On the strength of Andrew O’Donnell’s winning performance in the 400-yard meter run, the Greenwich boys track and field team team placed a strong sixth out of 64 squads at the ultra-competitive CIAC State Open recently.

The Cardinals finished with a team score of 24 points at the meet at Willow Brook Park in New Britain, which was won by Hillhouse High School .

O’Donnell, a senior who will soon be competing on the track and field team at the University of Pennsylvania, won the 400-meter run title at the State Open. He captured the gold medal with a time of 47.90 seconds, giving the Cardinals 10 team points in the process.

“Winning the State Open was very relieving for me this year,” O’Donnell said. “As a defending champion, I had a lot of pressure and great competition.”

Samuel Sandler of Hall finished second in the 400-meter event in 48.47. Greenwich’s Gianluca Bianchi, a junior, earned the third-place medal in the 400, registering a time of 48.58.

“It was a true honor to be able to run against such fierce competitors and I wish them all the best in their years to come,” O’Donnell said.

The Cardinals also excelled in the 4×400-meter relay. Sophomore Harrison Goldenberg, Bianchi, senior ZJ Jelinek and Cameron Williams combined for an impressive second place finish at the State Open, clocking in at 3:21.83. Hall won the race in 3:20.47.

Bianchi finished 15th in the 200-meter dash (23.16) and Greenwich’s 4×800 relay comprised of senior Robert Enslein, sophomore Antonio Ciccarelli, senior Quinn Collins and sophomore Aidan Fay placed 11th in 8:12.18.

Zach Carifa, a senior, posted a 14th place finish in the long jump for the Cards (20.01.00).