A three-sport athlete during his time at Hiram, John Rowland is most notably known for his play on the baseball diamond. Under legendary head coach Bill Proverbs, Rowland helped the Terriers to an overall record of 37-20 in his four seasons, including a 25-11 mark in Ohio Conference play. He earned four varsity letters throughout his career, and was named an All-Ohio Conference honoree in both '62 and '63.
During his all-conference seasons, Rowland helped lead the Terriers to back-to-back NCAA Regional Tournament berths. The Terriers earned an automatic spot in 1962 after claiming the conference title, before getting in as an at-large bid in '63.
After serving as a third baseman in his first season, Rowland moved to a starting role on the pitcher's mound where he stayed for the next three seasons. Rowland totaled 116 2/3 innings during his tenure, totaling nine wins and striking out 146 batters along the way.
Rowland's top season on the mound came as a junior in 1962 where he posted an overall record of 5-3 with a 2.06 ERA in 56 2/3 innings of work.
A U.S. Army veteran, as well as a 32nd degree mason, as of his induction, Rowland had worked at the Columbus Equipment Company for 32 years and served on the Board of Directors. Additionally, he served for 35 years on the Geauga County Fair Board and 19 on the Geauga County Airport Authority board. A member of the Berkshire High School Hall of Fame, Rowland also served 12 years on the school's board of education.
