by Mark D. Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations
Cedarville University alumnus Ryan Rager, a former track athlete and strength and conditioning coach, has been named to the USA World Cup Bobsled Team. Rager is now training at the Olympic facilities in Lake Placid, New York, as he works toward securing a spot on Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.
From Cedarville Yellow Jacket to USA World Cup
Rager graduated from Cedarville University in 2021 with a degree in athletic training. As a member of the Cedarville Yellow Jackets track and field team, he specialized in the 400-meter dash. He recently served his alma mater as both the strength and conditioning coach and an athletic trainer for the men鈥檚 basketball program before resigning this past Friday, Sept. 19, to devote his time to bobsled training in Lake Placid, New York.
鈥淭raining and competing have always been part of who I am,鈥 Rager shared. 鈥淢y experiences at Cedarville as both an athlete and a coach prepared me for this new challenge in bobsledding.鈥
A Fast Track to the Olympics
Rager鈥檚 bobsled journey began in May 2025, when he attended a USA Bobsled combine. The event tested raw athletic ability through drills such as the 40-yard dash, 10-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump. His standout performance earned him an invitation to the rookie bobsled camp, where athletes learn the fundamentals of pushing and loading into the sled.
From there, Rager, originally from Van Wert, Ohio, advanced through training camps and competitions, rising quickly among the top national competitors. Only about 15 men typically make the USA National Bobsled Team roster, with many athletes coming from elite track and football backgrounds.
鈥淭he competition was intense, but it was also exciting to train alongside athletes who are so committed to their craft,鈥 Rager said. 鈥淓veryone in the sport is here because they love it.鈥
Shooting for Milano Cortina 2026
As an official member of the USA World Cup Bobsled Team, he will compete on the World Cup Bobsled Circuit in Europe from November 2025 through February 2026, gaining international racing experience ahead of the Winter Olympics in Italy.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a while since I鈥檝e competed at such a high level, so I鈥檓 excited for the challenge and the chance to represent the United States,鈥 Rager said.
From Cedarville to the World Stage
Rager credits Cedarville University for laying the foundation for his athletic and coaching career. 鈥淐edarville taught me to pursue excellence in everything 鈥 on the track, in the weight room and now on the international stage,鈥 he reflected.
Rager will not be the only Cedarville alumnus or student expected to compete in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics in 2026. Two-time gold medalist Grace Norman will compete for Team USA in the paratriathlon in Los Angeles. She won her first gold medal in 2016 as a college freshman at Cedarville and then won the gold in 2024 in Paris. Current Cedarville freshman Gracen Fletcher is among the best archery performers in the United States and is expected to make a strong bid to be on the inaugural USA Olympic archery team. Daniel Michalski, a 2018 Cedarville alumnus, is also competing for a spot on the steeplechase team.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation鈥檚 top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
Bobsled images were provided by IBSF International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.