The Norfolk State men's track team kicked off its 2010 outdoor season in solid fashion this past weekend with excellent showings in both Puerto Rico and North Carolina.

Sprinter Sean Holston was selected to run in the invitation-only Spring Break Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Competing against a field of collegians and professionals, Holston won the men's 400 meters in 46.73 seconds, just .02 off the meet record. In addition to several professionals in the race, Holston also edged out runners from Texas A&M, Florida International and Albany.

The rest of the Spartan men participated in the Wake Forest Open in Winston-Salem, N.C. NSU compiled 12 top-10 finishes. Senior Raphael Hall had the only victory, finishing first in the high jump (6-7.5).

Other top-five individual efforts included Philemon Kimutai in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (third place, 9:28.26), Amos Kipkosgei in the 1,500 (fourth, 3:54.93), Thomas Speller in the 200 (fifth, 21.42) and Aramis Massenburg in the 110 hurdles (fifth, 14.71).

In addition, both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams earned top-three finishes. The 4x400 team of Tyrell Moon, Speller, Vincent Brown and Kenneth Smith placed second in 3:13.31.

The 4x100 quartet of Speller, Tyqun Harris-Oxendine, Ramaan Ansley and Quentin Walker came in third in 41.77 seconds.

The Spartans return to the track this weekend at the Raleigh Relays hosted by North Carolina State.