Ashland University, located in Ashland, Ohio, is a small private university that has become known for its successful athletic programs. With 18 varsity sports teams and a culture of excellence, the Eagles have established themselves as a major player on the Division II athletic stage.
One of Ashland’s most successful athletic programs is football. The team, coached by Lee Owens, consistently competes for conference championships and national titles. In 2012, the Eagles won the Division II national championship and have made several playoff appearances since then. One of the key factors in their success has been their high-powered offense, which routinely ranks among the best in the country.
Another standout program at Ashland is track and field. The Eagles boast some of the best athletes in the country, both on the men’s and women’s teams. In 2019, the women’s team won the indoor and outdoor national championships, while the men finished in the top five in both competitions. The program has had numerous individual national champions and record holders over the years.
Basketball is another sport where Ashland has excelled in recent years. The men’s team, led by head coach John Ellenwood, has made multiple NCAA tournament appearances and reached the Elite Eight in 2019. The women’s team, coached by Kari Pickens, won the national championship in 2013 and has also made multiple tournament appearances.
Ashland’s success isn’t limited to these three sports, however. The university also has strong programs in wrestling, volleyball, soccer, golf, baseball, and softball, among others. The athletic department as a whole has won multiple conference and national awards for its academic and athletic achievements.
The facilities at Ashland University reflect the school’s commitment to excellence in athletics. The Jack and Deb Miller Pavilion, which opened in 2016, houses the track and field teams’ indoor practice facilities and offices, as well as a weight room and athletic training center. The Dwight Schar Athletic Complex, which opened in 2015, includes football and lacrosse stadiums, a soccer field, and a softball field, among other amenities.
Despite its success, Ashland remains a Division II school, meaning that the emphasis is on student-athletes’ academic success as well as their performance on the field. The university’s overall graduation rate for student-athletes is consistently among the highest in the country, and several teams have won academic awards for their GPA and success in the classroom.
In conclusion, Ashland University is a small school with big-time athletic programs. The Eagles’ success on the field, court, and track has helped to raise the university’s profile and attract students from around the country. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on both athletic and academic excellence, Ashland looks poised to continue its tradition of success for years to come.