PAXTON, Mass. – Westfield State's men's cross country team used their 'pack running' style well en route to a second place team finish at the 2019 MASCAC championship meet at Moore State Park.
The top Owl finisher was freshman Jack Merck (West Springfield, Mass.), who finished in ninth overall with a time of 28:03, good for MASCAC Rookie of the Year honors. Tenth-place finisher Zac Bentley (Acushnet, Mass) was also named All-Conference for Westfield State.
"The men ran great as a team," said Owls' head coach Bill Devine.
They were followed in by Conner Grady (Douglas, Mass.) in 11th and Cam Bean (Stoughton, Mass.) in 12th, as just 25 seconds spanned that foursome.
Senior Kevin Rayner (Pittsfield, Mass.) and freshman Anthony DiStauro (Milford, Mass.) finished 18th and 19th, and Collin Rice came in 27th to complete the Owls lineup.
"Our senior leaders have really done a nice job and helped to bring our freshman class along through the year," said Devine. "Its a good group of kids. They come to practice every day and work hard and do the best they can with a smile on their face."
The Owls finished with 60 points in the team scoring.
Bridgewater State University was crowned MASCAC Champion with 37 points. The Bears were led by senior Trevor Wysong, who was named MASCAC Runner of the Year with a first place finish, crossing the line in 25:57. Mike Hutchinson and Josh Higgins also earned All-Conference honors for top 10 finishes for Bridgewater.
Bridgewater State's Connor Foley was named MASCAC Coach of the Year following the race.
Westfield will take a break next weekend, while training for the NCAA Division III regional meet at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine on November 16.