Drake

The Drake Bulldogs are a powerhouse of tradition, athletic excellence, and championship spirit at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. As members of the Missouri Valley Conference competing in NCAA Division I across multiple sports, the Bulldogs have produced a distinguished legacy marked by national championships and Olympic-caliber athletes. The program’s spirited mascots, live Griff II and costumed Spike, lead a proud community. Drake’s cross country teams secured three consecutive national championships from 1944 to 1946, paired with strong individual track and field achievements. The basketball program reached the national semifinals in 1969, complimenting the versatile athleticism of Dolph Pulliam, the first individual ever drafted into both the NBA and NFL. Legendary golfer Zach Johnson, winner of the 2007 Masters and 2015 Open Championship, exemplifies Drake’s multi-sport success. Venues like Drake Stadium and the Knapp Center are the home of the celebrated Drake Relays since 1910, one of the most prestigious collegiate track and field competitions globally. Softball gold medalist Dani Tyler and multiple track and field Olympians from the program highlight Drake’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent. The Bulldogs embody a spirit of perseverance and elite achievement in blue and white, advancing student-athletes to compete at the highest levels nationally and internationally.