WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State first-year Shea Hamel (Longmeadow, Mass.) earned conference recognition this past weekend as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week after posting strong contributions to the Owls second-place finish at the MASCAC Championship meet on Saturday.

Hamel was the leader of the Owls pack at the 5000m, cruising to a first-place tally with a 32-second lead by posting a time of 19:09.47. She also finished fourth in the 1500m by crossing the tape in 5:04.79.

On the season, Hamel has been one of the most consistent runners in the 5000m as she qualified for the New England Division III Championships earlier in the season at the Coast Guard Academy Spring Invite by racing towards the finish line in 18:38.36.

Westfield State qualifying athletes will be participating in the New England Division III Championship meet which will be held at Springfield College on Friday and Saturday where Hamel will be competing in the 5000m.