Spartans to Compete in the GVSU Bob Eubanks Open

Jan. 12, 2012

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State track & field team will begin its 2012 indoor season this weekend by traveling to Grand Valley State University to compete in the Bob Eubanks Open at the Kelly Family Sports Center. The event begins on Friday (Jan. 13). The men's heptathlon and women's pentathlon will begin at 10 a.m. while the running and field events will begin at 3 p.m. Multi-events will finish on Saturday (Jan. 14) morning at 10 a.m.

The men will be led this season by senior thrower Lonnie Pugh, junior pole-vaulter Codi Mattix, and redshirt junior high jumper Kevin Jackson. Pugh was a USATF First-Team All American in 2011 and currently holds the school record in the discus. Mattix claimed USATF Second-Team All American honors with a personal-best jump of 5.20m (17-0 ¾). Jackson participated in the NCAA Division I East Preliminary round and recorded a high jump of 2.11m in 2011.

The distance team is led by NCAA East Preliminary Round Qualifier Josh McAlary who ran a personal best 4:06.55 mile at the GVSU Big Meet last season.

3-time Big 10 Champion Becca Buchholtz will lead the women in the high jump. Buchholtz, who was a NCAA East Preliminary Round Qualifier last season, holds the school record at 1.82m (5-11 1/2).

Sophomore Ashley Stacey returns after earning a silver medal in the long jump at the Pan American Junior Championships. Stacey, who owns the school record in the long jump (6.33m / 20-9), was a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American.

Multiple record holder Beth Rohl will continue her dominance in the throwing events. Rohl owns school records in the weight throw (20.04m / 65-9), discus (55.94m / 183-6), and hammer throw (60.28m / 197-9). She was a USATF Indoor and Outdoor First-Team All-American as well as the Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year.

The Spartans will return to action next weekend for the Notre Dame Invite on Jan. 21.