Lehigh University Athletics
Friday, September 20
Bronx, N.Y.
10:00 A.M.
Lehigh University
at
Iona Meet of Champions
Photo by: Don Paul
Men's Country Heads To Iona For Meet Of Champions
9/19/2019 9:22:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's cross country will be racing on Friday morning in the Iona Meet of Champions. The race is set to begin at 10:00 a.m.
Last time out, Lehigh topped Lafayette for the 21st straight time at the Goodman Campus Cross Country Course, winning 17-44. The Brown and White had six of the top seven runners in last Saturday's race. Brad DeMassa led the pack, crossing the line first with a time of 25:34.20. Freshman Connor Melko finished second overall at 25:39.00. Melko was awarded Patriot League Freshman of the Week, while DeMassa received honorable mention.
"It's always good to race and beat Lafayette," stated head coach Todd Etters. "That's always our top every single season."
This past weekend's race was the third time that the top three have been different for Lehigh. DeMassa, Jeffrey Kirshenbaum and Ryan Paradise have each finished first for Lehigh. "As the season evolves, I think we'll have a clear-cut idea on who our top two or three guys will be," added Etters. "The more guys we have up there throughout the season the better we'll be. We're only as good as our one through five."
Looking for guys to break out and stabilize the front for Lehigh, look for Kirshenbaum to take charge. "Honestly, I think Jeff is our No. 1 runner," Etters said. "He's ready for this! He had a little bit of a rough race against Lafayette, but these are the kinds of meets that he thrives in. Better competition and a lot of pressure, I think Jeff is going to step up and lead our team."
The Iona Meet of Champions might be the toughest competition so far for the Mountain Hawks. Teams will be racing in the Bronx, at Van Cortlandt Park, the home of Iona cross country. The cross country course at Van Courtlandt Park is over 100 years old, a true mecca for cross country.
This layout of the course is unique. With it being in the middle of a park, spectators and stragglers will be looking on as the race is happening. Also, passing is going to be very difficult at this course. The width of the running lane is scrunched in and runners will be running side by side throughout the race. Thus, making the start of the race important.
For the Mountain Hawks, this will be their fourth straight race on weekends. Despite the needed break onlooking, Lehigh will be ready for Friday's race. "We always take our meets one week at a time," said Etters. "This was the one meet that everyone was looking forward to. We're going against some really good teams at a legendary course. We're excited to race at Iona."
Check back Friday afternoon to find out how the Mountain Hawks fared at the Iona Meet of Champions.
Last time out, Lehigh topped Lafayette for the 21st straight time at the Goodman Campus Cross Country Course, winning 17-44. The Brown and White had six of the top seven runners in last Saturday's race. Brad DeMassa led the pack, crossing the line first with a time of 25:34.20. Freshman Connor Melko finished second overall at 25:39.00. Melko was awarded Patriot League Freshman of the Week, while DeMassa received honorable mention.
"It's always good to race and beat Lafayette," stated head coach Todd Etters. "That's always our top every single season."
This past weekend's race was the third time that the top three have been different for Lehigh. DeMassa, Jeffrey Kirshenbaum and Ryan Paradise have each finished first for Lehigh. "As the season evolves, I think we'll have a clear-cut idea on who our top two or three guys will be," added Etters. "The more guys we have up there throughout the season the better we'll be. We're only as good as our one through five."
Looking for guys to break out and stabilize the front for Lehigh, look for Kirshenbaum to take charge. "Honestly, I think Jeff is our No. 1 runner," Etters said. "He's ready for this! He had a little bit of a rough race against Lafayette, but these are the kinds of meets that he thrives in. Better competition and a lot of pressure, I think Jeff is going to step up and lead our team."
The Iona Meet of Champions might be the toughest competition so far for the Mountain Hawks. Teams will be racing in the Bronx, at Van Cortlandt Park, the home of Iona cross country. The cross country course at Van Courtlandt Park is over 100 years old, a true mecca for cross country.
This layout of the course is unique. With it being in the middle of a park, spectators and stragglers will be looking on as the race is happening. Also, passing is going to be very difficult at this course. The width of the running lane is scrunched in and runners will be running side by side throughout the race. Thus, making the start of the race important.
For the Mountain Hawks, this will be their fourth straight race on weekends. Despite the needed break onlooking, Lehigh will be ready for Friday's race. "We always take our meets one week at a time," said Etters. "This was the one meet that everyone was looking forward to. We're going against some really good teams at a legendary course. We're excited to race at Iona."
Check back Friday afternoon to find out how the Mountain Hawks fared at the Iona Meet of Champions.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
/ Men's Cross Country
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