December 11, 2020 Ryan Baker The top 10 runners in Division I all broke 17 minutes at the Dec. 5 cross country state championships. The Vikings needed a high place and low number from Ryan Baker and got it, as he hung with the leaders from post to paddock, running 16:30 on the slippery Killens Pond trails to place third overall. Oddly, Salesianum placed first, seventh and eighth, yet trailed Cape 14-16 behind Baker in 16:30, Ethan Edery, fifth in 16:46 and Julian Callaway, sixth in 16:48. “Ryan was out of contact because of COVID quarantine, missing the Sussex County meet, but he trained on his own and came back ready to compete,” said coach Matt Lindell. “His improvement over a period of time has been remarkable. His mental toughness is what makes him great. He is not afraid of the big moments; not to mention, he is talented.”