Lansing Sun

Spartan All-American Paul Terek is set to be inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class. The induction ceremony will occur on September 13, followed by a recognition event during the Michigan State-Prairie View A&M football game at Spartan Stadium on September 14.

Terek is joined in this year's class by Jessica (Beech) Bograkos from softball, Anson Carter from ice hockey, Darqueze Dennard from football, Beth (Rohl) Saylors from women's track & field, Laura (Kueny) Smith, and the historic 1965-1966 football teams. These teams are notably the first to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Paul Terek expressed his emotions upon learning about his induction. "I felt a big sense of accomplishment," he said. "I've always wanted to be in the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame, and for me, it was such an honor."

A former Olympian who represented the U.S. in Athens in 2004, Terek joins other Spartan legends like Savatheda Fynes Coke and Judi Brown in the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Reflecting on his time at Michigan State University from 1998-2002, he recalled being inspired by past athletes' achievements displayed at Jenison Field House.

Terek's career highlights include setting records in both indoor and outdoor pole vaults and earning multiple Big Ten titles across various events including decathlon and heptathlon. He became a four-time track & field All-American during his tenure at MSU.

Terek acknowledges that his success was supported by family efforts: "If they had a free weekend and I had a track meet, they were in the car driving or flying in a plane," he said.

His coaches also played pivotal roles throughout his athletic journey at MSU. Recalling a significant conversation with Coach Darroll Gatson among others: "That was assurance these guys had faith in me to do great things," Terek noted.

Among numerous accolades achieved over two years between indoor seasons through outdoor championships - particularly becoming Men's Outdoor Track & Field Big Ten Athlete for both '01-'02 consecutive seasons – stands out prominently alongside other recognitions like receiving United States Track Coaches Association Great Lakes Region honors plus being named Alderton Male Athlete within university circles earlier back then too before now adding this prestigious hall-of-fame status overall lately more recently again nowadays!