Defiance College Set to Recognize 2019 Hall of Fame Class

DEFIANCE, OHIO - Defiance College will induct its newest members into the Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend October 12 at the Alumni Breakfast. The Class features Jim Beaverson '90 (Baseball), Doug Huffman '68 (Football), Juanita (Turner) Osby '84 (Basketball), John Smith '95 (Football), and the 1969 Football Team.

The event will be held on campus as part of Homecoming Weekend. The honorees will also be recognized during halftime of the football game with Hanover College at the Justin F. Coressel Stadium at 1:30 p.m.

Jim Beaverson '90 (Baseball)

Jim Beaverson, Class of 1990, and Masters 2003, is being recognized as a Hall of Fame recipient for his outstanding achievements in baseball at DC.

Jim lettered in baseball all four years at Defiance College as an infielder.  He was team captain two years, most valuable player two years and an All-District selection two years and is still a baseball statistical record holder at DC. Jim currently serves as the head baseball coach at Bowling Green High School and is a community leader.

Doug Huffman '68 (Football)

Doug Huffman, Class of 1968, is being recognized for his accomplishments on the football field as an offensive end and placekicker.

Doug lettered all four years at Defiance College and is a member of the 1966 undefeated Football Team. He still holds football statistical records at DC. He was 1966 All Conference, 1966 & 1967 All District. Doug coached track for 10 years and coached football for 20 years and is a community leader.

Juanita (Turner) Osby '84 (Basketball)

Juanita (Turner) Osby, Class of 1984, lettered in basketball all four years at Defiance College. She was a team captain for 2 years and recognized as most valuable player. After graduating Juanita continued to play basketball for several years on various teams, including the "All Air Force" team competing against other branches of the military. She is a retired member of the US Air Force and is a Basketball Coach and Official as well as a community leader. 

John Smith '95 (Football)

John Smith , Class of 1995, is being honored with the Hall of Fame award for his accomplishments as a four year letter winner on the football field as a quarterback.  At Defiance College he was a team captain and recognized as All-Conference and still holds many football statistical records at the college. After graduation he played football in a European football league and then came back to the states and played on several different Arena Football teams.

 1969 Football Team

The 1969 Football Team is being honored for their undefeated season of 9-0.  Defiance College was Mid-Ohio Conference champions for the second year in a row and ranked 13th in the nation. The Jackets were ranked second in passing defense, and allowed less than seven points per game. Ranked seventh in rushing offense nationally and ninth in rushing in the NCAA college division and that years graduating seniors won 32 of their 36 games over their playing careers. Head coach Roger Merb was named Mid-Ohio coach of the year and third in balloting for Ohio coach of the year. Merb said "So much effort by a large number of people goes into making a successful football team. We had all of the elements fall into place for that wonderful 1969 season."

Congratulations to the 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Class, for the full schedule of Homecoming events, go to www.defiance.edu/alumni/alumni-events.html.