31 years ago this week, John Carroll formally reapplied for admission into the Ohio Athletic Conference after 33 years as a charter member of the Presidents' Athletic Conference.

According to the press release authored by Julie Dalpiaz, the school's sports information director at the time, the formal approval of John Carroll's admission was expected to be finalized at the conference meetings in November of 1988. John Carroll was replacing Wittenberg, which had left the OAC to join the North Coast Athletic Conference.


Back For A Second Go Around

The official welcome came on November 15. The Ohio Athletic Conference officially announced that John Carroll University, along with Hiram College, would become members of the nation's third oldest athletic conference as of July 1, 1989.

OAC President Dr. J. Phillip Roach of Marietta College welcomed back the two schools, which had been a part of the conference at one time or another since its formation in 1902.

"We enthusiastically welcome back both Hiram College and John Carroll University to membership in the OAC," Roach said. "These well-established and prestigious institutions add luster to an already bright conference that is recognized as one of the premier Division ill conferences in the NCAA."

Roach was influenced in his decision by his visit to the campus.

"John Carroll is a school which excels in bot.h academics as well as athletics," Roach said. "As far as athletics go, John Carroll is interested in providing a broad base. The athletic department is not concerned with just two or three sports, but rather they make an effort to promote all their sports."

Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., John Carroll's academic vice president at the time, accepted the conference's invitation on behalf of the school and its president, Rev. Michael J. Lavelle, S.J.

"It's a pleasure to be back in the OAC once again," Schlegel told the audience at the OAC luncheon. "We look forward to a strenuous yet friendly competition with the other institutions. As a member of the OAC, we look forward to the renewal of some regular rivalries, which should ignite student interest. The comments I've heard ... have all been positive."

Schlegel also mentioned what impressed him personally about the OAC.

"I am impressed by the leadership role of the conference," Schlegel said. "The commitment of the OAC to non-scholarship athletics is very important to us at John Carroll. I am impressed with the academic strength of the institutions in the conference. There is a genuine input from the faculty in the conference. The regional diversity of the schools also impresses me. It makes for a strong state-wide concentration within the conference."

John Carroll was making its second appearance OAC, as it was previously a member from 1932 to 1949. 


Voices From The Top

The move from the PAC to the OAC had the blessing of Father Lavelle.

"In the OAC we will have the chance to develop some Ohio rivalries," Lavelle said in a statement delivered by the Dalpiaz press release. "It will be challenging and enjoyable for our athletes and coaches, and will create greater spectator interest for our students and alumni. OAC champions get bids to NCAA playoff competition, a goal that will give added incentive to our sports teams. I think it is a good fit for us, and I feel that we will be competitive right from the outset in just about every sport."

Athletic Director Tony DeCarlo was also a big proponent of the move.

"The PAC has been very good to us," said DeCarlo. "but I am excited about the many benefits returning to the OAC will have for us. I am especially looking forward to the new rivals and new level of competition in the OAC. Our programs are such that I believe we will be competitive in just about every sport right away."


What JCU Left Behind

John Carroll was a charter member of the PAC when it began competing in 1954. As of 1988, the PAC consisted of Bethany, Carengie Mellon, Grove City, Hiram, Thiel and Washington & Jefferson.

During its 34-year Presidents' Athletic Conference tenure, the Blue Streak men won 65 league titles and eight All-Sports Trophies, including the final seven seasons. In the six years in which the PAC sponsored women's championships (1984-1989), John Carroll captured six league crowns and won the All Sports Trophies in 1988 and 1989.


What JCU Gained

John Carroll joined Baldwin Wallace when it became an official member of the league, insuring an annual meeting in all sports, thus renewing a long standing crosstown rivalry. JCU also joined Capital, Heidelberg, Hiram, Marietta, Mount Union, Muskingum, Ohio Northern, and Otterbein  

The move to the OAC prompted the formation of women's soccer in 1989, women's golf in 1999, and the combination of men's lacrosse (2013) and women's lacrosse (2014), and the addition of women's and men's indoor track (1989) to bring the number of varsity sports offerings to its resent day total of 23.

Since joining the league, the Blue Streaks have captured 149 conference championships (combined men and women, regular season and tournament). John Carroll has also won nine men's all-sports trophies, including each of the last five.

Also since joining the league, 21 of the 23 teams have either qualified for NCAA championships or have sent individuals to represent the team at NCAA championships.