How long do you think it would take you to run five miles? Could you even run five miles?

At the Roberts Wesleyan Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 29, junior Jacob Griffin set a Mercyhurst University record in the 8k, completing five miles with an incredible time of 25:37. Griffin placed first individually, which helped the Lakers take a fifth place finish overall.

Breaking the school’s 8k record has been a goal of Griffins since his freshman year, and he doesn’t plan to stop there.

“It’s been my goal for the last couple of years, to break the record before I graduated. To do it this year was really exciting for me,” said Griffin. “I would like to be all conference over the next two years, and break the school’s 10k record.”

Griffin has been the most reliable Laker all season, finishing with the best time in every race thus far, and this role carries with it much responsibility.

“It’s a lot of motivating people in practice, but at the same time, my teammates have been pushing me really hard so I can keep improving,” said Griffin. “A lot of hard work in practice, along with a great team, coach, and my family’s support has helped me out a lot.”

Griffin wasn’t the only Laker that did well at the Roberts Wesleyan Invitational. Sophomore Paul Schwan finished second, immediately behind Griffin with a time of 25:53.

“I wouldn’t have gotten first without my teammates. I wouldn’t have done as well without Schwan right behind me, pushing me, and pacing me,” said Griffin. “Turning around and seeing Schwan coming down the finish line was a great feeling, awesome.”

The Lakers will compete in the PSAC Championships on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Slippery Rock University.