Drew’s student-athletes are known for their dedication, resilience and competitive spirit. They demonstrate remarkable discipline and a relentless work ethic both in competition and the classroom.
This edition of our Ranger Spotlight takes a different approach. We will be highlighting a student-athlete who’s always on the move, but never actually competes in a traditional sport. This is, of course, Drew University’s own Ranger Bear, our beloved mascot who has become an unstoppable force in the world of collegiate athletics.
Though you won’t find them in the stat books for goals or assists, their energy, presence and enthusiasm have made them an icon on the sidelines and in the hearts of Drew’s student body.
While Ranger Bear isn’t a regular on the field, court or track, they’re arguably the most committed “athlete” on campus. With a rigorous training schedule of waving, dancing and high-fiving fans, Ranger Bear has perfected the art of mascot athletics.
The daily routine consists of cardio (chasing after students at events), strength training (lifting morale during tough games) and flexibility (doing the splits at pep rallies). Though Ranger Bear doesn’t speak, their actions say it all. With each enthusiastic gesture, they communicate a language of energy, excitement and school spirit that no words could capture.
Off the field, Ranger Bear is as dedicated to Drew’s spirit as any of our top athletes. They’ve been spotted at nearly every event, from welcome week to homecoming to late-night study sessions, where they’re a key player in making sure everyone feels included.
Their greatest achievement? Single-handedly lifting the mood of Drew’s students, one wave at a time.
“Ranger Bear doesn’t just show up. Ranger Bear owns the moment,” said an anonymous student. “I’ve seen them rally the crowd with their boundless energy, and their commitment to Drew’s community is unmatched.”
While Ranger Bear doesn’t sit in a classroom, their dedication to learning is just as strong as their athleticism. It’s rumored that their favorite “class” involves an intense study of crowd dynamics and energy management.
Though no official grades have been given, Ranger Bear seems to have mastered the art of bringing people together with every appearance serving as an unspoken lesson in community engagement and school spirit.
Though Ranger Bear’s statistics might not be as traditional, they’re impressive in their own right. One thousand high-fives during sporting events, countless selfies with incoming and current students at campus events and unquantifiable energy fuels school spirit.
While some may argue that they’re “retired” from the traditional athletic scene, others believe that Ranger Bear’s unique approach to campus athletics will inspire future generations of student-athletes.
As Drew continues to grow and evolve, there’s no question that Ranger Bear’s legendary presence will remain a cornerstone of our school spirit for years to come.
If you would like to nominate another student-athlete to be featured in future issues, please send their name to theacorn+sports@drew.edu.
Benjamin Castro is a senior double majoring in marketing and business.
