Men's Track & Field Opens Bison Outdoor Classic with PRs & Didden's Victory in the 10,000-Meter Run

Saturday, April 11

Lewisburg, Pa.

10:45 a.m.

Bucknell University

Bison Outdoor Classic

Men's Track & Field Opens Bison Outdoor Classic with PRs & Didden's Victory in the 10,000-Meter Run

4/11/2026 11:39:00 PM | Men's Track and Field

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell men's track & field started the first day of the Bison Outdoor Classic with Henry Didden's victory in the 5000-meter run and recording multiple PRs. The Bison honored 14 excellent student-athletes on Senior Day.

Results

Henry Didden continued to stamp his mark as the program's finest 10,000-meter runner in decades. The senior won the event, logging 29:35.45, nearly equaling his PR of 29:34.06 from 2025, which became the first time since 1992 to enter the top ten. Didden sat 32nd after the first 800 meters and moved up 15 spots by the 17th spot. He made a late push and entered the top ten at 6800 meters. Didden steadily progressed, and in the final 400 meters, stormed into first place.

'I was going into it with the mindset of knowing it was my last home meet,' said Didden. "My whole family flew across the country to be there so I knew I had to do it for them. I tried to cover every move and listen to my coach. Going into the last lap, I just thought about how many times I've run a lap on our track and knew I had to make it count for everyone."

Freshman Alex Polenik finished second in the discus throw. The rookie threw 51.18m (167-11) and moved into a tie for eighth place all-time with Braden Stryker at Bucknell. His mark arrived during his first attempt and wasn't surpassed until the last round of the finals. Keenan LaMontagne celebrated Senior Day by placing third, throwing 50.93m (167-1).

Wade Shomper slotted fourth in the shot put. The program's record holder in the event grew stronger throughout the rounds and his best mark of 17.96m (58-11.25) arrived in the final round. Braiden Pulver moved into second all-time in the shot put from previously sitting at fifth, giving Bucknell the honor of having the top two shot put throwers in school history active at the same. The sophomore turned in a performance of 17.43m (57-2.25) in his fourth attempt.

Gabe Pecaitis cleared 14-5.25 in the pole vault to finish fifth.

Mason Barlow finished tenth in the 3000-meter steeplechase. The junior runner raced 9:17.20 and placed first in his heat.

Momo Peters placed 14th in the long jump. The junior jumped 21-9.50 in his final two attempts.

Ethan Pratt-Perez, the reigning Patriot League Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week, slotted 15th in the 5000-meter run. The sophomore sensation recorded a time of 14:25.75.

Bucknell honored 14 seniors: Jeffrey Cianfrocca, Peter Clifford, Henry Didden, Trent Dinant, Patrick Donaher, Jayson Harmer, Cooper Hyken, Keenan LaMontagne, Robert Lerner, Grant Kern, Gardy Philogene, Wade Shomper, Aiden Tacker, and Brayden Young.

Day two of the Bison Outdoor Classic continues tomorrow.