OATCCC Hall Of Fame
John Knickel

The OATCCC Association was started in 1941, the brainchild of Ed Barker. In 1964, the OATCCC chose his name to represent the award now given as an acknowledgement to individuals who have shown the most exceptional service to the OATCCC and to the sports of Cross Country and Track & Field in Ohio. The OATCCC takes great pride in naming John Knickel the 2023 Ed Barker Award winner for the leadership roles he has undertaken and the major impact he has had on the sports of Cross Country and Track & Field. John is well known for his many years of dedicated service as an advocate, coach, official and a representative to the OATCCC executive board focused on the improvement of Track & Field in Ohio. During his tenure at Carey High School he served as an assistant and for years as the girls head coach turning out many All-Ohioans and capturing team league championships. While at Carey John also served as the jump coach at the University of Findlay from 1998 to 2002. Through the support and dedication of many local Track & Field enthusiasts John also worked for many years to improve the facilities at Carey ultimately leading to the community building an all-weather facility at Carey High School. John is a long time Track & Field official serving as the referee of the first, Findlay, Northwest District meet, a consultant to meet officials while helping with many Northwest Ohio Invitational meets and since 2000 he has served as the meet manager for the Carey Blue Devil Relays. He was the creator and organizer of the OATCCC Northwest District Indoor Track & Field meet in 2014 held at the University of Findlay. In addition to his coaching, officiating and meet management responsibilities John continues to be actively involved in researching and helping get recognition for deserving individuals in his county and the OATCCC Hall of Fame alike. John is president of the Wyandot Sports Hall of Fame and continues to be actively involved in the organization of recording the yearly OATCCC Hall of Fame ceremony. Well known for his specialization in the high jump, long jump and triple jump he can be found helping at the pits each year at the OATCCC Indoor State Track & Field Indoor Championships. The OATCCC is proud to recognize John Knickel as the 2023 Ed Barker Award recipient. Congratulations John!