Remembering Grover Jewett

9/23/2025 2:48:00 PM | By: Jamie Dailey '22, SID Assistant

Grover Jewett Coached From 1984 To 1995 At John Carroll University

COLUMBUS – On Wednesday, September 17, the John Carroll University and cross country/track & field communities lost a special friend.

Grover C. Jewett, USMC - SGT, Korean War veteran, and former JCU Women's Cross Country/Track & Field Coach passed away after a lifetime of serving for his country, coaching, teaching, and serving himself to others.

Jewett attended Solon High School, where he became a tremendous track & field athlete as a sprinter. After high school, Grove enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Korea.

His coaching career began at Solon from 1956 to 1984 and continued at John Carroll University until 1995.

During JCU's first years as a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference, the track & field and cross country program excelled to new levels and Grove was a significant piece of the success.

On November 2, 1991, the JCU Women's Cross Country team, led by Coach Jewett, won the OAC title at the Highland Golf Course with two athletes earning All-OAC honors including Michelle Green and Joanna Tomazic, who both placed in the top 10. This was the program's first OAC championship in program history.

In 1993, the women finished third overall with a total of 79 points at the conference championships, headlined by Jewett winning the OAC Women's Coach of the Year. Athletes who contributed to the top three finish were Danielle Sluga, who won both the 1000 and 1500 meter runs. Also, Gretchen Schultz won the 800 meter run that helped the team score.

Jewett's drive and commitment to the sport left a huge impact on not just the program, but with the many athletes that he got to interact with.

His granddaughter, Cara Jewett '25, was a part of the track & field program and recently graduated from JCU. She competed in the weight and hammer throw events.

You can read more about Grover Jewett in his obituary here. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 30th from 4:00-7:00pm at Kindrich-McHugh Steibauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Road. Solon, Ohio 44139. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, October 1st at 10:00am at St. Rita Catholic Church 32820 Baldwin Rd. Solon, Ohio 44139. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, 26200 Aurora Rd, Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146.

In lieu of flowers: To plant trees in his memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. To continue his legacy of helping young people reach their goals, donations can also be made to JCU Track & Field.

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