Drew University’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee hosted the first annual Athletes Pep Rally for all of Ranger athletics on Oct. 19.
The event took place in the Baldwin Gym, with appearances from every sports team to bring student-athletes across the department together to spread support. The athletes enjoyed a night of activities while recognizing the hard work and achievements of each team.
Courtney Cushman (‘25), a SAAC representative for the women’s swimming & diving team, offered some insight into the thought process behind the pep rally.
“I think they decided to [hold] the pep rally because it seemed like it could be a really fun way to get student athletes more involved and to give them some recognition for all the hard work they put in. It also gave us an excuse to play games and eat some pizza!” Cushman said.
Josh DuBose (‘24), a SAAC representative for the men’s fencing team, introduced each sport individually, listing notable accomplishments and taking a moment to recognize each of the seniors while the team did a walkout to a song of their choosing.
In between the processions of fall, winter and spring sports, the SAAC representatives leading the event organized a variety of games and activities to get members from different teams excited and involved. These games included a basketball shoot-out and a tug-of-war.
Some of the student-athletes in attendance brought up how the pep rally was an opportunity for the different sports teams to engage with each other in a more casual setting than just going out to each other’s games.
“It was also teams supporting teams in a less intense [and more] fun competition,” said Olyvia Jackson (‘24), a member of Drew’s field hockey team.
There was even a designated activity for the coaches, with a handful of coaches from the different teams competing in a fast-paced relay to entertain their teams.
This was a popular moment in the pep rally for many in attendance, with each team cheering on their coach.
Jackson echoed the excitement behind the coaches’ involvement in the event.
“My favorite part was when the coaches had to do a relay to grab a uniform and put it on another coach,” said Jackson.
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee plans to make the Athletes Pep Rally an annual occurrence, so students can expect to see this event again next fall.
Charlotte Wells is a senior majoring in French and English with a concentration in writing and communications.
