Surrounded by family and coaches, Union senior Lake LeBahn signed with University of Northern Iowa Track and Field on Monday, Nov. 18.

Union senior Lake LeBahn will continue to compete in the Cedar Valley as the distance runner signed with the University of Northern Iowa track team on Monday, Nov. 18.

“As a grad of UNI, I’m very happy,” Union cross country coach Justin Parson said. “He had a lot of options for college and I feel he’s going to a great place. Lake is well-known around this area, so that helps him a bit. UNI has done a good job of checking in on him and recruiting him. Obviously, they have been able to see Lake do some big things. The sky’s the limit for him.”

LeBahn recently ended his successful cross country career as he placed seventh at State XC earlier this month. The La Porte City native finished third in the 1600m run at State Track back in May, also taking ninth in the 3200m run.

“[UNI] drew me because of the team atmosphere, like being a part of a family,” LeBahn said. “It’s like the same atmosphere I grew up with here, so I’m excited to see that.”

He will rejoin former teammate Tate Hookham and Union standout Megan Hudson both with the Panthers gearing to start up their varsity seasons.

“It’s pretty awesome to join Tate and Megan again,” LeBahn said. “Tate and I competed very hard in high school, making each other better. I’ve raced a couple of guys on the team and I’m excited to grow with them. I’m excited to watch Megan continue succeeding.”

LeBahn plans to work out with the cross country team as well at UNI to compete for a varsity spot. He will continue to run distance events and “whatever works” for the program.

“The staff have been extremely nice and answer any questions I have,” LeBahn said. “They give me advice when I need it and sat down with me to discuss how to get my times lower. I’ve enjoyed this process a lot.”

The senior is currently preparing for his final season of wrestling at Union and is currently rated the 10th best wrestler in 2A at 132 lbs. Afterwards, LeBahn will compete in his final season of track as the team looks to rebuild once more under coach Ben Bean.

“You can tell this is a place he wants to be because of how he’s smiling,” Bean said. “I went there, Mr. Parson went there. He can do a lot with his work ethic. We’ll get to work in the spring with getting as many seconds off his times as we can. We really want to get him in some relays this season as well. Maybe a 4×800 with some guys we’ve got this season. We’ve got goals for this last season and we hope to achieve them.”