Wittenberg University Football

GAMEDAY #5

Throwback Thursday to one of the greatest offensive linemen in Wittenberg history

Chad Thompson was an ironman in the middle of the Tigers’ offensive line, starting 36 games over four seasons from 2000–03 and helping Wittenberg compile an incredible 41-7 record during his career.

A native of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Thompson was a cornerstone of some of the most productive offensive units in program history. The Tigers captured two NCAC championships and made three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances during his four years in Springfield.

Thompson’s individual résumé was just as impressive. He earned First-Team All-NCAC honors three times, Second-Team All-North Region honors twice, and Second-Team All-America honors in both 2002 and 2003. He was also recognized for his work in the classroom, earning Academic All-District honors in 2002 and 2003, including First-Team honors as a senior.

Following his playing career, Thompson continued building a successful career in talent acquisition and consulting. Since 2018, he has served as a Founding Partner at mix talent in Ann Arbor, Michigan, helping clients identify, recruit, assess, and select talent to build high-performing organizations.

Now, more than two decades after his final season in Springfield, Thompson returns to Wittenberg as a member of the Athletics Hall of Honor Class of 2026.

Ironman.
All-American.
Tiger.

Week 5 ⌚️‼️

GAMEDAY #4

Throwback Thursday to one of the greatest running backs in Wittenberg history

Dave Merritt was a force in the Tigers’ backfield from 1975–78, finishing his career with 4,696 rushing yards and virtually every major Wittenberg rushing record at the time.

As a freshman in 1975, Merritt announced himself on the national stage in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl against Ithaca. He rushed for 186 yards on 22 carries, scoring on runs of 57 and 81 yards as Wittenberg rolled to a 28-0 victory. His performance earned him ABC Sports’ Offensive Player of the Game honors.

Merritt continued to dominate throughout his career, surpassing 100 rushing yards 23 times and recording two 200-yard performances — 217 yards against Muskingum in 1977 and 222 against Minnesota-Morris in 1978. His 1,351 rushing yards in 1977 helped earn him the Mike Gregory Award as the OAC’s Most Valuable Offensive Back, an honor he received twice.

His postseason numbers were just as impressive. Merritt rushed for 937 yards in six NCAA Division III playoff games, averaging 156.2 yards per game, while helping lead Wittenberg to two appearances in the national championship game.

In 1978, Merritt helped lead a Tiger team that went 10-1-1, outscored its opponents 348-122 and reached the Stagg Bowl for the second time in his career. He earned first-team All-America honors following the season.

Merritt finished his Wittenberg career as the program’s all-time leader in rushing attempts, rushing yards, points (228) and touchdowns (38). He was inducted into the Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor in 1990.

Record Setter.
Playoff Performer.
Tiger.

Week 4 ⌚️‼️

GAMEDAY #3

Throwback Thursday to one of the toughest defensive backs in Wittenberg history

John Barren brought toughness and leadership to the Tigers’ defensive backfield after a standout career at Columbus Academy, where he served as a football captain.

At Wittenberg, Barren joined his brother Mark in the defensive backfield. That toughness was on full display on October 3, 1982, when the Tigers faced Baldwin Wallace in front of a national CBS television audience during the NFL strike. Legendary commentator John Madden repeatedly referred to the brothers as the “big bad Barren brothers.”

Barren was part of a proud Wittenberg football tradition during the early 1980s, making his mark in the Tigers’ defensive backfield.

The Barren family’s connection to Wittenberg football continued years later, as John’s son, Danny Barren ’20, also wore the Tiger uniform and graduated from Wittenberg in 2020.

Two generations.
One family.
Tiger pride.

Week 3 ⌚️‼️