Otterbein is proud to induct Rudy Owen, a 2002 Ohio Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame inductee, into our Athletics Hall of Fame.

It’s safe to say that Rudy, from Sunbury, Ohio, did the work of two men over his 27 years of dedicated service to the University. Owen served in a dual capacity as athletic trainer and equipment manager from 1960 to 1987. Washing football uniforms Sunday after a game, taping ankles before a big basketball matchup with Capital or painting the locker room floor red—Rudy did it all with willingness and cheerfulness that touched the hearts of thousands of student-athletes under his care. He received the Athletic Director’s Award of Distinction from Otterbein in 1999.

Very active in civic and church organizations, Rudy, who learned athletic training on the fly (they were known simply as trainers during his time), served as athletic trainer for several minor league baseball clubs, including the Columbus Jets (1966-68), the Rochester Red Wings (1969-72), and the Charleston Charlies (1972-73).

Rudy was proud of the fact that many of his student assistants from Otterbein went onto distinguished careers in coaching at the high school and college levels; and his assistants at the minor league baseball clubs rose up through the ranks to assume head athletic training positions in professional baseball.

Rudy, who passed away Feb. 27, 2000, was married 56 years to Virginia. The couple had three children and five grandchildren.