Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Haylee Erme
Ryan Pepperman Wins Patriot League Men's Cross Country Rookie of the Week
9/30/2025 11:02:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell men's cross country has experienced a renaissance in the 2025 and the freshman corps have powered that rejuvenation of Orange & Blue glory. Ryan Pepperman is the latest freshman to flash and the league office on Monday awarded the newcomer Men's Cross Country Rookie of the Week for his performance at the YSU Invitational.Â
"Ryan has been able to adjust nicely to the training program as well as the 8k distance," said head coach Kevin Donner. "He has been our pleasant surprise so far while contending for our team's top seven."
Pepperman ran 26:30.40 against a tough field. He was the third-fastest freshman in the competition. He impressively built up stamina during the race and continued to climb the ranks. The rookie sat 32th at 1k and by the 4k mark slotted 18th. By the finish line of the 8k race, he slotted 14th.Â
Pepperman's award marks the first time since 2018 when Bucknell won two Rookie of the Week awards (Brendan O'Toole) and the first time since 2016 that two separate Bison, Drew Dorflinger and Ben Siciliano, earned the distinguished honor. Cooper Hollinger previously notched the recognition on Sept. 16.Â
Bucknell returns to action on Oct. 17 at the historic ECAC/IC4A Championships.Â
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"Ryan has been able to adjust nicely to the training program as well as the 8k distance," said head coach Kevin Donner. "He has been our pleasant surprise so far while contending for our team's top seven."
Pepperman ran 26:30.40 against a tough field. He was the third-fastest freshman in the competition. He impressively built up stamina during the race and continued to climb the ranks. The rookie sat 32th at 1k and by the 4k mark slotted 18th. By the finish line of the 8k race, he slotted 14th.Â
Pepperman's award marks the first time since 2018 when Bucknell won two Rookie of the Week awards (Brendan O'Toole) and the first time since 2016 that two separate Bison, Drew Dorflinger and Ben Siciliano, earned the distinguished honor. Cooper Hollinger previously notched the recognition on Sept. 16.Â
Bucknell returns to action on Oct. 17 at the historic ECAC/IC4A Championships.Â
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Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
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