Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh University
Lafayette Invitational
Ryan Baker Claims Individual Title as Mountain Hawks Take First Place at Lafayette Invitational
9/11/2026 9:13:00 PM | Men's Cross Country
EASTON, Pa. – The Lehigh men's cross country team competed in its second meet of the season Friday night, taking first place at the Lafayette Invitational.
Senior Ryan Baker led the Mountain Hawks, winning his first collegiate individual title. Baker completed the 8K course in 24:54.0, marking a personal best on Lafayette's course. Head coach Debbie Utesch was impressed with Baker's performance and believes the senior is poised for another strong season.
"Winning is rare in this sport, so it's great for him to get out there and notch an individual win," said Utesch. "Ryan had a great junior year, and tonight's performance shows that he's picking up right where he left off, and we know he's ready for an outstanding senior season."
Junior Will Mrozinski followed closely behind Baker, placing second overall in 25:08.5. Junior Isaac Greene finished fourth overall in 25:26.2. Rounding out the Mountain Hawks' top five were sophomore Evan Weber, who placed 12th (26:04.9), and senior Noah Zahn, who finished 13th (26:08.0). First-year Adam Slater made his collegiate debut, finishing 20th overall (26:30.1).
UP NEXT: Lehigh will return to the same course in two weeks for a dual meet at Lafayette on Sept. 25. The men will race at 6 p.m., following the women's race at 5:30 p.m.
RESULTS
1) Ryan Baker, 24:54.0
2) Will Mrozinski, 25:08.5
4) Isaac Greene, 25:26.2
12) Evan Weber, 26:04.9
13) Noah Zahn, 26:08.0
19) Ryan Macom, 26:21.7
20) Adam Slater, 26:30.1
28) Ben Connell, 27:34.6
