2023 RECAP
Moravian University dominated again, winning the program's third straight and fifth overall conference title. The Greyhounds claimed the top two spots and placed five runners in the top 20. Junior Nathan Hajel finished in first place with a time of 26:08.02, which earned him Performer of the Year. Following behind him was his teammate, junior Owen Nahf, who finished in second with a time of 26:12.57.
2024 championship information
For full championship coverage, including directions, parking, live results, and event apparel vendor, click the "Championship Homepage" button above.
Fan Parking: Parking space at Union Canal Tunnel Park is limited. Overflow parking will be in the residential neighborhood near the park.
The 2024 Landmark Conference Men's Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, November 2 at the Union Canal Tunnel Park in Lebanon, Pa.
The men's 8k race will begin at noon, which will follow the women's 6k race at 11:00 a.m. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Championship Poll
Moravian University once again tops the Men's Cross Country Championship Poll with 80 points and eight first-place votes. Elizabethtown College follows behind with 68 points and two first-place votes. Closely behind in third place is the University of Scranton with 65 points.
Susquehanna University and Catholic University round out the top five with 56 and 47 points, respectively.
Drew University sits in sixth place with 41 points, while Wilkes University (32), Juniata College (26), Goucher College (21), and Lycoming College (14) complete the poll.
Catholic University
- Head Coach: Steve Rahn (7th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 5th
The Cardinals enter the conference championship with momentum, looking to improve on last year’s impressive third-place finish. After being picked fifth in the pre-championship poll in 2023, they exceeded expectations, thanks in large part to a standout performance from then-senior Ian Hopkins, who secured a top-three individual finish.
This year, head coach Steve Rahn will rely heavily on a young but talented core. Four sophomores and four first-years make up the heart of the team, with key contributions expected from sophomore Joey Locke and first-year Patrick Morris.
Catholic has already demonstrated promise this season, posting a sixth-place finish in the Green Race at the Paul Short Run and securing third at the Mount St. Mary's 5k Dual.
“We're excited for the upcoming champs as a culmination of all the hard work they've put into their training from summer to this point. The conference is continuing to build in the level of competition year in and year out and as always it will be anyone's race. I'm excited to see our men and women showcase their dedication, hard work and support of one another in a few weeks. It will be another exciting championship!” - Head Coach Steve Rahn
Drew University
- Head Coach: Sean Robinson (4th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 6th
Drew comes into the Landmark Conference Championship with great expectations, returning a strong core of five runners from last year's squad. Under the direction of head coach Sean Robinson, the Rangers have both experience with veteran runners and talented newcomers that will make for a strong push at the conference meet.
Senior Toby Gaynor, a key returner, will look to build on his impressive performance from last year, where he earned First Team All-Landmark honors with a fourth-place finish at the championship. Juniors Gaetano Allegri and Dylan Crain add depth and consistency, with Allegri finishing as the team’s No. 2 runner in the final three meets last season, while Crain placed in the top five in five of the Rangers' seven races. Sophomores Thomas Edwards and Aidan Rosser round out a core group that will be critical to Drew’s success.
Robinson will also be counting on first-years Matt Ellis and Eliot Vishnevsky to make an immediate impact. Drew's seventh-place finish at the NJIT Highlander 8K Race shows that the team is hitting its stride just in time for championship race.
"Our Drew University Men's XC Team is motivated and healthy going into Landmarks." - Head Coach Sean Robinson
Elizabethtown College
- Head Coach: Brian Falk (14th Season)
- Team Titles: 6 (2014-19)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 2nd
The Elizabethtown College is eager to regain its top seat in the Landmark Conference, a position that was held for six consecutive years from 2014 to 2019. Leading the team will be senior Daniel Myers, who earned First Team All-Conference honors by placing sixth at last year's championship in 26:39.70. Junior Benjamin Ortiz-Jaque, who finished 17th in 27:31.50 to earn All-Conference Honorable Mention, along with sophomore Will Inglis, who placed 20th in 27:50.90, will look to be large contributors as the Blue Jays attempt to capture the conference crown.
Head coach Brian Falk is looking to this experienced core while counting on several newcomers to make an impact as Elizabethtown aims to end its four-year title drought. With a strong mix of proven performers and fresh talent, the Blue Jays are well-positioned to contend for the Landmark Conference championship this season.
“The men are training with patience and resolve this season. It feels like our best races are still in front of us.” - Head Coach Brian Falk
Goucher College
- Head Coach: Erick Camodeca (4th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 9th
Goucher College is set to make strides at the Landmark Conference Championship, fielding a young and dynamic team with an eye toward improvement after last season. The Gophers are led by sophomore Jair Smith, who finished 37th in last year’s championship race with a time of 28:34.00. Fellow sophomore Jayden Keels is also a standout, having claimed first place at the Coach Caslin Classic earlier this season with a time of 27:41.80.
Guided by head coach Erick Camodeca in his fourth season, the Gophers are all in an attempt to compete in the championship. Returning this year with three sophomores and three first-year runners in positions to make an impact, Goucher looks to make some noise at the Landmark Conference Championship and take its next step as a program.
""The men’s team is looking forward to returning to the site of the championship course after having a successful run during the course preview back in early September. Hopefully with better weather and two more months of solid training we will see great performances from our three sophomores Jayden, Sam, and Jair.-Head Coach Erick Camodeca
Juniata College
- Head Coach: Stu Todd-Middleditch (2nd Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 8th
Juniata College aims to improve upon its sixth-place finish at last year's Landmark Conference Championship race as they head into this championship. The Eagles are led by a promising group of young runners, featuring three sophomores and seven first-year athletes.
