Cross Country Wins Lehigh Invitational

Friday, September 4

Bethlehem, Pa.

Rutgers

Lehigh Invitational

Sep 04 | Cross Country

Live Results

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Rutgers cross country opened the 2026 season with a win at the Lehigh Invitational on Friday, Sept. 4. Spearheaded by a 1-2 individual finishes on both the men's and women's squads, the Scarlet Knights posted seven total placements in the top-10.

"We're happy to open the season strong with the men and women picking up the wins on both sides," said Nicol Starkes, associate head coach. "Gavin and Micah led the way for the men and Hisham was a strong third for us. Kyle and Jack rounded out the top five and it was great to see Jack Moran back in action. Lorena and Kelseigh paced the ladies with Maeli and Molly finishing a strong 3-4. Sofia rounded out the top five, returning to the course after two years.

"Race conditions were a little rough with the heat and humidity, but we were glad to get in a hard race effort on grass. We're excited to return to Lehigh next month for Paul Short."

Gavin Rossi won the men's 6K race with a time of 18:17.6, followed by Micah Lawson in second place in 18:17.9. On the women's side, Lorena David took the top spot overall, finishing first in 21:25.1, while Kelseigh O'Neil finished second in the 6K race with a time of 21:46.9.

The men's squad had three finishes in the top-5 with Hisham Ettayebi finishing fifth in 18:39.5. He was joined in the scoring by Kyle Rakitis who placed 13th with a time of 19:00.6, followed by Jack Moran in 14th in 19:02.1.

Putting points on the board for the women's team was Maeli Gleason who took sixth in 22:09.4, followed closely by Molly Domurat in seventh with a time of 22:09.6. Sofia Condron rounded out the scoring as she placed 13th with a time of 22:35.6.

The Scarlet Knights will break from competition until Friday, Oct. 2 when they return to Lehigh for the 52nd annual Paul Short Run at the Goodman Campus course. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania will also serve as the site for this year's NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional in November.

Men's Results – 6K
1. Gavin Rossi                    18:17.6
2. Micah Lawson               18:17.9
5. Hisham Ettayebi            18:39.5
13. Kyle Rakitis                  19:00.6
14. Jack Moran                  19:02.1

Women's Results – 6K
1. Lorena David                 21:25.1
2. Kelseigh O'Neil              21:46.9
6. Maeli Gleason               22:09.4
7. Molly Domurat              22:09.6
13. Sofia Condron             22:35.6

Team Scores – Men
1. Rutgers                                      35
2. Saint Joseph's                          36
3. Lehigh                                        78
4. Moravian                                  103
5. Kutztown                                  158
6. Rowan                                       172
7. DeSales                                     180
8. Muhlenberg                             262
9. Ramapo                                    266

Team Scores – Women
1. Rutgers                                      26
2. Saint Joseph's                          68
3. Garden State Track Club         78
4. Lehigh                                        108
5. Kutztown                                  118
6. Rowan                                       139
7. Moravian                                  189
8. Muhlenberg                             266
9. DeSales                                     271
10. Ramapo                                  285