John O. Lewellen papers

John O. Lewellen received his bachelor's degree from Ball State Teachers College in 1937. During his time as a student, Lewellen was an outstanding athlete. A Ball State track star between 1935 and 1937, Lewellen won the Little State crown three years and the Big State title once for his javelin throwing. He even set the school record of 187’2 1/2”, a standard that lasted 17 years, and earned him an invitation to the 1936 Olympic Trials. Lewellen also started as guard for the 1934-35 Cardinal basketball team before turning his attention to swimming and diving, in which he competed in the National Amateur Athletic Union diving competition and the Rocky Mountain diving championships. After graduation, he served for three years in the United States Navy in World War II's South Pacific and Philippine theaters. Following his military service, Lewellen pursued a master's degree at Ohio State University and received his Ed.D. degree from Stanford University.

During his tenure as a professor at Ball State Teachers College (1937-1965) and Ball State University (1965-1980), Dr. Lewellen coached football, golf, cross country, tennis, swimming and diving. In 1965, Ball State University president John R. Emens reorganized the physical education and athletic programs, resulting in Lewellen's appointment as head of the Men's Physical Education department under the Division of Physical Education and Athletics. Lewellen then served as Director of Aquatics from 1970 until his retirement. In 1978, Lewellen was inducted into the Ball State Athletic Hall of Fame in honor of his impressive career as a student athlete and coach. In 1980, the Ball State campus pool was dedicated in his honor as the Lewellen Aquatic Center.