Drew University Athletics

At the turn of the century, the Drew University men's soccer program was growing rapidly on the national stage. At the heart of that rise to NCAA Division III prominence was a midfielder with a nose for goal, an eye for playmaking, and an unbridled desire to win.
 
Justin Bonura arrived on the campus of Drew University in the summer of 1999, which is now considered the beginning of the most successful era of Rangers men's soccer. The highly-touted prospect from Don Bosco Prep was a First Team All-State, All-County and All-League selection coming out of high school, and the Hasbrouck Heights native was ready for the next level. Bonura fit right into head coach Lenny Armuth's system. The flashy freshman impressed immediately with two goals and five assists during his rookie campaign in 1999, which culminated in a trip to the NCAA Tournament, something that would become commonplace for Bonura and the Rangers during his four years in Madison.
 
Armuth's Rangers compiled a 68-16-3 record from 1999-2002 with Bonura roaming the midfield. The period from 2000-02, in which Bonura served as the team captain, featured three MAC Freedom Conference championships, three trips to the NCAA Tournament and a trip to the NCAA Elite 8 in 2002. Bonura's college eligibility was used up by the fall of 2003, but his role in creating a championship culture was still evident as the Rangers made it all the way to the NCAA Championship Game in 2003.

The dynamic and durable midfielder played 84 games during his collegiate career at Drew. His illustrious statistical career included 24 goals and 21 assists for 69 career points. At the time of his induction, his assist mark still ranked sixth in the Rangers record book, while his goal and point totals both ranked in the top 15 all-time at Drew. He was named the MAC Freedom Conference Player of the Year three consecutive years from 2000-02, and earned the honor of 2002-03 Drew University Male Athlete of the Year. His junior and senior postseasons also included Second Team Regional All-America accolades.