sports Archives - Ohio History Connection

June 30, 2025

#GoAllOut: Gay Games 9

By Benjamin Baughman, History Curator Founded in 1982, the Gay Games was created by Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell to provide LGBTQ+ athletes a chance to compete in sports without discrimination and to foster a sense of community with athletes worldwide. The first Gay Games, held in San Francisco, attracted over 1,200 athletes from a dozen […]

February 14, 2024

Charles W. Follis: Changing the Game

By Valerie Boyer, School and Inclusive Community Programs Coordinator Charles W. Follis was born on February 3, 1879, to James Henry and Catherine Matilda Anderson Follis in Cloverdale, Virginia as the 3rd of 7 children. In 1885, the family moved to Wooster, Ohio. Follis entered Wooster College, in 1901, however, he chose to play football for the amateur Wooster […]

May 5, 2021

Cincinnati’s Soccer Star: Rose Lavelle

Rose Lavelle was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and she is rising to worldwide fame as a breakout star on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.

July 1, 2020

Looking Back at Chuck Harris, Cycling Innovator

Chuck Harris was a beloved figure in the cycling community, making unique bicycle mirrors from his Knox County workshop. Read to learn more about "The Mirror Man of Gambier."

July 8, 2019

Women’s History is Sports History

On Sunday, July 7, the United States Women's National Soccer Team won the World Cup. Ohio women, like the USWNT's Rose Lavelle, have been excelling in sports for years.

May 16, 2019

Some Thoughts from One Cleveland Fan about Chief Wahoo and the Indians Name

This past Spring 2019 semester Otterbein University sponsored a class in conjuncture with the Ohio History Connection to teach students about public history.

April 10, 2019

A Legacy of Firsts

Celebrating the Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary

March 10, 2019

Ohio–Champion of Sports Media Kit

February 26, 2019

Ohio History Connection to Unveil Ohio–Champion of Sports Exhibit March 16

The newest exhibit tells the compelling history of Ohio sports and the state’s role in shaping American sports history.