MXC eager to compete at Penn State National Open

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The second half of the Lehigh men's cross country schedule begins on Friday. The Mountain Hawks will roar into the Penn State National Open with their top men. After Friday's race, a few runners of the Brown and White will run in the Leopard Invitational at Lafayette on Saturday.

Last time out, the men's team finished 24^th in the 46^th running of the Paul Short Run two weeks ago. Competing among the 44-team field in the 8K Gold Race, Lehigh again was strong up front with Seth Slavin and Brad DeMassa. Slavin was the first Lehigh finisher to cross the line at 24:24.60 in 74^th, while DeMassa finished just once second behind him to finish 76^th at 24:25.80.

Rounding out the top-5 for Lehigh was Sean Brown (137^th), Michael Mitchell (155^th) and Jeffrey Kirshenbaum (224^th).

"Overall, our team was thrilled with how we performed at Paul Short," stated head coach Todd Etters. "The guys they could have done a little better and that shows the expectations they have for themselves."

Since the Paul Short Run, the men have had over 10 days to rest, practice and prepare for the second half of the season. "It was good to have a break mentally and physical," Etters said. "For them to catch their breath and take a few steps back is important. They now have their eyes set on the second half."

Competing against some of the top teams in the Northeast, Lehigh will need strong pack running to be successful at Penn State on Friday. "Our entire team needs to go into the race thinking we can mix it up a little with some of the better runners in the country."

Throughout the first part of their season, the Mountain Hawks have formed a solid front core, but now Etters is hoping those guys can take the next step. "Seth and Brad are separating themselves from the group. We're really hoping that our pack running can improve and Jeff, Michael, Sean and Connor can really elevate their running."

Once Friday concludes, Lehigh will send three-four runners to Lafayette and compete at the Leopard Invitational.

Check back Friday evening to see how the men's team fared at Penn State.

MXC eager to compete at Penn State National Open

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Sean Brown

Brad DeMassa

Jeffrey Kirshenbaum

Michael Mitchell

Seth Slavin

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Lehigh University Athletics

MXC eager to compete at Penn State National Open

Related News

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Sean Brown

Brad DeMassa

Jeffrey Kirshenbaum

Michael Mitchell

Seth Slavin

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