Bowen Signs With Lycoming College

By: Ed Weaver  /  June 1, 2025  /  Photo: Ed Weaver

Senior Ryder Bowen signed his National Letter of Intent on May 16 to play football at Lycoming College.

Bowen led the Hornets in all-purpose yards (1,181), rushing yards (1,059), rushing touchdowns (9), and tackles (73). He also had a 31-yard interception return and 2 sacks.

Bowen chose to play football at Lycoming while majoring in Exercise Science over wrestling at East Stroudsburg.

"They contacted me after my junior season and saw what I was producing on the field and they liked it," Bowen commented. "They wanted me. They wanted to take me in and really showed interest."

Bowen is also contemplating dual-sporting and joining the Warriors' wrestling team.

"Ryder has really put his stamp on the program. He's probably one of the toughest kids that has come through the program," head coach Matt Hildebrand said. "He's a very physical player, both offensively and defensively. This year he came into his own on the offensive side of the ball. We gave him over 70% of the touches this year and he really responded by rushing for over 1,000 yards. He's also been the heartbeat of the team the last two years.

"Ryder is a pretty quiet kid but leads by example," continued Hildebrand. "This year he turned the page and took the younger kids under his wing. He's not someone to yell and scream, but rather directs them the right way. He's a great kid both on and off the field, and he works at the elementary school as a teacher's aide. Both of my young sons look up to him. He's a great role model that does the right things both on and off the field."

Hildebrand also thinks Bowen's hard-nosed, physical style of play will translate well to Lycoming's defensive schemes.

"Ryder brings a lot of natural instinct to football that will serve him well. He has a nose for the football and as a defensive player that's something that you can't teach. He'll be a great asset to them, he's a selfless kid, so he'll play anywhere they need him. He loves football and at the collegiate level, that's what its all about. I think he's going to have a very successful time at Lyco."

Bowen is also thankful for how Hildebrand and the coaching staff have prepared him to play at the next level.

"They've laid the path for me skill-wise," concluded Bowen. "I think I'll be just fine at the next level."