BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Westfield State junior Amy O'Sullivan (Greenfield, Mass.) set a school record in the 10,000 meters in the Owls' first outdoor track and field meet in nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

O'Sullivan ran the 25 laps in 37:46.44, breaking the old record of 38:02.5 set by Heather Wenninger in 2006.   O'Sullivan's performance is also the fastest in the country in NCAA Division III so far this season, more than 17 seconds ahead of the nearest rival.

"That's unbelievable," said Westfield State head coach Sean O'Brien, who said he didn't initially realize it was a school record time.  "And to do it in the first meet of the year, and against a small field in the race is even more impressive."

"Amy and (assistant coach) Marlee (Berg-Haryasz) have a great working relationship, and it's obviously worked out well to end up with the number one ranking ."

"Amy  puts in the time and effort – a lot of it by herself,   lonely distance running. She has the same work ethic as other great runners we've had like Kerry Arouca and Jessie Cardin."

Other winners for the Owls included Moira McDonald in the 400 meters (1:02.30), Kayla Whitcomb in the 5000 meters (19:47.00), Carly Smith (1.48m) in the high jump, Lina Lark (4.77m) in the long jump.

Mia McDonald placed second in the 5000 just behind Whitcomb with a strong time of 19:49.51, and Grace Poplawski was third in 21:06.87.

"Amy, Kayla, Mia McDonald, that whole group did pretty well," said O'Brien. "We could use a few more like them."

No team scores were kept at the meet.  The Owls will be idle next week before competing in the Jim Sheehan Invitational at Fitchburg State on Saturday, April 10.