John Lewellen (1978) - Hall of Fame - Ball State University Athletics

John Lewellen

Induction:
1978
Class:
1937

Lewellen, a Ball State track star between 1935 and 1937, won national acclaim as a javelin thrower, capturing the Little State crown three years, copping the Big State title once, setting the school record of 187’2 1/2”, a standard that lasted 17 years, and earning an invitation to the 1936 Olympic Trials. He also started at guard for the 1934-35 Cardinal basketball team before turning his attention to swimming and diving, a sport in which he also competed on a national level.

A member of BSU’s staff since 1937, Lewellen has served as tennis coach one year, cross country coach two campaigns, golf coach 19 seasons, swimming coach 24 years, assistant football coach ten seasons, head of the men’s physical education department five years, and director of aquatics, a position he held at the start of 1970.