NEW YORK — The Columbia Cross Country team wrapped up the 2025 Ivy League Heptagonal Championships on Friday afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park. The women's squad earned a third-place finish, the program's best result since 2019, while the men placed sixth overall.
Three Lions earned All-Ivy recognition for their standout performances. Senior Edward Blaha led the men and secured Second Team All-Ivy honors with a ninth-place finish in 24:40.1. On the women's side, sophomore Olivia Murray (12th, 21:41.7) and senior Rory Clare (14th, 21:48.0) also earned Second Team All-Ivy honors.
"We ran very well," Head Coach Dan Ireland said. "To come away with a third place finish we're really happy, we're ecstatic, and this puts us back on course where Columbia cross country should be. Especially having two All-Ivy performers."
Hear the full interview with Coach Ireland following today's meet, including his comments on the men's race,
HERE.
The women totaled 103 points to earn the overall bronze medal. Murray paced the Lions with her 12th-place finish, followed closely by Clare in 14th. Junior
Leanna Johnston crossed the line in 17th (21:50.9), while first-years Seelah Kittelstrom (27th, 22:02.6),
Dana Lehr (37th, 22:16.5), and
Zahara Bernal (45th, 22:32.7), along with senior
Daniela Quintero (48th, 22:35.5), rounded out the scoring group.
Blaha led Columbia for the third time this season, finishing ninth overall in 24:40.1. Senior George Blaha followed in 27th (25:35.4), with sophomore Henry Koike-Sieira right behind in 29th (25:40.1). Senior Brett Bishop (37th, 25:49.7), junior Quentine Ryan (64th, 26:25.6), and freshmen Darren Pasek (70th, 26:52.1) and Lukas Malek (78th, 27:13.2) completed the Lions' top-seven as the men finished sixth with 146 points.
Full results from the 2025 Ivy League Heptagonal Championships can be found HERE.
Columbia will now turn its attention to the NCAA East Regional, hosted in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, on Friday, November 14, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Stay up to date on all things Columbia cross country by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsXCTF), Instagram (@culionsxctf) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).
