Ryan Lena • 2010

Orono, ME (John Bapst Memorial HS)
Chemical Engineering

Ryan's career as a Jumbo was marked by some of the more impressive breakout performances in recent memory. In one of his first track meets donning the brown and blue, Lena blew his 9:55 high school two-mile best out of the water with a 3k PR of 8:51.10. This was just the first of the many out-of-his-mind that characterized his time at Tufts. After missing his freshman outdoor season due to injury, Ryan came back in 2008 to secure 19th place at the NESCAC cross country championships. It was the highest finish at the meet in his career, absolutely demolished the 98th and 67th place showings of the two years prior, and as Tufts' third scorer helped the Jumbos edge out Connecticut College for 4th place by a single point. His junior and senior outdoor campaigns would both be highlighted by major PRs in Lena's specialty event, the steeplechase. First dropping to 9:36.97 in 2009, Ryan ended his collegiate career cutting 10 seconds to 9:26.93 and a spot on the Tufts All-Time Top 10 list. In his wake, a new crew of steeplers has arisen looking to emulate Ryan's success.

Interests:

PRs: Mile: 4:30
3k: 8:51
2 mile: 9:55
3k steeple: 9:26.93
5k: 15:42
8k XC: 26:17

Why Tufts: