Westfield freshmen Ben Parzich and Derik Noland lead the pack at the Smith College Invitational. (Submitted photo)
NORTHAMPTON – The Westfield State University men’s cross country team opened the 2013 season in fine fashion by finishing first in the Smith College Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 7.
The Owls placed first with 36 points in the 10-meet meet, edging WPI (41 points). Coast Guard was a distant third with 71 points.
Westfield placed five runners in the top 11, including three freshmen, to capture the invitational crown. The Owls were led by Ben Parzich, a 6-7, 183-pound freshman from Agawam who finished second in 16:32.36 on the 5,000 meter course. WPI’s Ryan Moran placed first in 16:26.93.
Westfield’s other top runners were: senior Mike Kelleher (6th), freshman Derik Noland (7th), junior Steve Connolly (10th), and freshman Chris Williams (11th).
