Andrew Diehl, a 2014 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan, has returned to OWU as the new assistant director of annual giving — TeamOWU.

Diehl, a 10-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference honoree in track & field, lettered 4 times in both indoor and outdoor track & field.  He won 5 NCAC championships, winning 4 different events, and placed in 9 different events in conference championship meets.

"(Andrew's) love of the sport led him to pursue a career in athletics, rising to be the first head coach of the track & field team at Southwestern University in Texas," said Julia Hatfield, director of annual giving.  "In this role, he worked directly with donors to secure funding to support his program. Andrew brings that experience and enthusiasm back to his alma mater, where he will implement new strategies to broaden the engagement of current and potential donors to TeamOWU."

TeamOWU is the fundraising arm of Ohio Wesleyan athletics.  Since 2004, TeamOWU has supported Battling Bishop student-athletes and coaches thanks to the loyal support of generous alumni, parents, and friends. Through the generosity of over 1300 supporters in fiscal year 2019, TeamOWU provided resources for expenses associated with the 25 varsity athletics programs.

The work Diehl will be doing includes helping coaches and the athletics department raise funds for teams and the department.  These funds will be used for supplementing the budgets for items such as team travel, new uniforms, facility maintenance, and recruiting expenses.

Diehl also will be working to establish sponsorships and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.  Additionally, he will be tasked with scheduling and managing the yearly TeamOWU golf outing, which is held yearly as a fundraiser.

"Coming back to OWU was an exciting opportunity and a chance to return home to Central Ohio and to my alma mater," said Diehl. "The opportunity to give back to the university that gave me so much was something I could not turn down."

The passion that Diehl has for OWU runs deep and he is excited about being able to positively influence the experience of all the student-athletes on campus.

"This position gives me a chance to work with (athletics director) Doug Zipp and the entire athletics department to keep OWU athletics competitive and keep our winning heritage alive," said Diehl.

One of the reasons Diehl chose Ohio Wesleyan as a student-athlete was because of the athletics department's success.  He is looking forward to helping carry on OWU's traditions, while also continuing to push OWU into the future.

Zipp, along with the whole athletics department, is very excited to welcome Diehl back to Ohio Wesleyan as the leader for TeamOWU.

"He has a natural affinity to the impact athletics has on our campus and the experience as an athlete," said Zipp.  "Andrew brings a sense of enthusiasm, excitement, and energy to the position and a passion for Ohio Wesleyan."

Zipp believes Diehl has a determined work ethic and a very strong drive, and that Diehl's experience as a coach, recruiter, and former competitor will be a huge asset to the position.

"A real strength will be his love of OWU and his ability to connect with our alumni, family, and friends of each program," said Zipp.  "We are very much looking forward to his leadership and drive to help us all provide a first-class student-athlete experience."

To learn more about TeamOWU, click here.