Burke Breaks School Record as Lehigh Competes at Villanova Invitational and Covert Classic

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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Kyle Burke has had his eye on the school record for the 1000m since his freshman year at Lehigh. In his third competition of the indoor season, the senior broke the record (2:24.61) at the Villanova Invitational on Saturday. Burke’s impressive performance was one of the 22 personal records set at the John Covert Classic hosted by Moravian at Rauch Fieldhouse and the Villanova Invitational in Staten Island, NY

“Kyle has made it very clear that he has his sights set on this record and several others,” said head coach Matt Utesch. “He surprised me a bit today because it’s a bit early in the season for this time, but he’s fit and healthy like never before. This is proving to be a record-breaking combination.”

Lehigh ended Saturday on positives after competing against over 20 teams at Rauch Fieldhouse, while the Villanova Invitational saw several high-profile teams and organizations compete in Staten Island.

“Congratulations to Kyle Burke on breaking Kyle Berman’s school record in the 1K,” said assistant coach Todd Etters. “[Kyle] Berman was a Patriot League champion the year he broke the record, so expectations are high for our school record holders.”

The distance group followed in Burke’s footsteps, with junior Riley Williamson (9:07.80) and sophomore James Keaney (9:18.53) both setting personal bests in the 3000m. Junior Tyler French earned a new PR in the mile with his eighth place finish at the Villanova Invitational (4:15.71).

The Mountain Hawks, who competed in both 800m events on Saturday, put in impressive performances. Year one Ethan Hood finished the Covert Classic with a new PR in fourth place (2:01.69). At the Villanova Open, junior Jacob Martinez (1:53.66) also finished fourth in the 800m, while junior Joseph Cranley (1:56.46) earned a PR and seventh place.

“Jake Martinez ran a very solid 800-meter dash and fought to the finish,” said Etters. “Tyler French, Aidan Lynch and Kevin Harvey all put on strong performances for a really strong middle-distance crew.”

First year Jonathan Bennett continues to have a hot start to his career as a mountain hawk. Bennett finished fifth in the 60m hurdles with a PR of 8.24 and eight in the 200m (22.32) at Ocean Breeze and is now fourth and eighth, respectively, all-time in program history. Sophomore Gideon Coprivnicar finished third in the 60m hurdles at Rauch Fieldhouse on Saturday. Coprivnicar set personal bests in the 60m hurdles (8.92), long jump (5.86m) and pole vault (3.21m).

Coprivnicar wasn’t the only Mountain Hawk to end Saturday with multiple PRs. Senior Matthew Fisher posted PRs in the pole vault (15 ft) and high jump (5 ft 7), where he finished first and seventh respectively. First-grader Jack Murphy was able to achieve personal bests in the 60 m (7.90), 60 m hurdles (9.93) and also in the pole vault (3.66 m).

“I am very proud of our entire team on the leadership front. The maturity of our leadership team and especially the team they lead has been inspiring,” said Utesch. “As employees, we learn more about the early years as the season progresses. I think I speak for the entire staff when I say we are happy with the level of talent but will always be ready to improve performance.”

Lehigh’s throwing squad put in solid performances at both events on Saturday. First-year Liam Lovering led the Mountain Hawks with a fifth-place shot put finish at Staten Island (14.87 m). Ethan McHugh, his fellow freshman, also picked up a huge PR in the weight throw in Bethlehem (10.73 m).

The Mountain Hawks will host Lafayette next Saturday at the Rauch Fieldhouse in the rivalry presented by the Lehigh Valley Health Network.