Nov. 8, 2007

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Just two days before he suits up for his final home football game, Bucknell senior defensive lineman Ryan Walsh (Turnersville, N.J./Washington Twp.) was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District Team on Thursday. Walsh received all-district honors for the first time in his career, and he is the fifth Bucknell student-athlete in the last week to earn that distinction.

One of Bucknell's most experienced defensive players, Walsh has started 31 straight games on the defensive line dating back to his freshman season. The 6'2", 265-pound nose guard has 36 tackles in nine games this season, including five tackles for loss and two sacks. He recovered a fumble last week at Lafayette.

Off the field, Walsh is an American history major with a 3.41 cumulative grade-point average, and he is a member of the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. Walsh, who earned an impressive 3.91 GPA in the spring 2007 semester, will receive his fourth varsity letter this fall.

The Bucknell football program has now had at least one Academic All-District selection each year since 2000. The program has claimed 21 national Academic All-Americans and another 38 all-district honorees. Walsh now becomes eligible for the national ballot.

Academic All-America candidates must carry at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and be a starter or significant reserve. Bucknell's 114 Academic All-Americans in all sports ranks fifth among all Division I institutions.

Walsh and the Bison are back in action this Saturday against Lehigh at 1 p.m. at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. He will be one of 18 seniors recognized prior the home finale.