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CSUB Athletics Hires Drew Gwerder to Lead Marketing and Fan Engagement

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Drew Gwerder as Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Fan engagement. Familiarity with the Cal State system and a passion for college athletics sets Gwerder up to lead a critical area of CSUB Athletics toward continued engagement with the Kern County community.

Gwerder joins the Roadrunners after serving as Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications at Cal Poly Humboldt, where he directed communications and marketing efforts for the department, served as the primary media contact for all 13 teams, and oversaw digital, social, and media relations.

"I could not be more excited to welcome Drew to CSUB Athletics," said Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Sarah Tuohy. "Fan engagement is one of my top priorities, and it was essential that we found someone who is not only passionate about that mission but ready to execute on it at a high level. Drew comes in at the perfect time – we have big plans for next year, and I believe Bakersfield is going to see a new energy around our program. We want our community back in the stands, and Drew is the person who is going to make that happen."

In his new role, Gwerder will lead CSUB Athletics' marketing and fan engagement strategy, with an emphasis on enhancing the game day experience, growing attendance, strengthening community connections and building energy around the `Runners.
"I am very excited to join Cal State Bakersfield in this role and to become part of the Bakersfield community," Gwerder said. "I want to thank Dr. Sarah Tuohy for this opportunity as I strongly believe in the vision that she is setting for the department. I look forward to working alongside a talented team and contributing to the continued growth and success of Roadrunner Athletics."

Since arriving at Cal Poly Humboldt in October 2022, Gwerder helped guide significant growth across the department's digital platforms. Under his leadership, Cal Poly Humboldt's combined social media following increased by more than 24%, helping the department become the California Collegiate Athletic Association leader in total combined social media following and rank fifth among NCAA Division II institutions in the West Region.

Gwerder also introduced a mobile app to drive brand engagement and create a new revenue stream, led a department website redesign, and co-created the Cal Poly Clash, a rivalry brand connecting the two NCAA Division II Cal Poly campuses. The initiative was built to increase attendance, generate fan engagement, and create a marketable annual competition across multiple sports.

In addition to his digital and marketing work, Gwerder launched "Humboldt All-Axess," a weekly YouTube show produced in partnership with Redwood News that highlighted student-athletes, coaches and departmental successes. The show airs weekly on local television.

He also served as a color commentator for men's and women's basketball broadcasts during CCAA Championships and NCAA Tournaments on ESPN Radio, hosted championship events for men's and women's soccer, and assisted with marketing and presentation efforts for the Humboldt Athletics Auction, the department's largest annual fundraiser.

On game days, Gwerder managed in-game and table operations, oversaw live streaming operations and worked closely with community partnerships staff to execute sponsor promotions. He also served as a member of Cal Poly Humboldt's senior leadership and executive staff teams.

Before his time at Cal Poly Humboldt, Gwerder spent three and a half years at Holy Names University in Oakland, where he worked in the sports information office and managed communications, social media and marketing for all 13 teams. He also assisted with department fundraisers, served as co-adviser for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and co-founded the Bay Area Clásico Cup, a soccer tournament involving three PacWest Conference institutions in the Bay Area.

Gwerder's diverse skill set will aid the `Runners in their desire provide fun, exciting sports entertainment to Kern County. Stay tuned for more news in the near future as the CSUB Athletics team finalizes details on a full slate of awesome promotions, giveaways, and more for the 2026-27 season ahead.

~GoRunners.com~
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