Former Rider University cross country and track & field student-athlete and current United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan '21 will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYS in July, after being credited with rescuing nearly 200 people in the deadly Central Texas flash floods last summer. In the first rescue mission of his career, Petty Officer 3^rd Class Ruskan was singled out by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for his efforts.
 
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is given annually to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.
 
The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on ABC and stream on ESPN+.