Explore the latest developments concerning OHSAA honors Jesse.
OHSAA honors Jesse Owens with state championship name
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced its annual track and field state championships in early June will be named after track and field legend and pioneer Jesse Owens while the OHSAA also unveiled the schedule and format for this year’s event with the expansion to five divisions.
The OHSAA Board of Directors unanimously accepted a proposal from OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute that, effective immediately, the event be renamed the OHSAA Jesse Owens Track and Field State Championships.
Besides recognizing Owens, who demonstrated excellence, resilience, integrity and courage throughout his lifetime, the change is part of the Jesse Owens Initiative, Beyond the Finish Line. Created by The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland, the initiative is an important element in a number of curated outcomes to resurrect the legacy of one of America’s greatest heroes, empower the next generation and unite people from all backgrounds to pursue their highest potential.
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State meet renamed
Salem’s Lucas Adams walks along Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium’s track during last season’s state track meet in Columbus. (Photo by Ron Firth)
COLUMBUS –The 119th Ohio High School Athletic Association state track and field meet will be the biggest one yet.
The 2026 state meet schedule was released Monday with the new five-division format, expanding from three divisions.
The OHSAA Board of Directors unanimously agreed to name the state meet as the OHSAA Jesse Owens State Track and Field Championships.
“We are extremely excited to honor Jesse Owens in this way,” OHSSA executive director Doug Ute said. “His name and accomplishments speak for themselves, and having their picture taken in front of his statue during the state championships is the goal of every track and field athlete in Ohio. Renaming the state tournament after Jesse Owens is a natural and will continue to lift up his legacy for everything he meant to Ohio and our country – on and off the track.”
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning OHSAA honors Jesse.
