East Lansing, Mich. - The Michigan State Spartans are gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Big Ten Indoor Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, from February 26-28. For the second consecutive year, the Indiana State Fairgrounds will host this prestigious event, and the Spartans are ready to make their mark.
Returning to familiar territory, the Spartans previously competed at the Fairgrounds during the Heartland Invitational earlier this season. This time, the meet stretches over three days, promising a packed schedule of thrilling competition.
Day one kicks off with the men's heptathlon 60m at 11:30 a.m., quickly followed by the women's pentathlon 60m hurdles at 11:45 a.m. The evening will culminate with the distance medley relays, where the Spartan women, who secured a second-place finish last year with a time of 11:00.04, will look to shine again. The men's relay will wrap up the night at 6:55 p.m.
Reflecting on last year's performance, the Spartan women had a stellar showing, particularly in the distance medley relay. The team, featuring Kate Stewart-Barnett, Lexy Wilson, Shae Harbaugh, and Rachel Forsyth, captured attention with their podium finish.
On the second day of last year's championships, Michigan State athletes reached the podium seven times. Forsyth's fifth-place finish in the 3000m with a time of 9:11.99 was a highlight, alongside strong performances in the women's mile by Stewart-Barnett and Olivia Millen, contributing nine points.
Dillon Morlock made an impressive debut in the B1G Indoor Championships, securing a fifth-place finish in the shot put.
Thursday's schedule is packed with trials for running events, and the start of the heptathlon and pentathlon, featuring Dylan Terryberry and Tess Roman, respectively.
Friday shifts focus to field events, with All-American Elle Adrian competing in the women's weight throw and Leila Barmore in the women's long jump, both starting at 11:30 a.m. The men's weight throw follows at 3:15 p.m., and the day concludes with the 60m hurdle prelims.
Saturday promises all finals, starting at 11:30 a.m. with the men's high jump and women's triple jump. Rachel Forsyth and Andy Nolan will be in action in the 3000m finals, aiming to cap off the weekend with strong performances.
The Spartans are set to bring their best to Indianapolis, eager to build on past successes and make their presence felt in the Big Ten.