Rider Bronc Mascot Gets Long-Awaited Name

For the first time in Rider University's history, the mascot has an official name.  “AJ” the Rider Bronc was formally introduced to the University community at Friday night's “MAACness – The Bronc Awakens” event celebrating the start of the 2016-17 men's and women's basketball seasons.

A month long contest sponsored by Athletics, SGA, the Office of Campus Life and Barnes & Noble College, the University's bookstore partner, invited students, faculty and staff and alumni to submit their suggestions for the Bronc's name with a rationale as to why it should be chosen.  Close to 200 entries were submitted with over 80 unique names during the nomination period and a committee of students, faculty, staff and alumni narrowed that list to the top five names.  Those names, AJ, Andy, Blaze, Brock and Rowdy, were then announced at Cranberry Fest on September 17 and the final voting took place until October 7.

The winning name “AJ” was submitted by Haley Johnston, a 2016 alumnae, who noted in her entry that she chose the name in honor of Rider's first president, Andrew J. Rider.  She indicated that not only is it historic, but it's also a cool, catchy and fun name for a mascot.

“This contest provided us with a great opportunity to engage students, faculty, staff and alumni while further enhancing pride in the University in a fun way,” said Karin Torchia, Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations & Development/SWA. “We've been asked many times what the actual name of the Bronc is and never had an answer until now.  I think the name AJ is a wonderful representation of the University and our rich history.”

One of Rider's most popular figures, the Bronc is seen at many events throughout the year both on and off campus.  From now on though, he'll have the name AJ proudly displayed on the back of his uniform.