Wittenberg University has a tremendous history of success in a wide range of intercollegiate sports. Tiger teams have enjoyed success in intercollegiate competition dating back to the late 1800s. With more than 20 intercollegiate athletics teams, in addition to numerous club sport opportunities, Wittenberg has something to meet every student's needs and interests. Here are a few stories from our alumni who were student-athletes.
Jim Thrasher ’71
I was the second in my family to attend Wittenberg University. My brother, Al, was the first, and he was one of the greatest basketball players to play at Wittenberg. I enjoyed the academic and service aspects of the school as much as the basketball.
I had been coming to Wittenberg since junior high school to watch my brother and hang out with his teammates. I was recruited to play at Witt by Coach Eldon Miller and enjoyed my time playing basketball.
My favorite classes were sociology with Dr. Aaron Bindman and educational psychology with Dr. Hulda Sallee. Both professors inspired me to chase my dreams and serve the most needy of children, and that has been my life's work. I was also a founding member of the Concerned Black Students (CBS) and a member of the Blue Key Honor Society. I matured a lot during my time at Wittenberg, especially as a member of CBS, and I made lifelong friendships through the activities we participated in.
After graduating, I earned my master's degree and doctorate in special education administration from the University of the Pacific. I was a teacher for over 22 years. I was the director of special education for Akron Public Schools for three years before returning to California to work for the California Teachers Association as a manager. I was also inducted into the Wittenberg Athletic Hall of Honor.
My advice to future students is to follow their dreams and be passionate about what they believe in. I also encourage them to serve others. My experience at Wittenberg has been invaluable, and I hope the school continues to prioritize and commit to diversity in its recruitment.
Aaron Powers ’97
My time at Wittenberg University was an incredible experience. I played football for four years, and it was the start of my journey. I was unsure of what major I wanted to focus on, but I was lucky to have Professor Wayne Maurer as my advisor who helped guide me.
I played tailback and was given the number 39, which I kept for all four years. I was a walk-on and didn't have a scholarship. I was drawn to Wittenberg because of its football reputation and historic path of having winning seasons. I kept in contact with some of my teammates.
The coach and professor that had the biggest impact on me were Coach Joe Fincham and Professor Maurer. I originally wanted to be a marine biologist, but after taking my first physics and chemistry classes, I realized my brain wasn't built for it. I ended up choosing business management as my major because of its flexibility.
My advice to those interested in getting higher education is to be open-minded when the process starts and consider more than one option as a possible career path. Take some classes to understand the interests you have and what the possibilities are beyond college with each one. After graduation, find an organization to join that's truly interested in your long-term development and success.
My time at Wittenberg helped me to grow and change as a person by teaching me the importance of helping others be successful. I think that all started with my parents being incredible examples to follow and Wittenberg's motto, “Having Light We Pass It On To Others.” My legacy was that I was always focused on the development and future of those I worked with or who worked for me. I wanted them to be successful and promoted to the next level as much as I wanted anything related to my own success during my professional career.
Jenn Korsberg McCammon ‘02
I was recruited to play basketball at Wittenberg University from across the country. I was awarded an academic scholarship to support financial aid assistance and was initially coming to play volleyball, but I got sick right before. I ended up participating in track as well and by the time I left, I knew I had found my home.
I played all four years of basketball and was a captain my senior year. I also did two years of track and took a full course load while doing sports. I was able to get financial aid and assistance from the admission office and did the student work-study program, giving tours and working at the HPER Center.
My time at Wittenberg helped me develop independence, and I kept all of my friends and teammates I had acquired through college. I also interned with Morgan Stanley and had a great experience. I would tell someone considering Wittenberg to get to the campus, talk to the kids, and get connected with the teachers. They'll have found their home.
Katie Snead Boyd ‘10
My college experience was greatly shaped by my involvement in volleyball. I had the opportunity to make lifelong friends and memories with my teammates. I was recruited by the coach at the time, Paco Labrador, who called my high school coach after visiting a high school match to watch an athlete on the other team. I visited campus a few times and was drawn in by the team's Final Four appearance. All of the athletes spoke very highly of their experience.
During my time at Witt, I was challenged and learned much about teamwork and leadership. I never thought I would become a coach, but I love the sport and would be excited to work with my daughters if they ever choose to play.
My experience at Wittenberg also exposed me to applied psychology and industrial organizational psychology, which I pursued in my master's and Ph.D. at Virginia Tech. After finishing my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to move to Auburn University, and I work in the Office of the Provost leading a team of professionals and analysts.
I am grateful for the department of psychology at Wittenberg and Dr. Jeffrey Brookings for exposing me to different aspects of psychology and helping me pursue my Ph.D.