Congratulations to 2010 Owens Award winner Clark Kellogg.
ABOUT THE OWENS AWARD
Awarded biennially to an African American alumnus and former Ohio State student-athlete who exemplifies great character and talent, demonstrates exceptional professional success, and continues to reflect the highest qualities of a consummate athlete and humanitarian.
NOMINATION FORM (PDF)
NOMINATION FORM (WORD)
ABOUT JESSE OWENS
Jesse Owens' stunning victories and achievement of four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin has made him the best remembered of all Olympic athletes. Fast and fierce, Owens sprinted his way into the history books.
Many colleges and universities tried to recruit Jesse. However, he chose to attend The Ohio State University. At the Big Ten meet in Ann Arbor on May 25, 1935, Jesse set three world records and tied a fourth, all in a span of about 45 minutes. By the end of his sophomore year at Ohio State, Jesse realized that he could be successful on a more competitive level. Jesse entered the 1936 Olympics, which to many are known as the "Hitler Olympics." These games were held in Nazi Germany.
Despite his success, the Owens family was financially unstable. Shamefully, at that time in America, Jesse was not offered any endorsement deals because he was black. In an effort to provide for his family, Jesse left school before his senior year to run professionally.
Jesse also took numerous public-speaking engagements, and emerged an articulate and enjoyable lecturer. In fact, Jesse was so well-liked and successful that he started his own public relations firm. In 1976, Jesse was awarded the highest honor a civilian of the United States can receive. President Gerald R. Ford awarded him the Medal of Freedom. Jesse overcame segregation, racism, and bigotry to prove to the world that African Americans belonged in the world of athletics. Owen was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Metal in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush.