Who We Are
The Otterbein “O” Club is the nonprofit athletic boosters association affiliated with Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Operated independently by its own board of directors, the “O” Club maintains its 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, ensuring that all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Contributions are reported to the University and included in the University's giving levels. Donations can be made via check, credit card, electronic funds transfer, Zeffy, PayPal or gifts of stock.
For more information on Otterbein’s athletic program, visit www.otterbeincardinals.com.
For information on Otterbein University, visit www.otterbein.edu.
History of the Otterbein “O” Club
The Otterbein “O” Club has a rich history, originating from the Varsity “O” Club established in 1904 for male student-athletes who received varsity letters. The organization was a significant part of student life up through the early 1960s.
In 1955, with the appointment of Robert “Moe” Agler ’48 as head football coach, former teammates and WWII veterans Edwin “Dubbs” Roush ’47 and Francis “Red” Bailey ’43 sought and received permission to establish a Varsity “O” Alumni Club. Along with other founding members, their goal was to assist in recruiting and supporting “worthy athletes” in response to restrictive recruiting rules. Not long after its formation, the “O” Club expanded its membership to include non-varsity athletes, women, and the general public.
In 1955, with the appointment of Robert “Moe” Agler ’48 as head football coach, former teammates and WWII veterans Edwin “Dubbs” Roush ’47 and Francis “Red” Bailey ’43 sought and received permission to establish a Varsity “O” Alumni Club. Along with other founding members, their goal was to assist in recruiting and supporting “worthy athletes” in response to restrictive recruiting rules. Not long after its formation, the “O” Club expanded its membership to include non-varsity athletes, women, and the general public.
Contributions and Achievements
Over the past 70 years, the “O” Club has partnered with Otterbein University to significantly enhance its athletic facilities and programs. This collaboration has included over $7 million in support, with key projects such as:
- Memorial Stadium and Track: Raised over $3.1 million, dedicated in 2005
- Rike Center Weight Room: Installed a $86,000 weight room in 2008
- Stadium Turf and Track: Raised over $1.2 million for the project, dedicated in 2014
- Rike Center Lounge: Contributed $13,500 to renovate the lounge overlooking the court in 2022
- Rike Bleachers: Contributed $50,000 towards the cost of new bleachers (to be installed in 2026)
- Championship Memorabilia: Since 2016, contributed $60,000 to help defray the cost of championship rings for student-athletes & coaches
Your financial support directly contributes to these vital improvements, benefiting not only the student-athletes but also the entire Otterbein community.
The “O” Club Foundation
Established in 1981 by key members Robert “Moe” Agler '48, Edwin “Dubbs” Roush '47, Dwight “Smokey” Ballenger '39, Jack Groseclose , and Elmer “Bud” Yoest '53, the Foundation provides essential funds for Otterbein’s athletic department. Legal guidance from Francis “Red” Bailey '43 helped navigate the establishment of the Foundation.
The Foundation’s fundraising goals evolved over time, enabling the "O" Club to fund major projects such as the Memorial Stadium. The Foundation is overseen by the "O" Club's Executive Committee, chaired by the "O" Club president.
The Foundation’s fundraising goals evolved over time, enabling the "O" Club to fund major projects such as the Memorial Stadium. The Foundation is overseen by the "O" Club's Executive Committee, chaired by the "O" Club president.