Posted: Monday, February 23, 2026
By: University Communications

When the season ended in late Fall, Samuel Lea had done more than just run fast, he had etched his name into University of Evansville history through record-breaking performances and academic excellence.

A standout runner for the Purple Aces' cross country and track and field programs, Lea solidified his place in the University's history books this season while exemplifying the dedication of a premier scholar-athlete.

On the course, Lea delivered a dominant campaign by shattering UE school records in both the 8k and 10k races. His momentum culminated in an outstanding performance at the MVC Championship, where he secured an eighth-place finish. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the program, as Lea became the first UE men's runner to earn MVC All-Conference accolades in cross country since 2006.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Lea's accomplishments in the classroom are equally distinguished. An Environmental Science major, Lea maintains a 3.55 GPA, a commitment to academics that earned him a spot on the MVC Cross Country Scholar-Athlete Team. Lea's record-breaking season serves as a major highlight for UE Athletics and the University as a whole, setting a new standard for future distance runners in the program.

For more information on the University of Evansville Cross Country team, please visit GoPurpleAces.com.