The Transformation: From Panther to Scholar-Athlete

Ranney’s new athletic vision, aimed at establishing the same standards of excellence that have supported the school’s academic emphasis on dedication, hard work, preparation and responsibility for more than 50 years, was launched in November, 2011. Since unveiling its new strategy for success, the Athletic Department has restructured its high-quality athletic program to better stress upon athletes the value of pursuing victory with honor.

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-athlete” 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. To better prepare students and athletes for the rigors of college life, coaches can be found working side-by-side with Ranney’s College Guidance Office, as they assist scholar-athletes in achieving their goals of pursuing a career in athletics even after graduation.

Ranney encourages all scholar-athletes to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities for academic growth, athletic success and personal development available to them in their Middle and Upper School years. By maintaining a Middle and Upper School program that is both well-organized and sound in purpose, the Athletic Department at Ranney affords its young men and women the opportunity to acquire self-expression, educational maturity and physical growth through athletic participation. Ranney’s most talented Middle School players often find that returning to represent the Panthers in ninth grade is essential to the success of their high school athletic career.

Being a member on a Ranney athletic team is a longtime dream for many students attending this prestigious institution. The chance to wear Panther blue and white, however, is a privilege — not a right — that must be earned with integrity. Those chosen to represent the traditional values that embody Ranney School must first understand the motto Knowledge, Vision, Honor if they are to willingly assume a responsibility and commitment to attaining these three powerful characteristics.

In taking steps to achieve the goals outlined in Ranney’s new Athletic Strategic Plan, the school has since updated and expanded the athletic section of its website to include slideshows, a coach’s corner page and more. To further improve and showcase the unique talents of scholar-athletes at Ranney, the school has formed perfect partnerships with local club teams and feeder programs like New Jersey Wildcats and the United Lacrosse Club as well. Also out on the fields and in the classroom, the Athletic Department is forging stronger relationships between coaches and teachers who are busy educating scholar-athletes on proper time management skills and preparing them for success no matter what the level of competition. As a Ranney athlete, striving to achieve excellence is no part-time job; similar to the rigorous academic programs found at Ranney, athletics also requires a five to six day commitment from each scholar-athlete. For this reason, Ranney has been strategizing numerous ways in which to educate both parents and their children on the level of commitment and dedication needed for success in athletics. Coming soon, students and parents will have access to a revised Student-Parent Athletic Manual that will include an athlete contract entailing athletic expectations, policies and procedures. In addition, all athletes will have the opportunity to take part in a student athletic counsel and will be eligible for acceptance within the newly formed “Golden ‘R’ Club” as well. The “Golden ‘R’ Club” is an athletic honor society that recognizes the highest ranked scholar-athletes.

Although one striving for excellence in both athletics and academics, combined, will encounter some challenging obstacles along the way, the steps toward becoming a champion scholar-athlete require that one develop a passion, discipline, sacrifice, and willingness to choose this more difficult road. Although there are many challenges, those who embark on this journey will, in turn, find it extremely rewarding, and be the best they can be in everything.

This article is the third in a series of articles that will further outline the exciting aspects of Ranney's new Athletic Strategic Plan. To view other articles in this series, please click here.