Worthington native Ron Severance is perhaps the best wide receiver to ever play for the Tan and Cardinal. Ron, who earned his first collegiate letter at Eastern Michigan before transferring to Otterbein before the 1989 season, quickly cemented himself as the team’s top weapon and was voted Otterbein’s Offensive MVP by his teammates as a sophomore.

He became one of the best receivers in all of NCAA Division III by his junior year in 1990, breaking Otterbein’s single-season record for most receptions just five games into the season. He caught 92 balls for 1,049 yards that fall, finishing top-five nationally in catches per game (9.2) and receiving yardage per game (104.9). His numbers attracted All-American honors from the Associated Press, Football Gazette, and Champion U.S.A.

Severance, able to make big plays seem routine, turned in another spectacular season in 1991 by hauling in 85 catches for 929 yards as a senior. He once again received national recognition, garnering first-team All-American honors from Football Gazette, Kodak, and Champion U.S.A. He earned six total All-American awards throughout his career, with five being first-team selections. His career numbers are 207 receptions for 2,378 yards and 187 touchdowns, in three seasons.

Ron remains the school’s record holder for most receptions in a game (16), season (92), and career (207). He received two Ed Sherman awards, presented annually to the conference’s top receiver. Other honors he received while at Otterbein include first-team All-OAC (twice), Academic All-OAC (twice) and the Harry Ewing Award as Otterbein’s most outstanding football player.

Ron and his brother, Shad, who also attended Otterbein, have worked together for over 20 years and own a family business, DJ’s National Food Service. Severance has made sure to stay involved at Otterbein, working alongside Director of Athletics Dawn Stewart to stay connected with alumni and mentor current student athletes. He and his wife, Ashley, live in Westerville with daughters McKenzie and Megan.