Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State University
Notre Dame Invitational
Brad Gebauer Qualifies Provisionally For NCAA Indoor Championships
1/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
Jan. 21, 2006
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The Michigan State men's track and field team capped off an impressive showing at the Notre Dame Opener Friday night with six individual titles. The Fighting Irish hosted Loyola University, DePaul University, Butler University, Hillsdale College, Windsor (Ontario) as well as the Spartans in an unscored competition.
Brad Gebauer (Bad Axe) highlighted the night for the Spartans with an NCAA provisional mark in the pole vault. Gebauer finished first in the competition by clearing a height of 17' 1 ¾" (5.20 meters). Finishing second to Gebauer was sophomore Thomas Stornant (Portland), clearing a height of 15' 5" (4.70 m).
In other field events, the Spartans took first and third in the long jump paced by freshman Jonathon Allen (Lansing) jumping 21' 9" (6.63 m). Freshman Christian Selent (Munster, Ind.) placed third with a jump of 20' 9" (6.34 m). Junior Jason Brown (South Bend, Ind.) closed out the victories in the field events by winning the shot put with a heave of 53' 10 ¼" (16.41 m).
The running events held similar successes with Phil Marlatt (Williamston) winning the 800-meter run in 1:49.61 and teammate Bobby Sherman (Grand Ledge) finishing a close second in 1:51.97. Both runners clocked personal best times with Marlatt narrowly missing the NCAA provisional mark. Junior Kyle Sweeney took first place honors in the 60-meter hurdles running 8.26, while freshman Dewayne Lewis (Denver, Colo.) ran away with the victory in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.98.
"The athletes continued to compete very well and it showed in their improved performances. The true tests will come in the next few weeks as we prepare for the Big Ten Championships," said MSU head coach Darroll Gatson.
The Spartans also experienced success in the mile run placing second, third and fourth, respectively. Senior Nick Oertel finished strong and came from behind to finish second, running 4:13.66, narrowly defeating teammates Jim Pancoast (4:13.79) and Stephan Shay (4:13.94).
"Nick is really running well and should have a great senior year," distance coach Walt Drenth said.
The Spartans will be sending half of their squad to the Akron Invitational in Akron, Ohio, next weekend as the other half rests up for the Meyo Invitational back in South Bend on Feb. 3-4.
