NORTHMAMPTON, Mass. – Westfield State got strong performances from John Nekitopoulos, Gordon Johnson, and Justin Kennedy as all three ran New England Division III Championship qualifying times as the Owls placed second at the Westfield State Invitational indoor track and field meet hosted at Smith College on Saturday.
Nekitopoulos and Johnson ran 1-2 in the 800 meters, both eclipsing the two-minute mark as Nekitopoulos hit the tape first in 1:59.50, 33/100th of a second ahead of Johnson, who ran just off Nekitopoulos' shoulder throughout the race.
In the 600 meters, Kennedy ran 1:26.45 to win the event.
Westfield's Brenden LaForest doubled up in winning the 200 (23:25) and the 400 meters (50.95).
Brogan Madden topped the high jump with a mark of 1.85 meters.
Dylan Clark won the men's 35-lb. weight throw (13.80 meter) and placed second in the shot put (12.88 meters).
The Owls 4x400 unit of Kennedy, Johnson, Rowan Gottschall and Colin Mahoney took top honors with a time of 3:37.17
Mike Maher took second place in the 1000 meters.
Fitchburg State edged the Owls in the team scoring 153-141, with Worcester State (71) and UMass Boston (37) checking in third and fourth. Taban Manyok swept the men's mile and 3000 meters to provide 20 points for the Falcons.
Westfield State will next compete at the Wheaton Invitational in Norton, Mass. next Saturday, February 18.