GETTYSBURG, Pa. – The Susquehanna University men's cross country team placed seventh overall on Saturday morning at the Aubrey Shenk Invitational, hosted by Gettysburg College. Competing under perfect conditions on a fast, dry course, the River Hawks recorded 10 personal bests and helped contribute to 16 total PRs between the men's and women's squads.
Derick Blair (So.) continued his impressive season, finishing fifth overall in 24:43.0, one of the fastest 8K times in program history.
Evander Lackman followed with a strong 26:07.9, while
Hunter Valentino clocked a personal best 26:38.0.
Thomas McGann (27:00.0) and
Andrew Hilke (27:35.5) rounded out the top five for Susquehanna, both also setting personal records.
Other River Hawks with lifetime bests included
Brady Ryder (27:55.0),
Owen Trump (28:00.3), Samuel Borge (28:57.5),
Joseph LaBarbera (29:39.7),
Brady Kearns (31:04.9), and
James Dell (30:22.8).
Susquehanna's depth and steady improvements highlighted a strong midseason showing against a competitive regional field that featured several Landmark Conference rivals.
Susquehanna Finishers (8K)
• 5.
Derick Blair – 24:43.0 : 5th overall, (personal best)
• 42.
Evander Lackman – 26:07.9
• 55.
Hunter Valentino – 26:38.0 (personal best)
• 74.
Thomas McGann – 27:00.0 (personal best)
• 106.
Andrew Hilke – 27:35.5 (personal best)
• 123.
Brady Ryder – 27:55.0 (personal best)
• 129.
Owen Trump – 28:00.3 (personal best)
• 176. Samuel Borge – 28:57.5 (personal best)
• 206.
Joseph LaBarbera – 29:39.7 (personal best)
• 236.
James Dell – 30:22.8 (personal best)
• 248.
Ethan Harnish – 30:58.4
• 251.
Brady Kearns – 31:04.9 (personal best)
• 255. Josh Malone – 31:17.7
Up Next
- Susquehanna heads to the Landmark Conference Championships on Saturday, November 1, where the River Hawks aim to build on their momentum and carry their late-season form into the championship meet.
