Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Joel Turrell
Alex Pechin Named MVP, 17 Honored at Bucknell Football Awards Banquet
12/8/2019 7:35:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – All-American punter and two-year captain Alex Pechin earned the Bison Gridiron Club Award as Team MVP, and 17 of his teammates were recognized with awards, at the 58th annual Bison Gridiron Club Awards Banquet on Sunday evening in the Terrace Room inside the Langone Center.
Pechin, who also received the Special Teams MVP award for the school-record third year in a row, shared the Captains Award with Sam Chitty. The highly decorated Pechin became the first specialist to be recognized as Bucknell's MVP since the award began to be presented in 1973.
Pechin was one of two Bison who took home multiple awards at the Bison Gridiron Club Awards Banquet, joining linebacker Rick Mottram, recipient of the Theodore S. Ratkus Football Leadership and George L. McGaughey Memorial Awards. The banquet was attended by more than 200 members of the Bucknell football team and supporters of the program.
Pechin put an exclamation mark on his legendary career in 2019, shattering his own school record in punting average by 2.2 yards. His 47.3 punting average broke the Patriot League record by 1.3 yards and ranked seventh in FCS history at the end of the 2019 regular season; in addition, it raised his career average to 44.5, good for fifth in the FCS annals at the end of the 2019 regular season.
The highly decorated Pechin, a multi-time All-American who was named to the 2020 Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List and received an invite to the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl, will graduate with Bucknell's top four single-season punting averages of 47.3 (2019), 45.1 (2017), 44.5 (2018) and 42.1 (2015); his 44.5 career punting average is the school standard by 3.8 yards.
To date, Pechin has been honored on seven All-America teams, including the 2018 STATS and Phil Steele First Teams; in addition, he became the first Bison specialist to garner All-America accolades from the AP and AFCA when he made their Second Teams that season. This November, he became the fourth Patriot League player to make four All-Patriot League First Teams; he also became the first student-athlete to be recognized as the Patriot League Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year three times.
Only the 11th Bison to serve as captain more than once, Pechin matched Jeff Goyette's record by winning the Special Teams Award for three-straight years. Goyette, a long snapper who served as captain during his senior campaign, earned the award from 2011 to 2013.Â
Mottram, who received the Theodore S. Ratkus Football Leadership award for character, courage and commitment to team play, emerged as the quarterback of Bucknell's defense this year. With 102 tackles (64 solo), he became the first Bison to reach the century mark in a single campaign since 2014. He also totaled eight tackles for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions and one fumble return for a touchdown. He reached the double digits in tackles six times, including in the final four games; he topped out at a career-high 16 at Lafayette and was honored as the George L. McGaughey Memorial Award winner for his efforts.
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This year's Tom Gadd Coaches' Award winners were John Chiarolanzio, Chad Freshnock, Conner Romango and Joe Schiano. Chiarolanzio and Freshnock, both seniors, were key leaders on the offensive side of the ball. Chiarolanzio completed 238 passes for 2,266 yards and six touchdowns in 24 career games while Freshnock amassed 1,598 yards and 18 touchdowns on 402 carries in 32 career games. Schiano, a fifth-year, was a critical member of Bucknell's defensive line rotation over the past two years, appearing in all 22 games and totaling 39 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Romango, a junior, was an impact player in his first season as a starter; over the course of the 2019 campaign, he logged 65 tackles (48 solo) and two interceptions.
Gerrit Van Itallie was presented the C. Dale Wolfe Recognition Award as Bucknell's most inspirational player. After an injury forced him to sit out spring ball, he transitioned to linebacker from safety during preseason camp. He went on to excel in his new role, tying for first among Bison in tackles for a loss (12.5) and finishing second in tackles (77), sacks (5) and pass breakups (5). In addition, he finished tied for first in the Patriot League with three fumble recoveries, two of which halted Bucknell's opponent's final drive to seal victories. He played in all 11 games, the final eight of which were starts.
Ryan Brida earned the Bobby Pangburn Memorial Award for commitment, dedication and unqualified friendship. After losing his junior season to an injury suffered in the first game, the linebacker immediately approached the coaching staff to see how he could best help the team moving forward. He ultimately charted and communicated adjustments to the defense on game days; he also helped organize practices.
