Did You Know This About OWU History?

Two of the most renowned names in collegiate athletics, Fielding H. Yost and Lynn W. St. John, had their beginnings with the OWU athletic programs. Fielding H. Yost, revered in University of Michigan sports lore as their football coach from 1901-1923 and 1925-1926 and later as Athletic Director from 1921 to 1940. But did you know that his 1st football coaching job was in 1897 at OWU? Similarly, the name Lynn W. St. John is revered by all Ohio State University fans as he coached their basketball program 1911-1919 and was manager of the baseball team 1913-1928. He served as Athletic Director 1912-1947. But did you know that he earlier coached football 1909-1911, as well as basketball and baseball from 1910-1912 at OWU? 

Also, what do you know about Branch Rickey at OWU? After signing a professional baseball contract and thus becoming ineligible to continue his collegiate playing career, Branch Rickey ‘04 becomes Ohio Wesleyan’s athletics director and baseball coach. During a baseball trip, Rickey’s catcher, Charles Thomas, a black student from Zanesville, Ohio, is denied lodging at a hotel in South Bend, Indiana. Rickey was able to convince the hotel manager to allow Thomas to stay in his room as an unregistered guest, but the event was burned into his memory and proved to be his inspiration in signing Jackie Robinson with the Brooklyn Dodgers over 40 years later. In 1904, Rickey’s baseball team wins 14 games, a school record that would stand for 81 years.

About the same time, a young man by the name of George Gauthier was soon to come on the OWU scene. He was the starting quarterback for Michigan State’s football team in 1912 and 1913 and led the team to upset victories over Ohio State in 1912 and Michigan in 1913. Years later, Gauthier described the victory over Michigan as his first great thrill. He was head football coach in 1918, compiling a record of 4–3. The biggest victory in his single season as head football coach was a 12-9 decision over Knute Rockne’s Notre Dame team. Gauthier later served as OWU football coach from 1921-1946, beating Michigan 17-7 in the first game in their new stadium…..and later lost to Ohio State in 1922 in their new stadium, losing 5-0. He also served as Athletic Director for 34 years from 1921-1955.

Branch Rickey

Fielding H. Yost

George Gauthier

Lynn W. St. John