Mechanicsville, Va. – Seven Hornets finished inside the top 100 of the men's 8,000m at the Richmond Invitational, as Lynchburg placed 10th in the team standings against opponents from each collegiate division.

Jack Weddle led the team with a 26:27.7 performance after returning from injury, placing 43rd in the field. Weddle was the lone Hornet at the Richmond Invitational who competed at the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships. 

Ryan Warner clocked 27:27.4 for 76th, while Caleb Painter crossed the line in 27:51.6 for 89th. Walker Mason finished closely behind with a 27:52.1 display for 90th place.

To close the scoring, Nate Kach submitted a 27:59.4 performance for 94th place. Kach is one of Lynchburg's four freshmen who placed inside the team's top seven.

On the women's side, Taylor Hill paced to a 25:23.1 performance in the women's 6k to secure 101st place. Hill's result marks her first race since August 29, 2025 when she competed at the Liberty XC Challenge.

Allie Smulik crossed the line in 25:50.6 for 107th in her cross country debut. Smulik previously competed for the Lynchburg women's soccer team.

Lynchburg will turn its attention to the 2026 Running of the Cows in Northfield, Minn. as the Hornets face several of Division III's top opponents on Saturday, Oct. 3 at noon EST.

For full results from the Richmond Invitational, click here.

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--LYN--