John "Jack" Mental '69 was inducted into the Alumni Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2001.

Mental was an outstanding quarterback for the Yellow Jackets and the one of the main reasons that Coach Lee Tressel went to the Run and Shoot offense during the 1966 season. In his first start, as a sophomore, he broke the school record for passes completed (23) in a single game. Jack’s record stood for over twenty years. He also set a school record for most completions in a season and in 1967 ranked 17^th in the nation. He was named honorable mention All-OAC for two seasons and was the conference leading passer in 1967. He was the Frank Roppollo Most Valuable Player and earned the Outstanding Back award both 1967. Mental was a pre-season All-American pick his senior year, but an injury ended his BW career; he did sign a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns and was the last quarterback to be cut.

Mental’s two-year basketball career was highlighted by his two late free throws to help defeat Hiram College late in the season, and his steal of the ball from future NBA Hall of Famer Earl “The Pearl” Monroe in the 1967 NCAA Tournament. Jack earned two varsity letters in that sport, but his second major sport was baseball where he was a pitcher. He earned four letters and was honorable mention All-OAC. He was the OAC Pitching Champion in 1967, had the second lowest earned run average in the league and the highest winning percentage that season. Mental did not pitch his senior year due to his football injury.

He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Mental has been in education for 32 years: 12 as a teacher and coach and 20 as a high school administrator. He earned a master’s in education from Bowling Green, a principal’s certificate from the University of Akron, and a superintendent certificate from Ohio University. Currently he is principal of Marietta High School. Jack is one of 11 family members who have graduated from BW. He and his wife Kathy are the proud parents of two children, Jaclyn and Jack III who is the starting quarterback for Glenville State College.