Rice University Athletics
Rice Athletics Launches "Rep The R" Campaign
6/17/2026 9:30:00 AM | General
Year-Long Initiative Celebrates Pride, Tradition, and the Future of Rice Athletics
HOUSTON – Rice Athletics announced on Wednesday the launch of "Rep The R", a comprehensive year-long branding and community engagement campaign featuring the iconic Old English R designed to strengthen Rice Athletics' identity while celebrating the pride and tradition that unite the Rice community.
As Rice Athletics prepares to begin a new era with Nike as its official apparel provider on July 1, Rep The R will serve as the department's signature campaign throughout the 2026-27 academic year.
The Old English R was first introduced in 1992, when first-year head baseball coach Wayne Graham created the mark for his team, and its visibility grew as Graham's teams became national contenders, highlighted by their College World Series title in 2003. The mark was adopted as the department's primary mark for the 2007-08 academic year.
"The 'R' stands for excellence. It represents the standard that defines Rice Athletics and the responsibility each of us carries when we wear it. Whether in the classroom, in competition, or throughout our lives, the 'R' challenges us to pursue our best and represent Rice University with character, pride, and purpose," said Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland.
The campaign's goal is to elevate the visibility and significance of the Old English R throughout campus, the Houston community, and among Rice alumni worldwide. Through storytelling, community engagement, merchandise initiatives, fan experiences, and digital content, Rep The R will encourage Owls everywhere to proudly represent Rice University.
Launch content will include a campaign video narrated by Rice Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Lance Berkman, along with a series of digital assets showcasing the meaning behind the Old English R and the many ways members of the Rice community embody its values. Throughout the year, Rice Athletics will introduce additional initiatives, fan engagement opportunities, campus activations, and community events as part of the campaign.
Among the campaign's goals are strengthening the Rice Athletics brand and increasing visibility of the Old English R throughout the region through a social media toolkit for fans, as well as targeted events in the community featuring the new Owls' Nike apparel, to foster a deeper sense of pride and connection among the Rice community.
"The 'Rep The R' campaign is an opportunity to celebrate Rice Athletics while bringing our entire community together around a symbol that reflects who Rice Athletics is and what we can accomplish together," said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. "As we look toward the future, we invite every Owl to proudly 'Rep The R' and help carry the Rice Athletics story forward."
Fans can follow Rice Athletics social media channels and visit the official Rice Athletics website throughout the year for campaign updates, exclusive content, community events, and opportunities to join the movement.
It's Time To Rep The R.
About Rice Athletics
Rice Athletics sponsors 17 NCAA Division I programs and competes in the American Conference. Guided by a commitment to academic and athletic excellence, Rice student-athletes continue to distinguish themselves in competition, in the classroom, and in the community while proudly representing one of the nation's premier research universities.
As Rice Athletics prepares to begin a new era with Nike as its official apparel provider on July 1, Rep The R will serve as the department's signature campaign throughout the 2026-27 academic year.
The Old English R was first introduced in 1992, when first-year head baseball coach Wayne Graham created the mark for his team, and its visibility grew as Graham's teams became national contenders, highlighted by their College World Series title in 2003. The mark was adopted as the department's primary mark for the 2007-08 academic year.
"The 'R' stands for excellence. It represents the standard that defines Rice Athletics and the responsibility each of us carries when we wear it. Whether in the classroom, in competition, or throughout our lives, the 'R' challenges us to pursue our best and represent Rice University with character, pride, and purpose," said Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland.
The campaign's goal is to elevate the visibility and significance of the Old English R throughout campus, the Houston community, and among Rice alumni worldwide. Through storytelling, community engagement, merchandise initiatives, fan experiences, and digital content, Rep The R will encourage Owls everywhere to proudly represent Rice University.
Launch content will include a campaign video narrated by Rice Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Lance Berkman, along with a series of digital assets showcasing the meaning behind the Old English R and the many ways members of the Rice community embody its values. Throughout the year, Rice Athletics will introduce additional initiatives, fan engagement opportunities, campus activations, and community events as part of the campaign.
Among the campaign's goals are strengthening the Rice Athletics brand and increasing visibility of the Old English R throughout the region through a social media toolkit for fans, as well as targeted events in the community featuring the new Owls' Nike apparel, to foster a deeper sense of pride and connection among the Rice community.
"The 'Rep The R' campaign is an opportunity to celebrate Rice Athletics while bringing our entire community together around a symbol that reflects who Rice Athletics is and what we can accomplish together," said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. "As we look toward the future, we invite every Owl to proudly 'Rep The R' and help carry the Rice Athletics story forward."
Fans can follow Rice Athletics social media channels and visit the official Rice Athletics website throughout the year for campaign updates, exclusive content, community events, and opportunities to join the movement.
It's Time To Rep The R.
About Rice Athletics
Rice Athletics sponsors 17 NCAA Division I programs and competes in the American Conference. Guided by a commitment to academic and athletic excellence, Rice student-athletes continue to distinguish themselves in competition, in the classroom, and in the community while proudly representing one of the nation's premier research universities.
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