Gavin Pringle was honored as Bucknell's outstanding newcomer with the Stuart M. Smith Memorial Award. Pringle, also an All-Patriot League Second Team selection, excelled during his first collegiate season, pacing the Bison with 11 pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns. He became the first member of his class to score a touchdown in the 2019 opener at Temple, returning his first career interception 36 yards for a score; he later returned a fumble 55 yards for a touchdown in the Senior Day victory over Georgetown. In 11 games, the final seven of which were starts, he posted 57 tackles (41 solo), a total good for third among Bison defensive backs. He also led the Patriot League in passes defended per game (1.1).
Brandon Sanders captured the Big Blue Award as Bucknell's outstanding back or receiver. Sanders, also an All-Patriot League First Team honoree, enjoyed a breakout sophomore year, making 58 catches for 530 yards and three touchdowns. He caught at least five passes six times, topping out at a school-record 14 against Holy Cross. He eclipsed 100 yards against the Crusaders (122) and at Temple (115); he also caught two touchdown passes at Lafayette. His total of receptions slotted him seventh in the Bison annals and moved his career total to 102; he became only the sixth Bison to record at least 50 receptions in a single campaign and the 10th to reach the century mark in career receptions. In addition, he paced the Patriot League in receptions per game (6.4) this year.
Grayson Cherubino was recognized as Bucknell's outstanding defensive lineman with the Roger Rieu Award. The sophomore finished first among Bison defensive linemen with 33 tackles; he added five tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. The first member of his class to reach the double digits in career starts, he has started 17 of his 22 career games.
Brandon Benson took home the Clarke Hinkle Award as Bucknell's outstanding defensive back or linebacker. In 2019, he led all Bison defensive backs with 68 tackles (41 solo); he also totaled three tackles for a loss, one interception and one fumble recovery. Benson will enter his senior campaign with an impressive 188 tackles (101 solo) in 29 career games, 21 of which were starts; he made his 150th career tackle at Colgate on Oct. 12 and his 100th career solo stop in the finale at Fordham.Â
Simeon Page, also an All-Patriot League First Team pick, received the Keating-Rieu Memorial Award as the most outstanding player in the Colgate game. During that 32-14 Bison victory, he filled the stat sheet with six tackles, three sacks for a loss of 21 yards and a career-best two pass breakups; he also returned a fumble for a 12-yard touchdown that put an exclamation mark on his team's win with 44 seconds remaining.
Freshmen Keyshawn Copeland (Offense), Ben Allen (Defense) and Jonathan Searcy (Special Teams) were honored as the Scout Team Players of the Year. Allen and Searcy were two of six freshmen to appear in all 11 games while Copeland saw action in four tilts.
Tom Gadd Coaches' Award (Offense): John Chiarolanzio and Chad Freshnock
Tom Gadd Coaches' Award (Defense): Joe Schiano and Conner Romango
Captains Award: Alex Pechin and Sam Chitty
Theodore S. Ratkus Football Leadership Award: Rick Mottram
    - For character, courage and commitment to team play
C. Dale Wolfe Recognition Award: Gerrit Van Itallie
    - Most inspirational player
Bobby Pangburn Memorial Award: Ryan Brida
     - For commitment, dedication and unqualified friendship
Stuart M. Smith Memorial Award: Gavin Pringle
    - Outstanding newcomer
John Campana Award: P.J. Barr
    - Outstanding offensive lineman
Big Blue Award: Brandon Sanders
    - Outstanding back or receiver
George Rieu Award: Grayson Cherubino
    - Outstanding defensive lineman
Clarke Hinkle Award: Brandon Benson
     - Outstanding defensive back or linebacker
Special Teams Award: Alex Pechin
George L. McGaughey Memorial Award: Rick Mottram
    - Outstanding player in the Lafayette game
Keating-Rieu Memorial Award: Simeon Page
    - Outstanding player in the Colgate game
Scout Team Player of the Year (Offense): Keyshawn Copeland
Scout Team Player of the Year (Defense): Ben Allen
Scout Team Player of the Year (Special Teams): Jonathan Searcy
2019 Bucknell Football Letterwinners
Senior TE Marcus Ademilola (4)
Freshman LB Ben Allen (1)
Senior WR Mike Balzofiore (2)
Freshman RB Alex Barnard (1)
Junior OL P.J. Barr (3)
Junior TE Simon Behr (2)
Junior S Brandon Benson (3)
Senior WR Justin Bethea (4)
