BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Auburn track & field opened the 2022 NCAA Indoor Championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex with a pair of solid outings from the senior duo of Alex Spyridonidis and Madi Malone on Friday.
Spyridonidis kickstarted the action for the Tigers, competing in the first four events of the men's heptathlon. The All-American from Hanover, Germany registered career bests in three of his day one events, the 60m (7.03), shot put (14.24m/46-8.75) and high jump (2.00m/6-6.75), to end Friday's competition with a hefty 3,260 points.
Spyridonidis sits in seventh place heading into day two of heptathlon competition.
"Being able to go out there and put together your best performances on the biggest stage is an incredible feat, and that's what Alex did today," Tigers head coach Ralph Spry said. "He's put himself in a great position to go out strong tomorrow."
Malone followed suit, continuing the tear she's been on all season. On her fourth attempt at the women's weight throw, she threw for 22.63m/74-3 to lock down eighth place and score her sixth career point at NCAA Indoors. Malone's mark ranks as the sixth-best throw in school history, only to be bested by five other throws from Malone herself.
With a top-eight finish, Malone also becomes a USTFCCCA All-American for the fourth time in her indoor career.
"Madi exemplifies what it means to be a competitor," Spry said. "She's one of the toughest throwers in the country. We're very proud of her indoor season, but we're even more excited to watch her transfer that strength and momentum into outdoor season."
UP NEXT
The second and final day of NCAA competition begins tomorrow with Spyridonidis taking on the heptathlon 60m hurdles at 10:30 a.m. CST. Senior Dontavious Hill will also make his meet debut in the men's high jump at 12:30 p.m. CST.
NCAA Indoors
Birmingham CrossPlex
Birmingham, Ala.
March 11, 2022
MEN'S HEPTATHLON
7. Alex Spyridonidis 3,260 pts (through day one)
60m 7.03*
Long Jump 7.12m/23-4.50
Shot Put 14.24m/46-8.75*
High Jump 2.00m/6-6.75*
WOMEN'S WEIGHT THROW
8. Madi Malone 22.63m/74-3