Drake University was founded in 1881 as a private, coeducational institution of higher learning by the Disciples of Christ. Today, the university still maintains a strong association with the Disciples of Christ while operating as an independent, nonsectarian institution of higher education. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs in various disciplines, and it is also well regarded for its liberal arts curriculum. In addition to academic programs, the university offers a variety of co-curricular activities and clubs, including the Drake Bulldogs.
Perhaps the most well-known athletic program at Drake University is its basketball team, which competes in NCAA Division I. The team had its first championship run in 1904 and has since then earned several conference titles as well as NCAA appearances. The Bulldogs appeared at the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) once in 1969 and the NCAA tournament on five separate occasions between 1969 and 2008. The team is led by head coach Darian DeVries, who is a former Drake player himself. He took over the role of head coach in 2018 and led the Bulldogs to win the regular season championship in his first year.
The football team at Drake University is also a significant part of the athletic program. The team joined the Pioneer Football League in 1993, and since then, it has won eleven conference titles, the most recent in 2017. The team has also made 12 appearances in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs’ home field is Drake Stadium, which was opened in 1925 and seats over 14,000 spectators.
The track and field team at Drake University traditionally achieves great success as well. The program has been in existence since 1912 and has produced countless All-American athletes. The team has won 36 Missouri Valley Conference championships and 8 NCAA team championships. Notably, many of the team’s alumni have gone on to participate in major international competitions, such as the Olympic Games.
The Drake Bulldogs is not only successful in the athletic field, but it also embraces the importance of academics. The NCAA dubbed it one of the top institutions promoting academic success among student-athletes. In fact, over half of the athletes receive academic scholarships as part of their funding. The program prioritizes the student-athletes’ academic progress, and many of them have gained acceptances into prestigious graduate programs or successfully pursued a career in their desired profession.
Overall, the Drake Bulldogs is an excellent example of how athletics and academics can work together to create a well-rounded educational experience for young adults. The program has a rich history of success and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and scholars. While the Bulldogs have established themselves as a reputable program on a regional level, they have also made their mark on the national level, a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence. Drake University and the Bulldog athletic program have proven themselves worthy of recognition and respect in the field of collegiate sports.