Oberlin's Yeomen

In further efforts to provide alumni with news of the Oberlin community, this issue of the OAM includes a section called Heisman Highlights, formerly a separate publication of the Oberlin College Heisman Club.

Although Yeomen and Yeowomen achievements and other related articles will continue to appear in the OAM, this yearly special section will include features that take a more in-depth look at the players and coaches who make up the College's 20-plus sporting organizations. This newly formed partnership is also part of a reorganization in the sports information department, which includes a revamp of the office's web site (www.oberlin.edu/athletic).

First published in 1986, Heisman Highlights was instituted by the Oberlin College Heisman Club, named in honor of John William Heisman (1869-1936), the first professional coach at the College. In 1892, he led the Yeomen football team to a perfect 7-0 record.

More than a century later, the nearly 4,000-member club continues to work toward strengthening the College's athletic programs. One shining example can be seen in men's basketball, which celebrates its centennial this year as the team prepares for a season with a new coach and a positive outlook. Then there is the women's 4x100 track team, which placed first in the conference last season and went on to compete in the NCAA Championships.

Through the years, the College's commitment to excellence has had a nurturing effect on many talented players and coaches, some of whom have left Oberlin in pursuit of higher achievements. Ann Gilbert '91, the former women's basketball head coach, is one such example. After eight seasons with the Yeowomen, she has accepted the position of assistant head coach at Michigan State University. No doubt her replacement, Christa Champion, former women's head coach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, will have some big shoes to fill.

These are just a few of the stories of accomplishment alumni can expect to find in Heisman Highlights, as it joins the OAM in honoring the athletes who are proud to have called Oberlin home.

The Editors