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Najem qualifies for USA Track Championship
BOSTON, MASS. 2/13/10 - Keene State College's Peter Najem has qualified for the USA Indoor Track National Championships that will take place Feb. 28 in Albuquerque, N.M. He's the first KSC runner to go to the championship.
The senior from Derry, N.H. earned the honor by placing fifth with a personal best time of 1:50.08 in the 800-meter race at the Boston University Valentine's Classic on Saturday.
"I couldn't believe it when I saw my time," said Najem. "A couple of runners dropped out and I was able to get into the faster heat."
Najem, who had used up his indoor eligibility at KSC, ran the race as an unattached runner. He has one more outdoor season left and has been working hard getting ready to join the Owl track team this spring. "I've been putting in some good miles." said Najem, who hopes to qualify for both the 800 and 1,500-meter races at the NCAA championships.
"Peter had a breakthrough season last year and has worked extremely hard getting ready for spring track," said KSC Coach Peter Thomas. "If he was eligible, his time would've been the fastest in the country.
Najem earned All-America honors with his fourth place finish in the 800-meter race at last year's NCAA Indoor Track Championships.
