examples of the many talented athletes who have passed through the program over the years. From football to basketball, baseball to track and field, and softball to more, Ohio University has a rich history of producing some of the most talented athletes in the country. These athletes have not only excelled at the collegiate level but have also gone on to achieve great success in their respective professional sports. They continue to inspire and motivate current and future Ohio Bobcats players to strive for greatness both on and off the field.
