Drew University Athletics

John R. Champlin is a paragon of Drew's athletic spirit. A superb pitcher, his lifetime record of 20-7 included three one-hitters, the first ever defeat of Moravian College, and a dramatic 1947 win over Division I juggernaut Princeton. His 1947 team's 12 wins was a school record which stood until 1981. During John's tenure, the Rangers posted one of the highest three-year winning percentages (.805) in school history. John spent three years (1947-49) playing for the Montpelier, Vermont, Northern League team, a gathering of the nation's best college players. He refined his skills while he pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers' organization for five years.

As impressive as his on the field performances were, John also directed considerable energy toward improving Drew. He served on committees ranging from the chapel counsel to president of the SGA. He participated on the student life and welfare committee, the recruiting and admissions committee, and the orientation committee. He was the recipient of the 1948 Alumni Memorial Scholarship and the 1949 Varsity Club Scholarship.