The Ranney School athletics program aids in the overall development of the child as a “whole.” While other schools typically refer to those individuals who play sports as “student-athletes,” Ranney prefers the term “scholar-athletes” because of its desire to help Panthers reach their utmost potential not only on the athletic field, but also in the classroom, and in all other aspects of campus life.
As students at Ranney, our athletes understand what it means to lead life with Knowledge, Vision and Honor, and strive to achieve all three characteristics each and every day. When the Athletic Department asked students within the Upper School for their viewpoint on what it takes to become a true Ranney scholar-athlete, this is what they had to say:
“The term ‘scholar-athlete’ accurately depicts that Ranney student who effectively creates a unique harmony between his or her rigorous academic curriculum and the many other extracurricular opportunities available at his or her fingertips.
Aside from spending their time receiving an esteemed liberal arts education in the classroom, Ranney students are granted numerous opportunities to obtain Knowledge outside of the classroom as well. Athletics provides an arena for the scholar-athlete to develop qualities of leadership, camaraderie and community. Being a part of the athletics program at Ranney, however, is a privilege to first be earned and later maintained. Students must learn to uphold their academic excellence while simultaneously making time to perfect their athletic craft.
To be called a Ranney scholar-athlete is to have Vision for improvement both on and off the field. It is this drive for excellence and love of competition that keeps students reaching for more. Ranney students are also committed to the notion of Honor. Although striving for excellence, scholar-athletes know the importance of taking time to celebrate the successes of their opponents as well. Those athletes who portray sportsmanship — no matter what their sport — are not only admired, but also looked up to as role models who serve as perfect examples of what future athletes should strive to attain. Sportsmanship plays a crucial part in academics and extracurricular activities as well.
Through Knowledge, Vision and Honor, Ranney creates an environment for the student to become a scholar-athlete, and later a mature adult who is prepared to handle any curveballs life may throw at him or her. When a Ranney graduate has been properly equipped with the Knowledge and Vision to succeed, it will become second nature to navigate any and all difficult roads in an Honorable manner.”
Win or lose, pass or fail, coaches and teachers at Ranney readily prepare each Panther to confidently meet the challenges that lie beyond the gates that line Hope Road. As a result of their guidance, scholar-athletes are able to acquire the Knowledge, Vision and Honor needed to succeed. Such a constant growth in maturity amongst all scholar-athletes is evident in the accomplishments earned this 2011-12 winter season. Just this winter, our Panthers met new teammates and made new friends, broke new records, and acquired close wins that led to championship titles.
For more information on such team and individual accomplishments earned this winter – as relayed by our talented coaches – please view the links to the right, which are organized by season and team.
With Panther Pride,
Thomas Moriau
Director of Athletics