Michigan State University Athletics
Track & Field Honored by Big Ten Conference
3/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
March 4, 2009
Track & Field Coverage
Becca
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The 2008-09 Michigan State track & field team saw several of its athletes earn Big Ten Conference honors this week, highlighted by thrower Beth Rohl (New Buffalo, Mich.), who was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and an All-Big Ten first team selection. Joining Rohl on the All-Big Ten first team is fellow freshman Becca Buchholtz (East Troy, Wis.). Both Rohl and Buchholtz became the first Spartan freshmen in school history to earn Big Ten titles, winning the weight throw and high jump, respectively. Senior Lisa Senakiewich (Davison, Mich.) was honored as Michigan State's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. This marks the sixth consecutive season that a Spartan has been named to the All-Big Ten team.
"We are extremely proud of Beth and Becca. It is a great accomplishment for a freshman to score in the Big Ten, and they were both Big Ten Champions - that should speak volumes about their accomplishments," director of track & field Walt Drenth said. "In a short period, they have nurtured their talent and trusted coaches John Newell and Chris Bostwick. Both Becca and Beth are tremendous teammates who at a young age have embraced the notion of building the track & field program to Big Ten Championship status; we look forward to their continued maturation and success."
With the honor, Rohl becomes the first Spartan since Susan Francis in 1991 to take home Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Rohl emerged as one of the Spartan's top throwers throughout the indoor season, but saved her best for the Big Ten Championships. Rohl owned four of the team's top five weight throw marks heading into the championships, but smashed her personal-best with a toss of 19.06m (62-6 1/2) at the meet, earning her first place. Rohl's toss at the Big Ten Championships tops the conference and ranks 24th in the nation.
Buchholtz has been equally as impressive throughout the indoor season. Despite spending the majority of the season as a multi-event specialist, Buchholtz cleared 1.79m (5-10 1/2) at the Big Ten Championships in the high jump, taking home top honors. Buchholtz cleared each height on her first attempt as well, the only competitor to do so in the event. Her height is an NCAA provisional qualifying mark and ranks her 24th in the nation and first in the Big Ten.
Senakiewich was the Spartan's top distance runner throughout the season, setting NCAA provisional marks in the mile and 3,000m run. Her season-best time of 4:40.91 broke Anne Pewe's 27-year school record in the mile run.
The Spartans will compete at the Notre Dame Alex Wilson Last Chance Meet this Friday and Saturday. For a complete recap, check back with www.msuspartans.com.
Players Mentioned
