FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Freshman thrower Lonnie Pugh (Grosse Ile, Mich.) was the only Spartan to compete during day two of the NCAA Championships, hosted by the University of Arkansas at John McDonnell Stadium on Thursday. Pugh placed 14th overall in the men's discus throw, registering a toss of 55.72m (182-10) in his final of three throws. Although he missed qualifying for the event finals by only two spots, Pugh placed the highest of any freshman in the event and threw better than the mark that won him the Big Ten title.


"All in all, Lonnie had a great freshman season and he has learned how to be a really good competitor," director of track & field Walt Drenth said. "A lot of freshman can come into this meet and not do well at all. They can get caught up in the surroundings and not do really well but he threw really well. He just missed scoring for us today, but there is not doubt in my mind that he will be back at nationals and be a scorer for us."


Despite not advancing to the finals, Pugh had one of the most successful freshman seasons in program history. He became the first Spartan thrower ever to win a Big Ten Championship on the men's side during the outdoor season. He shattered the school record in the event with a toss of 58.65m (192-5) and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors. Pugh will compete at the Junior National Championships this summer.


The Spartans will resume competition at the NCAA Championships on Friday as four competitors will partake in their respective events. Nicole Bush (Wyoming, Mich.) will compete in the 3,000m steeplechase finals after running the fastest time in the preliminary heats of the event. Bush will run at 7:40 p.m. (ET) while senior Lisa Senakiewich (Davison, Mich.) will run in the 5,000m run finals at 9:40 p.m. (ET). Sprinter Jeremy Orr (Detroit, Mich.) will also compete in the 400m dash semifinals at 8:25 p.m. (ET). Each event will can be seen live on CBS College Sports. For a complete recap of tomorrow's action, check back with www.msuspartans.com