During the regular season home finale, the Gridiron Club will honor a dearly departed John Carroll legend.
The Gridiron Club will reserve the Seat of Honor for Chris Wenzler ’90 during JCU’s November 8 game vs. Ohio Wesleyan.
Five years have passed since Wenzler’s passing in 2020 following a brave, lengthy battle with multiple myeloma. Five years ago, the John Carroll community lost a beloved man who meant so much to not only John Carroll Football, but the wider JCU Athletics community.
A 1990 John Carroll graduate, Wenzler played football and tennis at JCU, while also serving as an editor at The Carroll News. His athletic and media experience set the stage for Wenzler to become a lifelong employee of John Carroll.
Not long after graduating in 1990, Wenzler assumed the role of Sports Information Director. Hired by the legendary Tony DeCarlo ’66G, Wenzler transformed a department that featured only a computer, printer, and a few work-study students into the envy of most Division III schools.
Over the course of 30 years, Wenzler developed the sports information office into one of the premier departments in Division III, expanding coverage. Crucially, Wenzler became a leader in the area of live streaming, as he was on the cutting edge of broadcasting sporting events at the Division III level. His promotion of the JCU Football program was top-notch, helping so many win postseason awards. Most especially, Wenzler was critical to helping London Fletcher gain induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Wenzler also guided the JCU Athletic Hall of Fame process and ceremony, giving gravitas to the HOF. In 2019, Wenzler was surprised with induction into the very Hall of Fame he spent so much time in building up.
But beyond and accomplishments, Wenzler’s true legacy are the Wenzler’s Warriors. A mentor for so many, Wenzler opened doors for countless Blue Streaks to work in sports and media. And even for his employees who did not go on to work in athletics, Wenzler was a guide and a mentor to help find the right path in life. His kindness extended to all Blue Streaks.
The Gridiron Club remembers his legacy and honors his memory.
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