Special Relationships of the Bucknell-Penn Riders

1. McConnell-Arentowicz, 47 years

The oldest relationship (47 years) among the riders is between Dr. Walter McConnell (Bucknell Class of 1953) and Frank Arentowicz (Bucknell Class of 1969).  From 1961 through 1965 Dr. McConnell served as Frank’s high school sports doctor at Randolph H.S. in Randolph, NJ.  Dr. McConnell’s love of Bucknell influenced Frank decision to attend Bucknell.

Walt and Frank re-connected in October 2006 at a Bucknell Homecoming.  They had not seen each other in 38 years.  This re-uniting lead to them deciding to do this ride together.

Walt’s three journeys to climb Mt. Everest during the 1980s influenced Frank’s interest in hiking in Nepal.  Following Walt’s lead, Frank hiked to 19,000 near Mt. Everest with his family in 1994 and to 16,000 feet near Annapurna in 1992.

2. Lederman-Zolla, 33 years

Bruce (Penn Class of 1964) met Ed Zolla (our Tribute Rider, Penn Class of 1968) in 1974 in Los Angeles (34 years ago).  Bruce and Ed became business partners in 1976.

Bruce and Ed became weekend biking partners in 1990.  Bruce estimates that Ed and he biked over 30,000 together over this 18 year period.  A highlight was biking over 450 miles from Fairbanks, AK to Anchorage, AK through Valdez in 2004.  The biking group is known as the Silverbacks.

3. Arentowicz-Zolla Family, 42 years

Frank Arentowicz met Susan Penecale Zolla (Bucknell Class of 1968) at Bucknell in 1966.  When Frank and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1996, the Bucknell alumni office provided Frank with Susan’s phone number.  Shortly thereafter, Frank reconnected over dinner with Susan after a 28 year hiatus.  By the end of the dinner, Ed (Susan’s husband) had invited Frank to participate in his weekend 50 mile bike rider with Bruce Lederman and six other riders.  Frank started riding with Ed and Bruce shortly thereafter and estimates that he has biked over 20,000 miles in the Santa Monica Mountains with them over the last 12 years.

4. O’Malley-McConnell, 1 year

The most recent alumni connection among riders has been Pat O’Malley and Dr. Walter McConnell.  Pat (Bucknell Class of 2007) met Dr. McConnell on the Bucknell campus this past April.  After discussions about the ride for scholarship, Pat asked Dr. McConnell if he could join the fundraising event.

5. Arentowicz-Moore, 15 years

Professional bike rider Keith Moore, son of old family friends of Frank Arentowicz & Sara Nichols (Frank’s wife), heard about the trip and wanted to join.  Keith has trained the last two winters in the Los Angeles area and has stayed with Frank and Sara as their house guest.