Baldwin Wallace University Football: A Storied History
Baldwin Wallace University, home of the Yellow Jackets, boasts a rich athletic tradition. As a member of NCAA Division III and the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), BW's varsity sports program includes 13 men's and 13 women's teams. While cross country and swimming and diving stand out as particularly successful, football holds a significant place in the university's history. The Yellow Jackets have long-standing rivalries with institutions like John Carroll University and the University of Mount Union, fueling intense competition across various sports. The teams' colors are officially brown and gold, although during the 1990s and early 2000s, burgundy and teal, as well as maroon and gold, were used for marketing literature. Since the mid-2000s, BW returned to its roots with using brown and gold.
A Legacy of Wins
In the 106-year history of football at Baldwin Wallace University, the Yellow Jackets have compiled an all-time record of 546-319-30. This impressive win total is the highest among all current OAC member schools, a testament to the program's consistent success and enduring presence in the conference.
The 1978 National Championship Season
The 1978 season stands as a pinnacle in Baldwin Wallace football history. Under the guidance of Coach Lee Tressel, the Yellow Jackets achieved an undefeated record and secured their first-ever NCAA Division III playoff appearance.
Road to the Stagg Bowl
The Yellow Jackets dominated their playoff opponents, showcasing their prowess on both sides of the ball. They defeated St. Lawrence 71-7 in the quarterfinals and followed that with a 31-10 victory over Carnegie Mellon in the semifinals.
Stagg Bowl Victory
The Division III championship game, the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, featured a rematch between Baldwin Wallace and Wittenberg, who had previously tied in the OAC Championship game. This time, the Yellow Jackets left no doubt, defeating the Wittenberg Tigers 24-10 to claim the national title. The game was even televised on ABC Sports, bringing national attention to Baldwin Wallace's achievement.
Read also: Explore ABAC Degrees
Individual Accolades
The success of the 1978 team was not only a collective effort but also highlighted individual talent. Baldwin Wallace tackle Paul Petrella received the Hank Critchfield Award as the best defensive lineman in the OAC, further solidifying the team's dominance.
Lee Tressel: A Coaching Legend
Lee Tressel's impact on Baldwin Wallace football extends far beyond the 1978 championship season. He served as the head coach for 23 years, compiling a remarkable record of 154-53-6.
A Career of Success
Tressel's coaching career was marked by consistent success. His "run-and-shoot" offense became a signature of the Yellow Jackets, known for its explosive and high-scoring nature. In 1961, he guided the team to a 9-0 record, the only undefeated and untied season in school history.
OAC Dominance
Under Tressel, Baldwin Wallace consistently contended for OAC titles. From 1974 onwards, the Yellow Jackets participated in five OAC Championship games, winning two and tying one, all against their arch-rival, Wittenberg.
Legacy and Recognition
Tressel's contributions to Baldwin Wallace and college football were widely recognized. He was named Ohio College Coach of the Year in 1961 and 1967. After retiring in 1980, he was honored with an appreciation program attended by over 1000 people, including former players, colleagues, and dignitaries. Following his death in 1981, he was eulogized as an example of the finest elements in competitive athletics. Plans were also made to create a space in the Watts Athletic Center to house his memorabilia.
Read also: Inside The Baldwin School
Other Notable Figures
While Lee Tressel stands out as a central figure, other individuals have also contributed to the history of Baldwin Wallace football. Robert D. Packard, a B-W Alumnus '65, was named Coach Tressel's successor, and Dr. Robert Fischer, a 1963 graduate, has also led the team.
Baldwin Wallace University Athletics: A Broader Perspective
Baldwin Wallace University's commitment to athletics extends beyond the football field. The university offers a diverse range of varsity and club sports, providing opportunities for students to participate and excel in various athletic pursuits.
Varsity Sports
Baldwin Wallace University participates in NCAA Division III athletics. The Yellow Jackets varsity sports participate in Division III of the NCAA in the Ohio Athletic Conference. BW has 13 men's varsity teams and 13 women's varsity teams. Relatively recent additions to BW's sports offerings include men's and women's lacrosse, which were added for the 2012-13 season. The school's newest varsity sport is men's volleyball, which begins play in the 2021 season (2020-21 school year). BW holds the title for Most Wins in the OAC.
Success in Other Sports
BW's Women's team won the 2016 Indoor Track and Field National Championship and were Runner's Up at the Outdoor National Championship. BW also holds the record for 2008 OAC Indoor Champions. The women's indoor and outdoor track & field teams have won 17 Ohio Athletic Conference indoor titles, including 15 straight from 1988 through 2002, and 16 OAC outdoor crowns, including a pair of OAC-record streaks of seven straight years.
Club Sports
BW club sports include Running Club, Men's Club Volleyball, Racquetball, Paintball and Archery. Baldwin Wallace has a great tradition of racquetball, including two USAR men's team intercollegiate titles in 2001 & 2002 and an overall Division II team title in 2006.
Read also: Public Participation in Baldwin Schools
Notable Alumni
Baldwin Wallace University has over 41,000 alumni living throughout the United States. Some notable Alumni in sports include former OSU Football coach Jim Tressel and his father Lee Tressel, former NFL player and first Atlanta Falcons head coach Norb Hecker, CBS announcer Bud Collins, and Olympian Harrison Dillard. Lance Yandell who was a star Wide receiver setting records for Baldwin Wallace football. BW has had many alumni become representatives for the state of Ohio.
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