Junior QB Logan Bitikofer (2)
Junior OL Alex Bolinger (1)
Junior CB Eric Butler (2)
Senior CB Mike Caruso (3)
Sophomore DL Grayson Cherubino (2)
Senior QB John Chiarolanzio (4)
Senior LB Sam Chitty (4)
Junior LS Mike Colantuono (2)
Sophomore RB Jared Cooper (2)
Sophomore CB Sterling Deary (2)
Sophomore TE Dylan DeMarco (2)
Sophomore CB Micah Dennis (2)
Sophomore QB Tarrin Earle (2)
Senior OL Justin Falcone (2)
Senior DL Blake Fletcher (3)
Senior LB Jon Fox (4)
Senior RB Chad Freshnock (3)
Freshman WR Connor Holmes (1)
Freshman S Eric Holsinger (1)
Senior DL John Hunt (4)
Freshman S Brent Jackson (1)
Sophomore OL Michael Killiri (2)
Freshman LB Cooper Kim (1)
Junior OL Simon Krizak (2)
Senior OL Erik Lukner (3)
Sophomore WR Dominic Lyles (2)
Sophomore LB Cole McCabe (1)
Junior WR John McGuire (2)
Junior DL Roger Mellado (3)
Senior WR Stefone Moore-Green (3)
Junior LB Rick Mottram (3)
Junior DL Clay Myers (2)
Senior DL Sean Naiman (3)
Freshman CB Mikey Neal (1)
Junior LB Simeon Page (3)
Fifth-Year P Alex Pechin (5)
Junior OL Justis Peppers (2)
Freshman CB Gavin Pringle (1)
Senior TE John Reedy (3)
Junior S Conner Romango (2)
Sophomore OL Jacob Russ (1)
Sophomore WR Brandon Sanders (2)
Senior OL Chuck Sanders (3)
Sophomore OL Noah Sansalone (1)
Fifth-Year DL Joe Schiano (2)
Freshman S Jonathan Searcy (1)
Freshman TE Charlie Shadek (1)
Senior OL/DL Jimmy Sheehan (2)
Freshman OL Zack Tarburton (1)
Junior K Ethan Torres (3)
Junior TE Alex Twiford (3)
Junior DL Nnamdi Unachukwu (2)
Junior S Gerrit Van Itallie (3)
Senior WR Steven Walier (3)
Senior WR Jake Wilson (1)
ÂGallery: (12/8/2019) 2019 Football Banquet
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Pechin, who also received the Special Teams MVP award for the school-record third year in a row, shared the Captains Award with Sam Chitty. The highly decorated Pechin became the first specialist to be recognized as Bucknell's MVP since the award began to be presented in 1973.
Pechin was one of two Bison who took home multiple awards at the Bison Gridiron Club Awards Banquet, joining linebacker Rick Mottram, recipient of the Theodore S. Ratkus Football Leadership and George L. McGaughey Memorial Awards. The banquet was attended by more than 200 members of the Bucknell football team and supporters of the program.
Pechin put an exclamation mark on his legendary career in 2019, shattering his own school record in punting average by 2.2 yards. His 47.3 punting average broke the Patriot League record by 1.3 yards and ranked seventh in FCS history at the end of the 2019 regular season; in addition, it raised his career average to 44.5, good for fifth in the FCS annals at the end of the 2019 regular season.
The highly decorated Pechin, a multi-time All-American who was named to the 2020 Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List and received an invite to the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl, will graduate with Bucknell's top four single-season punting averages of 47.3 (2019), 45.1 (2017), 44.5 (2018) and 42.1 (2015); his 44.5 career punting average is the school standard by 3.8 yards.
To date, Pechin has been honored on seven All-America teams, including the 2018 STATS and Phil Steele First Teams; in addition, he became the first Bison specialist to garner All-America accolades from the AP and AFCA when he made their Second Teams that season. This November, he became the fourth Patriot League player to make four All-Patriot League First Teams; he also became the first student-athlete to be recognized as the Patriot League Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year three times.
Only the 11th Bison to serve as captain more than once, Pechin matched Jeff Goyette's record by winning the Special Teams Award for three-straight years. Goyette, a long snapper who served as captain during his senior campaign, earned the award from 2011 to 2013.Â
Mottram, who received the Theodore S. Ratkus Football Leadership award for character, courage and commitment to team play, emerged as the quarterback of Bucknell's defense this year. With 102 tackles (64 solo), he became the first Bison to reach the century mark in a single campaign since 2014. He also totaled eight tackles for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions and one fumble return for a touchdown. He reached the double digits in tackles six times, including in the final four games; he topped out at a career-high 16 at Lafayette and was honored as the George L. McGaughey Memorial Award winner for his efforts.
