NCAA celebrates Division III student-athletes across the nation last week

Ohio Wesleyan University joined more than 172,000 Division III athletes across the nation in a week-long celebration in which the NCAA recognized Division III athletes and their contributions on their respective campuses during the week of April 9-15.

The NCAA wanted to build greater awareness, appreciation and understanding of the multitude of positive contributions these athletes makes on their various campuses through the week of recognition.

At OWU alone, approximately 25 percent of all students participate in at least one varsity sport.

OWU recognized these athletes through various themed events last week, which included celebrating their involvement in community service, Faculty/Student-Athlete partnerships and their mentorship and leadership on campus.

On Sunday the week concluded with the Bishop Games, which is an event for special needs athletes who live in and around Delaware.

The Bishop Games, which was designed by the Ohio Wesleyan University Athletic Council (OWAC) is held annually and provides those with special needs the opportunity to compete as a college athlete would.

Junior Scott Rosenthal helped with the Bishop Games and was impressed by the high energy level and athletic ability of the competitors.

“One athlete jumped 15 feet in the long jump which was really impressive,” Rosenthal said.

Senior Sharif Kronemer was awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

In the past 12 years, only 10 OWU athletes have received one of these scholarships.

Kronemer said he was honored to win such a prestigious award.

“I understand there are many qualified candidates and I am grateful the committee chose me as one of the 29 male recipients,” Kronemor said.

“I plan on attending graduate school next year at the University College London and this scholarship will be a huge help in paying for the academic expenses in one of the most expensive cities in the world.”

OWU athletics has won a total of 132 NCAC titles in athletics, the most conference championships in the league.

Nationally, the Battling Bishops have won five national team championships, as well as 13 individual national championships.

Kronemor said the week in general was extremely meaningful and rewarding to all athletes at OWU.

“The fact that the NCAA is recognizing Division III athletes shows that Division III is asserting itself as a competitive division,” Kronemor said.

“As a Division III track and field athlete, I know the competition is fierce on the track and in the classroom,”

“Also, I believe this recognition vindicates OWU’s dedication to Division III and the student-athlete,” he said.