May 24, 2012

RESULTS

JACKSONVILLE, FL. - Junior Lonnie Pugh claimed first place in the Men's Discus Throw to lead Michigan State on Day 1 of NCAA East Preliminary Round competiton in Jacksonsville.

Pugh launched the discus a distance of 58.39 meters (191-7) on his third attempt of the day - just under a foot short of his own personal-best, school-record throw of 192-5 in 2009.

Pugh won't be the only thrower making the trip to Drake for the national semifinals. 

His teammate Antonio James placed tenth overall, making the finals with a toss of 54.61 meters (179-2), smashing his old record of 53.59 which he set at the Jesse Owens Track Classic.

The Spartans had two additonal athletes qualify for the quarterfinals on Friday.  Jaelynn Pryor placed second in the sixth heat of the womens' 400-meter hurdles with a time of 59.23 - good for fourteenth overall.  In order to advance, Pryor had to finish within the top three of her heat.

Junior Joe Banyai will also move on to the quarterfinals on Friday after running 1:50.36 for fifth in his heat in the 800 Meters.  Banyai was able to advance based on his time being within the Top 28 - the top three runners from each of the six heats advance, while an additional nine are guaranteed entry based on how their time compares overall.

Day 2 Preliminary competion will begin tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. with Men's Hammer Throw.  Live Results for the remainder of the weekend can be found by visiting: http://www.flashresults.com/2012_Meets/outdoor/05-24-NCAAEast/