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This year's Tom Gadd Coaches' Award winners were John Chiarolanzio, Chad Freshnock, Conner Romango and Joe Schiano. Chiarolanzio and Freshnock, both seniors, were key leaders on the offensive side of the ball. Chiarolanzio completed 238 passes for 2,266 yards and six touchdowns in 24 career games while Freshnock amassed 1,598 yards and 18 touchdowns on 402 carries in 32 career games. Schiano, a fifth-year, was a critical member of Bucknell's defensive line rotation over the past two years, appearing in all 22 games and totaling 39 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Romango, a junior, was an impact player in his first season as a starter; over the course of the 2019 campaign, he logged 65 tackles (48 solo) and two interceptions.
Gerrit Van Itallie was presented the C. Dale Wolfe Recognition Award as Bucknell's most inspirational player. After an injury forced him to sit out spring ball, he transitioned to linebacker from safety during preseason camp. He went on to excel in his new role, tying for first among Bison in tackles for a loss (12.5) and finishing second in tackles (77), sacks (5) and pass breakups (5). In addition, he finished tied for first in the Patriot League with three fumble recoveries, two of which halted Bucknell's opponent's final drive to seal victories. He played in all 11 games, the final eight of which were starts.
Ryan Brida earned the Bobby Pangburn Memorial Award for commitment, dedication and unqualified friendship. After losing his junior season to an injury suffered in the first game, the linebacker immediately approached the coaching staff to see how he could best help the team moving forward. He ultimately charted and communicated adjustments to the defense on game days; he also helped organize practices.
Gavin Pringle was honored as Bucknell's outstanding newcomer with the Stuart M. Smith Memorial Award. Pringle, also an All-Patriot League Second Team selection, excelled during his first collegiate season, pacing the Bison with 11 pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns. He became the first member of his class to score a touchdown in the 2019 opener at Temple, returning his first career interception 36 yards for a score; he later returned a fumble 55 yards for a touchdown in the Senior Day victory over Georgetown. In 11 games, the final seven of which were starts, he posted 57 tackles (41 solo), a total good for third among Bison defensive backs. He also led the Patriot League in passes defended per game (1.1).
Brandon Sanders captured the Big Blue Award as Bucknell's outstanding back or receiver. Sanders, also an All-Patriot League First Team honoree, enjoyed a breakout sophomore year, making 58 catches for 530 yards and three touchdowns. He caught at least five passes six times, topping out at a school-record 14 against Holy Cross. He eclipsed 100 yards against the Crusaders (122) and at Temple (115); he also caught two touchdown passes at Lafayette. His total of receptions slotted him seventh in the Bison annals and moved his career total to 102; he became only the sixth Bison to record at least 50 receptions in a single campaign and the 10th to reach the century mark in career receptions. In addition, he paced the Patriot League in receptions per game (6.4) this year.
Grayson Cherubino was recognized as Bucknell's outstanding defensive lineman with the Roger Rieu Award. The sophomore finished first among Bison defensive linemen with 33 tackles; he added five tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. The first member of his class to reach the double digits in career starts, he has started 17 of his 22 career games.
Brandon Benson took home the Clarke Hinkle Award as Bucknell's outstanding defensive back or linebacker. In 2019, he led all Bison defensive backs with 68 tackles (41 solo); he also totaled three tackles for a loss, one interception and one fumble recovery. Benson will enter his senior campaign with an impressive 188 tackles (101 solo) in 29 career games, 21 of which were starts; he made his 150th career tackle at Colgate on Oct. 12 and his 100th career solo stop in the finale at Fordham.Â
Simeon Page, also an All-Patriot League First Team pick, received the Keating-Rieu Memorial Award as the most outstanding player in the Colgate game. During that 32-14 Bison victory, he filled the stat sheet with six tackles, three sacks for a loss of 21 yards and a career-best two pass breakups; he also returned a fumble for a 12-yard touchdown that put an exclamation mark on his team's win with 44 seconds remaining.
Freshmen Keyshawn Copeland (Offense), Ben Allen (Defense) and Jonathan Searcy (Special Teams) were honored as the Scout Team Players of the Year. Allen and Searcy were two of six freshmen to appear in all 11 games while Copeland saw action in four tilts.
In total, 63 Bison were awarded letters in 2019, including 16 first timers. Pechin became the second five-time letterwinner in program history, joining Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Dwite Schaffner (1911-15). Six seniors—Marcus Ademilola, Justin Bethea, Chiarolanzio, Chitty, Jon Fox and John Hunt—became four-time letterwinners while eight juniors—Barr, Benson, Roger Mellado, Mottram, Page, Ethan Torres, Alex Twiford and Van Itallie—will enter the 2020 campaign with the chance to become the same.
