NEWVILLE, Pa. — The Susquehanna University men's cross country team capped its 2025 season with a 12th-place finish at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships on Saturday morning at Big Spring High School. The River Hawks were led by
Derick Blair (So.), who delivered one of the strongest regional performances by a Susquehanna runner in recent years.
Blair placed 20th overall in the 8K championship race, running a steady, controlled effort to finish in 25:47.82. His top-20 finish earns him All-Mid-Atlantic Region honors and places him firmly among the elite runners in the region.
After the meet, Blair reflected on the team's year.: "We've had a really great season as a team. A lot of great things happened over the course of six meets," Blair said. "What's even better is that we aren't losing anyone. That team culture and the bonds we made with each other are still going to be there. Now is the time when we learn from our races and move on to the indoor season."
Behind Blair, the River Hawks relied on a tightly packed scoring group.
Thomas McGann was the next finisher for Susquehanna, placing 61st in 27:05.41, followed by
Hunter Valentino in 73rd (27:24.44) and
Evander Lackman in 75th (27:31.43). The trio worked together throughout the race, showcasing the team's hallmark pack-running strategy.
Rounding out Susquehanna's top seven were
Andrew Hilke (120th, 28:39.00),
Brady Ryder (146th, 29:44.58), and
Owen Trump (147th, 29:47.59), closing out a season defined by depth and steady improvement across the lineup.
Susquehanna Finishers
Up Next
- With the 2025 cross country season concluded, the River Hawks will transition into winter training ahead of the indoor track and field season. Susquehanna returns to competition Dec. 6–7 at the River Hawk Early Season Invite and Multi.
