September 16, 2009 – Athletics

Ohio Wesleyan Adopts National Guard Company
Athletics department sends Bishop gear overseas

Ohio Wesleyan coaches have adopted an Ohio National Guard company and are sending packages full of OWU gear to Iraq in an effort to give back to the men and women serving our country.

Athletics director Roger Ingles’s nephew is in the company, which is based out of Dayton. Ingles said he was talking with his nephew on Skype one night when he mentioned that his company would appreciate OWU gear to work out and relax in. Ingles asked Bishop coaches to get some items together, and they have already mailed six boxes of t-shirts, hats, old uniforms and other OWU items.

“We believe this is a small way we can give back to the brave men and women who are serving our country,” Ingles said. “Ohio Wesleyan has had many alumni who have served or are currently serving in Operation Freedom. We plan to continue to update the group with media guides, materials and Ohio Wesleyan gear.”

One OWU graduate, Michael Long ’03, is stationed in Afghanistan. Long was an All-America lacrosse player for coach Sean Ryan, and sent Ryan a flag that his company flew in Afghanistan. The flag is currently hanging in the men’s lacrosse office.

“(Michael)’s been in Afghanistan since December 2008,” Ryan said. “He felt that the flag would remind the team that being selfless is the most important aspect of ‘TEAM.’ ”

Ingles said he hopes to continue sending OWU gear to the troops.

“Many people have different views of the issues pertaining to the war but no one feels anything but pride in the young men and women who give all so we can have our freedoms and safety here at home,” Ingles said. “This is just a small way for us to pay back.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the program can bring OWU items to Ingles’s office in Edwards Gym.

– Michelle Rotuno-Johnson ’12