Key contributors include sophomore CJ Coffey, who achieved a personal best time of 27:02.10 at the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Region Cross Country Championship, and first-year runner Adam Gallo, who is expected to make a significant impact.
Under the guidance of head coach Stu Todd-Middleditch in his second season, Juniata is eager to harness the potential of its young talent. With a blend of enthusiasm and determination, the Eagles are ready to compete and make a stronger showing at the Landmark Conference Championship this year.
“This is a very young group, comprised of only freshmen and sophomores. Gaining experience and confidence in running the 8K distance is the overall goal of this season, however, they have raced very maturely and poised for a team of youngsters, so I'm very excited to see how we match up against a very strong Landmark field.” - Head Coach Stu Todd-Middleditch
Lycoming College
- Head Coach: Katie Sick (6th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 10th
Lycoming College is set to make strides at this year’s Landmark Conference Championship, looking to improve on last season's results with the help of key contributors. Junior Kenneth Draper, who recorded a time of 27:50 at the Lock Haven Invitational, will lead the charge, while sophomore Cael Owen, who ran 29:22.60, is expected to provide valuable support.
Now in her sixth season, head coach Katie Sick will rely on her team’s growing experience and determination to elevate Lycoming’s performance on the conference stage. The Warriors are prepared to make a competitive push as they close out the season on a high note.
“Our goal is very simple as we head into the two championship meets that end our season – to help each other reach the personal goals that we set at the beginning of the season and run our hearts out. ” – Head Coach Katie Sick
Moravian University
- Head Coach: Jesse Baumann (14th Season)
- Team Titles: 5 ('11, '12, '21, '22, '23)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 1st
Moravian University heads into the Landmark Conference Championship looking to defend its title after winning three straight and five overall conference titles. Leading the way for the Greyhounds is senior Nathan Hajel, last year’s individual champion with a time of 26:08.02, which earned him Landmark Conference Performer of the Year honors. Fellow senior Owen Nahf also earned First Team All-Conference recognition, while junior Bryan Kerchner made the Second Team.
Under the leadership of head coach Jesse Baumann, now in his 14th season, Moravian will rely on its experienced core as they aim to stay on top. Baumann believes his veteran squad is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Greyhounds enter the championship with strong momentum, recently being ranked first in the NCAA Division III Metro Region and 30th nationally by the USTFCCCA. This marks the first time in program history that Moravian has achieved both a regional and national ranking, positioning them as serious contenders once again in the Landmark Conference.
“Anything can happen in a championship meet as we saw in 2023 when an unseasonably warm meet led to a lot of runners struggling to deal with the heat and elements. It's reassuring heading into the championships that we have as much veteran experience as we do. The men should have the acquired skills and composure to deal with the unexpected which inevitably will come up in this meet. Additionally, the men's team is as deep a team as I can recall having in my time at Moravian, and their workouts have been as strong as we've ever seen here, so I feel we have the depth and fitness to perform well on November 2nd.” - Head Coach Jesse Baumann
University of Scranton
- Head Coach: Bill Burke (19th Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 3rd
The University of Scranton is gearing up for the Landmark Conference Men’s Cross Country Championship with a deep and competitive squad. Sophomore Daniel Lanahan has emerged as the team leader this season, while senior Christian Snee and first-year Brayden Clarke are expected to play key roles in the Royals' pursuit of a strong finish.
Veteran head coach Bill Burke, entering his 19th season, has assembled a balanced team ready to compete for the conference title. With a mix of seasoned runners and emerging talent, Scranton is poised to be a serious contender at this year’s championship.
Susquehanna University
- Head Coach: JJ Clinchoc (4th Season)
- Team Titles: 5 ('07, '08, '09, '10, '13)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 4th
Susquehanna University heads into the Landmark Conference Championship with strong ambitions of capturing the title, supported by 11 returning runners and six promising first-years. Senior TJ Grenda will lead the way for the River hawks, with key contributions expected from sophomore Evander Lackman and first-year standout Derick Blair.
Now in his fourth season, head coach JJ Clinchoc has crafted a team that balances experienced veterans with talented newcomers. With this blend of leadership and fresh talent, Susquehanna is well-positioned to compete for the top spot at this year’s championship.
"We have a lot of youth on the team and just looking to improve our overall team average and potentially move up a spot or two in the conference. Ultimately just improving each time we race!" - Head Coach JJ Clinchoc
Wilkes University
- Head Coach: Paul VanLuvender (2nd Season)
- Team Titles: 0
- 2024 Projected Finish: 7th
Wilkes University is ready to tackle the Landmark Conference Men's Cross Country Championship, showcasing a squad that blends seasoned veterans with promising newcomers.
Junior Caleb Edwards is anticipated to be a standout performer after achieving a personal best 8k time of 26:45.10, which ranks as the second-fastest in program history. He will be joined by sophomore Justin Ashman and first-year runners Jack Thompson and Aidan Graff, all of whom are poised to contribute significantly to the Colonels’ efforts.
Head coach Paul VanLuvender, entering his second season, is confident in his team's preparation for the championship race. With a solid mix of experience and youthful energy, Wilkes aims to make a strong push for recognition among their conference rivals as they compete for top honors in this year's championship.
"Our men have been working hard throughout the season to prepare for the Conference Championship race. I am excited to see where this group can finish in what should be a fantastic Championship race setting." - Head Coach Paul VanLuvender