Bruce Lowrie Heisler

Athletic Accomplishments

Bruce Lowrie Heisler will long be remembered as one of Ravenna High School’s most celebrated athletes. A life-long resident of Ravenna, Bruce (Ox) Heisler attended Ravenna Schools from Kindergarten through graduation in 1942. His athletic prowess included football, basketball and baseball. Following a distinguished academic and athletic career at Ravenna High School, Bruce went off to college at Ohio Wesleyan University. His college years were interrupted by WW II when he went off to serve as an ambulance driver with the American Field Service in the India Burma Theater. After serving his country Bruce returned to Ohio Wesleyan to finish his degree. At Ohio Wesleyan Bruce lettered in football, baseball and golf. He was named an All Ohio Football player 3 times and won the BUN Trophy for MVP after the 1948 season. Following his graduation in 1949, Bruce returned home and began a distinguished career and service to his community. His many accomplishments included being elected President of the Board of Education in 1967 and serving as Vice-President of the A.C. Williams Company until 1977. Bruce (Ox) Heisler was inducted into the Ohio Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame in 1970 as a sports immortal for the many memories he left his fans when he starred as a gridiron great at tackle for the Battling Bishops. His interest in athletics and scholastic excellence led him to encourage and assist many Ravenna students to continue their education and athletic careers in college. It has been said that if one listens very closely when you visit the Ravenna or Ohio Wesleyan stadiums you can still hear the chants in the distance for our hero – now and then, “Ox, Ox, Ox…”.

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