It was first awarded in 1982, with winners being selected by a panel of conference media members from nominations submitted by each school.
In 1982, the Big Ten Conference established their athlete of the year award, with the winners being selected by a panel of conference media members from nominations submitted by each school.
[1] The award for male winners is named after Ohio State track star Jesse Owens.
The Big Ten removed her name from the women's award in July 2013 as a result.
[2] Officially known as the Big Ten Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year award