Too Much Information 2012: The Ohio Edition

Every year BSD delves deeply into intricate depth charts and grooms mounds of statistics to give you a better understanding of the teams on the Lions’ schedule. This is not that. This is a light-hearted look at the university behind the football team. This is Too Much Information 2012: the Ohio edition.

History

Not to be confused with THE Ohio State university, Ohio University is a public research university located in Athens, Ohio. Founded in 1804, it was the first university established in the Northwest Territory and is the ninth oldest public university in the United States. Due to its original liberal arts emphasis and colonial-era American origins, Ohio is often referred to as a ‘Public Ivy.’

About the University

Ohio University offers more than 250 areas of undergraduate study, and with five regional campuses and e-learning programs the total student population grows to more than 35,000. The university was founded by Manasseh Cutler, a chaplain and land developer from George Washington's Continental Army. Originally named the American Western University, Ohio was formally established on February 18, 1804, when its charter was approved by the Ohio General Assembly.

Between 1955 to 1970, the university realized a tripling of undergraduate enrollment (from 7,000 to 20,000). During this era, the university's campus also tripled in size with the addition of 25 new dormitories located on two new residential college greens, radio and television stations, new research and classroom facilities, and the construction of a major 13,000 seat sports arena.

Mascot

Athletes that play sports for the Ohio University are known as Bobcats. The university is a charter member of the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference, established in 1946. Ohio Bobcats football began in 1894 with an 8–0 loss to Marietta College. Their stadium (Peden Stadium) is the oldest football venue in the MAC and is a designated state historical site. The official team colors of the Ohio Bobcats are Hunter Green and White.

In 2006, Ohio University alumus Michael A. Massa formally suggested that the university provide a proper name and identity to brand the generic bobcat mascot. A university-wide competition ensued and the popular choice was Rufus. The name was selected because of the North American bobcat’s scientific name (Lynx rufus) and it also happens to be the name of an original trustee of the university, Rufus Putnam.

Football related data

Last Season: 10-4

Under the guidance of Frank Solich last season, the Bobcats went 10-4 and won their first bowl game in team history; the 2011 Famous Idaho Potato bowl beating Utah State 24-23. They have been in 6 bowl games going 1-5 (obviously) and they’ve won 5 MAC championships the last one coming way back in 1968.

Famous Alumni

Ohio University’s list of famous Alumni is rather intriguing. Before writing her popular newspaper columns, american humorist Erma Bombeck called herself a Bobcat. Before scoring 5 touchdowns in one game, Al Bundy, better known as Ed O'Neill, graduated from Ohio. Fist pumping Arsenio Hall was a Bobcat as was MacGyver himself, Richard Dean Anderson. The freakin’ voice of Bart Simpson Nancy Cartwright was a Bobcat. Professional wrestler Christopher "The Monster" Abyss graduated from Ohio. Last and certainly not least, American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian, professional racing driver, auto racing team owner, and auto racing enthusiast, Paul Newman was a Bobcat.

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