Men's Track Preview: Big Ten Outdoor Championships
5/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
May 11, 2006
The Michigan State men's and women's track and field teams will join forces with the Big Ten to host the 2006 Outdoor Championships at the Ralph Young Track and Field Complex on May 12-14. Here's a preview of some of MSU's top athletes on the men's team who will be competing at the championships.
Brad Gebauer - Pole Vault
Senior Brad Gebauer enters the Big Ten Outdoor Championships as the two-time reigning indoor champion in the pole vault. Earlier this season Gebauer defended his indoor title with a vault of 18-0 1/2 at the University of Iowa, setting an Iowa Fieldhouse record. The vault qualified Gebauer for the NCAA Indoor Championships, where he posted a leap of 17-10 1/2, finishing fourth overall and earning All-America honors. Gebauer was the first Spartan to earn indoor All-American honors since Paul Terek (Decathalon) and Steve Sherer (3,000 meters) in 2002.
In the outdoor season, Gebauer claimed first at the Bulldog Invitational with a leap of 17-9 1/4, the top showing in the Big Ten thus far this spring.
The pole vault competition begins Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
What does it mean to you for MSU to be hosting the Big Ten Championships?
"We are real excited to host. It's a great chance for family members and friends to come watch me pole vault who haven't seen me since high school."
What's the difference between pole vaulting indoors and outdoors?
"Obviously when you're indoors, you don't have to worry about the weather, which could be a factor outside for us this weekend. Indoors, you take all the variables away. Outdoors, the weather definitely changes your approach. Personally, I like to vault better outdoors, so hopefully it all comes together this weekend."
You are close to the school record in the pole vault. What's your goal to clear?
"Well, I want to clear 18-1 (5.51 meters), which would beat the school record currently held by Paul Terek (18-0 1/2). My highest jump this season was 17-9 1/4 down in Georgia, so I know I can do it. That meet was a good measuring stick for where I stack up nationally because there was some real good competition down there. I know I can compete right there with the best. My ultimate goal is to place in the top-three at nationals. I was in the top-four at the NCAA Indoor meet, but I would really like to crack the top-three."
What's your mindset going into a competition, and how does that change if you've missed a couple of jumps?
"Luckily this year I've been pretty consistent, so I haven't had to worry too much about clearing heights on my third jump just to move up, but honestly, I love the pressure. I love when you have to make that jump and deliver."
Phil Marlatt - Mid-Distance
Marlatt has qualified for regional competition in the 800 meters after running a 1:50.00 in the event at the Bulldog Invitational in Athens, Ga., on April 22. Marlatt is a native of nearby Williamston, Mich.
What does it mean to you for MSU to be hosting the Big Ten Championships?
"It's really great for the area to be able to come out and see us in action. It's going to be fun knowing family and friends are in the stands. We're really relaxed and just want to enjoy ourselves while competing at a high level. It makes a big difference when you're at home. We've been anticipating this for awhile. We really want to improve our standing in the Big Ten, and this is a good chance to show everyone we've been improving. We gained some momentum from indoors, now we just need to keep getting better and advance more guys to the finals."
 Phil Marlatt  | |
How do you feel about Coach Drenth being named head coach of the program?
"I'm real excited for him. We've all been pulling for him all season. He doesn't settle for mediocrity on the team and has really brought everyone together."
John Childress - Hurdles
Versatile sprinter John Childress has competed in four events for the Green and White this season. A stalwart in the 110-meter hurdles, Childress's season-best time of 14.28 has already earned him a trip to regionals.
Additionally, Childress has posted a season-best time of 10.98 in the 100-meter dash and has helped pace Spartan relay teams in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter competitions. Trials for the men's 110-meter hurdles begin Saturday at 4:35 p.m.
How do you feel about Coach Drenth being named head coach of the program?
"I'm really glad for him. He's made a big push for everyone to work together as a team. He brought us all together during the indoor season and told everyone to put their best foot forward, to move on and grow as a team, and that gave us a lot of confidence. He put what he expects from us on the table, and he's doing his best to take the team to a higher level."
What have been the keys to your success?
"My improved technique and form has really helped me out, along with my style of running. I'm more comfortable now that I've ever been. I've never gone this far in my career, so qualifying for regionals was a great feeling."