Men's Track & Field Wins Event at Nittany Lion Challenge

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Bucknell men's track & field busted the rust after a lengthy Christmas break layoff on Saturday at the Nittany Lion Challenge. The Bison won an event, recorded several top ten finishes, and several new additions to the record book.

Results

"I was very pleased with the performances of both genders," said head coach Kevin Donner. "We had a five week layoff without a meet in which three of those weeks, our athletes were home for the semester break and practicing on their own. We brought them back this past Sunday and loaded some work for only a week which meant we were far from sharp, yet we hung in there and competed well. Compared to one year ago today from the same meet, our men were better in 10 of the 15 common events and our women were better in the 10 of the 14 common events. I like to judge progress from one year ago today to see how our team is developinf. So far we seem to be in a great position for success."

Grant Kern achieved the sole Bison victory by winning the 3000-meter run. The senior runner raced 8:32.58 to unlock his first indoor triumph since the Bucknell Tune Up on Feb. 16, 2024, also in the 3000-meter run.

CJ Simbiri recorded second in the triple jump. The sophomore has enjoyed a strong start to his second season, leaping 48-7.50.

Michael Chernova slotted third in the pole vault. The junior cleared 15-7.

Luke Petryna enjoyed an admirable performance in the 200-meter dash, finishing fourth with a time of 21.95. He also shined in the 60-meter dash, running 6.87. He moved into a tie for fifth place all-time in Bucknell history.

Two Bison finished in fifth place. Aiden Tacker provided a nice showing in the weight throw with his toss of 58-7.25. Tristan McFarlene cleared 6-3.25 in the high jump.

Wade Shomper finished sixth in the shot put. The senior captain threw 56-8.50 in his second attempt.

The 4x400-meter relay team of Amani Brown, Ethan Fianko, Bouril, and Preston Lubeski finished sixth with a time of 3:19.59.

Nicholas Bouril continued his rookie season by leading Bucknell's 400-meter dash group. The freshman ran 49.56 to finish seventh.

Jared Hess rounded out a strong showing by the jumpers by placing ninth in the long jump, leaping 21-1.25.

Bucknell hosts the annual Gulden Invitational next Saturday.

Men's Track & Field Wins Event at Nittany Lion Challenge

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Players Mentioned

Nicholas Bouril

Amani Brown

Michael Chernova

Ethan Fianko

Jared Hess

Grant Kern

Preston Lubeski

Luke Petryna

Wade Shomper

CJ Simbiri

Aiden Tacker