NORTHAMPTON, MASS. 12/1/12 - Keene State College opened up its indoor track season with several strong performances at the Smith College Winter Classic in Northampton, Mass. on Saturday.

"It was a good first meet," said KSC Coach Peter Thomas.  "The kids were happy to get out of practice and begin competition." 

Junior Ryan Widzgowski (Camden, Maine) had a big day on the track for the Keene State men's team, racing to wins in the 800-meter (1:58.64) and mile (4:20.08) races. 

Freshman Devin Sanford (Holliston, Mass.) also placed second in the 400 with a time of 53.64.  Freshman Hayden Patterson (Dover, N.H.) took third in the mile (4:35.08).

The Owls had a solid showing in field events.  KSC swept the top three spots in the weight throw with freshman Fred Matthews (West Islip, N.Y.) winning the event with a toss of 45'-11.25".  Freshman Robert Palazzo (Providence, R.I.) took second (43'-04.50") and sophomore Ben Keach (Newfields, N.H.) finished third (40'-03.50").  Keach also won the shot-put with a mark of 44'-09.44'). 

KSC throwing Coach John Napolitano said it was what he expected.  "I figured we would have the strongest throwers there.  It's nice for Fred to start off his college career with a win. Fred and Palazzo are going to be battling back and forth all season."

Freshman Taylor Starbird (Windsor Locks, Conn.) was third in the triple jump (39'-07.75").

Senior Janel Haggerty (Guilford, Conn.) led the Keene State women's team with a pair of second place finishes in the high jump (5'-01.75") and the 60-meter hurdles (9.55). 

Freshman Allison Brady (Weymouth Mass.) was second in the 800 (2:27.47) while freshman Lauren Markoe (Lagrangeville, N.Y.) finished second in the 600 (1:41.95). Junior Marie Whitney (Jaffrey, N.H.) placed third in the mile (5:33.84) and the 800 (2:33.51.).

The KSC women also had a fine day in field events.  Sophomores Courtney Hartwell (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) Sarah DiTonno (Wakefield, Mass.) placed second (41'-08.00') and third (39'-10.75") respectively in the weight throw. Freshman Lucia Martin (Swanzey, N.H.) also finished second in the pole vault with a height of 9'-06.25").

Keene State will compete next Friday at the Brandeis Invitational.