Bucknell also recognized its 2019 All-Patriot League award winners: Page (1st), Pechin (1st, Academic), Sanders (1st), Barr (2nd), Pringle (2nd) and Mottram (Academic).
Bison Gridiron Club Award (Team MVP): Alex PechinTom Gadd Coaches' Award (Offense): John Chiarolanzio and Chad Freshnock
Tom Gadd Coaches' Award (Defense): Joe Schiano and Conner Romango
Captains Award: Alex Pechin and Sam Chitty
Theodore S. Ratkus Football Leadership Award: Rick Mottram
    - For character, courage and commitment to team play
C. Dale Wolfe Recognition Award: Gerrit Van Itallie
    - Most inspirational player
Bobby Pangburn Memorial Award: Ryan Brida
     - For commitment, dedication and unqualified friendship
Stuart M. Smith Memorial Award: Gavin Pringle
    - Outstanding newcomer
John Campana Award: P.J. Barr
    - Outstanding offensive lineman
Big Blue Award: Brandon Sanders
    - Outstanding back or receiver
George Rieu Award: Grayson Cherubino
    - Outstanding defensive lineman
Clarke Hinkle Award: Brandon Benson
     - Outstanding defensive back or linebacker
Special Teams Award: Alex Pechin
George L. McGaughey Memorial Award: Rick Mottram
    - Outstanding player in the Lafayette game
Keating-Rieu Memorial Award: Simeon Page
    - Outstanding player in the Colgate game
Scout Team Player of the Year (Offense): Keyshawn Copeland
Scout Team Player of the Year (Defense): Ben Allen
Scout Team Player of the Year (Special Teams): Jonathan Searcy
2019 Bucknell Football Letterwinners
Senior TE Marcus Ademilola (4)
Freshman LB Ben Allen (1)
Senior WR Mike Balzofiore (2)
Freshman RB Alex Barnard (1)
Junior OL P.J. Barr (3)
Junior TE Simon Behr (2)
Junior S Brandon Benson (3)
Senior WR Justin Bethea (4)
Junior QB Logan Bitikofer (2)
Junior OL Alex Bolinger (1)
Junior CB Eric Butler (2)
Senior CB Mike Caruso (3)
Sophomore DL Grayson Cherubino (2)
Senior QB John Chiarolanzio (4)
Senior LB Sam Chitty (4)
Junior LS Mike Colantuono (2)
Sophomore RB Jared Cooper (2)
Sophomore CB Sterling Deary (2)
Sophomore TE Dylan DeMarco (2)
Sophomore CB Micah Dennis (2)
Sophomore QB Tarrin Earle (2)
Senior OL Justin Falcone (2)
Senior DL Blake Fletcher (3)
Senior LB Jon Fox (4)
Senior RB Chad Freshnock (3)
Freshman WR Connor Holmes (1)
Freshman S Eric Holsinger (1)
Senior DL John Hunt (4)
Freshman S Brent Jackson (1)
Sophomore OL Michael Killiri (2)
Freshman LB Cooper Kim (1)
Junior OL Simon Krizak (2)
Senior OL Erik Lukner (3)
Sophomore WR Dominic Lyles (2)
Sophomore LB Cole McCabe (1)
Junior WR John McGuire (2)
Junior DL Roger Mellado (3)
Senior WR Stefone Moore-Green (3)
Junior LB Rick Mottram (3)
Junior DL Clay Myers (2)
Senior DL Sean Naiman (3)
Freshman CB Mikey Neal (1)
Junior LB Simeon Page (3)
Fifth-Year P Alex Pechin (5)
Junior OL Justis Peppers (2)
Freshman CB Gavin Pringle (1)
Senior TE John Reedy (3)
Junior S Conner Romango (2)
Sophomore OL Jacob Russ (1)
Sophomore WR Brandon Sanders (2)
Senior OL Chuck Sanders (3)
Sophomore OL Noah Sansalone (1)
Fifth-Year DL Joe Schiano (2)
Freshman S Jonathan Searcy (1)
Freshman TE Charlie Shadek (1)
Senior OL/DL Jimmy Sheehan (2)
Freshman OL Zack Tarburton (1)
Junior K Ethan Torres (3)
Junior TE Alex Twiford (3)
Junior DL Nnamdi Unachukwu (2)
Junior S Gerrit Van Itallie (3)
Senior WR Steven Walier (3)
Senior WR Jake Wilson (1)
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