Cedarville University alumnus Ryan Rager, a former track athlete and strength and conditioning coach, has been named to theUSA World Cup Bobsled Team. Rager is now training at theOlympic facilities in Lake Placid, New York, as he works toward securing a spot on Team USAat the2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

From Cedarville Yellow Jacket to USA World Cup

Rager graduated fromCedarville Universityin2021with a degree inathletic training. As a member of theCedarville Yellow Jackets track and field team, he specialized in the400-meter dash. He recently served his alma mater as both thestrength and conditioning coachand anathletic trainer for the men’s basketball programbefore resigning this past Friday, Sept. 19, to devote his time to bobsled training in Lake Placid, New York.

“Training and competing have always been part of who I am,” Rager shared. “My experiences at Cedarville as both an athlete and a coach prepared me for this new challenge in bobsledding.”

A Fast Track to the Olympics

Rager’s bobsled journey began inMay 2025, when he attended aUSA Bobsled combine. The event tested raw athletic ability through drills such as the40-yard dash,10-yard dash,vertical jump, andbroad jump. His standout performance earned him an invitation to therookie 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 theUSA National Bobsled Team roster, with many athletes coming from elite track and football backgrounds.

“The competition was intense, but it was also exciting to train alongside athletes who are so committed to their craft,” Rager said. “Everyone in the sport is here because they love it.”

Shooting for Milano Cortina 2026

As an official member of theUSA World Cup Bobsled Team, he will compete on theWorld Cup Bobsled Circuit in EuropefromNovember 2025 through February 2026, gaining international racing experience ahead of theWinter Olympics in Italy.

“It’s been a while since I’ve competed at such a high level, so I’m excited for the challenge and the chance to represent the United States,” Rager said.

From Cedarville to the World Stage

Rager creditsCedarville Universityfor laying the foundation for his athletic and coaching career. “Cedarville taught me to pursue excellence in everything—on the track, in the weight room and now on the international stage,” 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 medalistGrace Normanwill 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 freshmanGracen Fletcheris 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, offersundergraduateandgraduateresidential 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 TheWall Street Journalas being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more atcedarville.edu.

Bobsled images were provided by IBSF International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.