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Drew University Athletics

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ian Ratcliffe

 Student-Athlete Spotlight: Ian Ratcliffe

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Sport: Men's Fencing
Year: Junior (C'17)
Weapon: Sabre
Hometown/High School: Clearwater, Fla./Dunedin
Major: Theater Arts
Minor: French
Why did you choose Drew University?
I chose Drew because of the beautiful location, amazing programs, small population, and of course the fencing team. I couldn't be happier at any other school

Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
I had an internship with a sound company before I became a theater major. I discovered how fun it was to work in production, so the following semester I began taking theater classes. The best class I've ever taken at Drew was Acting and Directing with Rodney Gilbert.

What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
The most memorable moment as a Ranger was my first fencing meet. I fenced saber at the time and I won my first ever match, but proceeded to lose the whole rest of the day. I learned that losing was a part of sports, and you can't allow losing to affect you.

How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Fencing gives me an opportunity to relieve my stress and exercise in a controlled environment. As a student having a way to relieve stress is crucial to my physical and mental health, while also being a key part in performing well as both a student and an athlete.

What is the most difficult part of your sport?
Fencing is primarily a psychological sport. If you aren't focused 100% of the time, your performance will suffer. In a tournament, there is a lot going on and staying focused can be difficult sometimes.

What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
My advice to a prospective student would be if you chose Drew really consider your major, you don't need to chose right away. Take a wide variety of classes, including theater classes! When it comes to sports, play a sport so you can enjoy it and be healthy. Everybody starts somewhere, you don't need to be great right off the bat.

Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
Community service is an opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge with newer students and athletes. As a rising senior it is my responsibility to pass on the things I have learned over the years to the younger generations.

Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
Being on a team, I have worked with many people. I achieved difficult goals while working with certain members of the team, while others proved more difficult to collaborate with. However, it is important to understand that even after Drew you will continue to encounter those who are impossible to understand. The moral of the story is don't hold grudges; it takes more energy get upset than it does to smile and continue on with your life.

Rapid Fire:
Color: Red
Food: Asian
Restaurant: Mintea
Movie: Hot Fuzz
TV Show: Rick and Morty
Musical Artist: Hoodie Allen
Athlete: Tim Moorehouse
Hobbies: Writing
Most Prized Possession: My coffee mug
Biggest fear: Cockroaches Â