Ashland University Football: A History of Excellence and Tradition

The Ashland Eagles, representing Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, have a rich and storied history in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics. From their early days in the Heartland Collegiate Conference and Great Lakes Valley Conference to their time in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and beyond, the Eagles have consistently demonstrated a commitment to athletic excellence. This article delves into the history of the Ashland University football program, highlighting key moments, traditions, and achievements that have shaped its identity.

Early Years and Conference Affiliations

Ashland University's athletic journey began with participation in various conferences, including the Heartland Collegiate Conference (1978-79 to 1989-90) and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (1978-79 to 1994-95). A significant period for the Eagles was their time in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) from 1995-96 to 2020-21. These affiliations provided a competitive landscape for the football program to develop and grow.

Facilities and Resources

Ashland University's commitment to athletics is evident in its impressive $23 million athletic complex. The complex boasts a 5,200-seat football stadium, providing a dedicated venue for the Eagles to showcase their talent. Additionally, a 1,000-seat stadium for track & field and soccer, along with a state-of-the-art training facility, further enhances the university's athletic capabilities. The presence of these top-notch facilities underscores Ashland's investment in its athletic programs and the overall student-athlete experience.

Landmark Seasons and Achievements

The Ashland University Eagles football team has experienced several landmark seasons that have solidified its place in the program's history. The 2012 season was particularly noteworthy, marking the fifth time in school history that the team reached the postseason, with Coach Lee Owens leading the charge for the third time. This achievement was especially significant as it represented Ashland University's highest ranking since joining NCAA Division II. Moreover, the 2012 season culminated in the program's first-ever GLIAC football championship. The team's exceptional performance also made them only the second in school history to achieve 10 or more wins in a single season, and only the fourth to complete the regular season undefeated.

A Year of Champions: 2013

While the football team's success in 2012 was remarkable, 2013 proved to be an even more extraordinary year for Ashland University athletics as a whole. Ten Ashland University Eagles achieved national champion status across swimming and indoor track and field. The first national champions of the year were the women's 200-yard freestyle relay team, consisting of seniors Julie Widmann and Rachel Ausdenmoore, junior Gaby Verdugo-Arzaluz, and freshman Kaylyn Murphy, who triumphed at the national swim meet on March 7, 2013. Julie Widmann's exceptional performance earned her a total of four national titles (3 relays, 1 individual).

In track and field, Richard Quick secured a national title in the weight throw with a distance of 68-feet, 3.25-inches, while Katie Nageotte claimed the national title in pole-vault with a height of 13-feet, 11.25-inches. The track 1600-meter relay team, composed of sophomore Drew Windle, senior Cory Lamar, junior Jacob Cook, and junior Keith Cleveland, also achieved national champion status. The year 2013 marked a historic milestone as the first time an Ashland University team had ever won a national championship. The Eagles Women's Basketball team secured a 71-56 victory against Dowling College in the NCAA Division II national championship game. Ashland University became only the second GLIAC team to win a women's basketball Division II national championship. Kari Daugherty, a standout player, was recognized as the 2013 Women's Division II Bulletin player of the year and the most outstanding player. AU also had Basketball's Kari Daugherty receive the NCAA II player of the year award for the second year in a row, and Track and Field's Drew Windle awarded the men's indoor track and field athlete of the year.

Traditions and Rivalries

The Ashland University football program is steeped in tradition, with several unique elements that contribute to its identity.

The Victory Bell

Prior to the start of the 1996 Eagle football season, a large cast-iron bell was anonymously donated to the University. After some deliberation, the bell was mounted on a pole and placed near the north end zone at Community Stadium. This bell, known as the Victory Bell, became a symbol of triumph for the Eagles. In September 2009, the Victory Bell was relocated to Jack Miller Stadium, with a new post crafted from Redwood salvaged from old Redwood Stadium. The bell was rung for the first time at its new location on September 12, 2009, following the Eagles' victory over Michigan Tech.

The Traveling Trophy Game

One of the program's most cherished traditions is the annual Traveling Trophy game against the Hillsdale Chargers. Established in 1970, this rivalry game is one of only a few NCAA-recognized trophy games, adding an extra layer of significance to the contest. The battle for the Traveling Trophy represents a clash between Ohio and Michigan at the NCAA Division II level, mirroring the intensity of the Ohio State/Michigan game in Division I.

Historic Moments and Notable Figures

Throughout its history, the Ashland University football program has been home to several notable figures and has witnessed numerous historic moments.

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Fred Martinelli's Influence

Fred Martinelli served as an assistant coach for the program in 1972 and 1974, contributing to the development of the team during those years.

Ed Barreto's Record-Breaking Appearance

Ed Barreto, a 1961 alumnus, achieved a remarkable feat by appearing in a game against St. Francis (Ill.) in 1997 at the age of 60. Ashland shut out St. Francis with a score of 28-0, and Barretto's No. 32 game-day jersey is displayed in the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Ga.

First Postseason Win at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field

On November 18, 2017, Ashland secured its first postseason win at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field, defeating Northwest Mo.

Continued Success

In 2014-15, Ashland's athletic department finished second in the final Division II Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup standings, its highest finish all-time. In the winter of 2016-17, the Eagle women's basketball team won its second NCAA Division II national championship, and became the first D-II women's hoops team to finish a season at 37-0.

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