WESTFIELD, Mass. – Bridgewater State University captured its first Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) men's outdoor track and field championship in 16 years on Saturday, April 28.

The Bears, who won their first and last title in 1996, edged MASCAC perennial power Westfield State to take home the first place trophy. Bridgewater compiled 190.5 points, followed by Westfield (175.5), Worcester State (146), Fitchburg State (58) and Massachusetts Maritime Academy (44).

Prior to this season, Westfield had won 27 of the past 29 championships, with Fitchburg capturing the crown in 2010.

Bridgewater finished first in six events in the highly competitive meet. Garnering first place finishes for the Bears were: David Phipps (3,000 steeplechase, 9:51.34), Matt Horan (110 hurdles, 15.62), Andy Sukeforth (1500, 3:59.10), Stephen Wahome (5,000, 15:30.49), Joshua Danner-Hicks (triple jump, 45'6.25") and Michael McPherson (shot put, 50'8.75").

Westfield was led by junior Tom Gauger, who set a new meet record in the pole vault by clearing 4.65 meters (15-3).

The other meet record was set by Fitchburg's Chris Kibler in the 10,000 meter run with a time of 31:20.89.

Westfield junior Brendan Corcoran was the lone double winner in the MASCAC meet, hitting the tape first in the 400 (48.87) and the 800 (1:53.94).

Other firsts were recorded by: Westfield Zack Madera (100, 11.02), Worcester's Jon Parrella (400 hurdles, 55.67), Worcester's Terrence Gibson (200, 22.03), Worcester's Matthew Begley (javelin, 56.13 meters), Fitchburg's Zachardy Desrochers (hammer throw, 53.36 meters), Worcesters' Duy Truong (long jump, 6.60 meters), Worcester's Andrew Johnson (high jump, 1.90 meters), and Westfields Justin Ehrhardt (discus, 44.06 meters).

The Worcester 4 x 100 (42.31) and 4 x 400 (3:23.24) relays squads edged out Westfield for first place.