Utica University Athletics

Freshman Breiten Balschmiter, of the Utica College track and field team, was named male Athlete of the Week for the week ending Jan. 16. Balschmiter became the program’s first national qualifier in the shot put Saturday at the RIT Invitational.

He surpassed the NCAA provisional mark (15.50m) by .36 meters with a throw of 15.86 meters. Balschmiter missed a automatic spot in NCAA post-season competition by less than a meter. The NCAA automatic qualifying mark is 16.70 meters.

Competing in three meets thus far, the freshmen thrower has become progressively better. In his first collegiate meet at the Cornell Relays, he recorded a throw of 14.23 meters. Then, the next week at St. Lawrence Holiday Relays, he qualified for ECAC post-season competition with a first place toss of 14.49 meters.

The Pioneers return to action Saturday as they travel to St. Lawrence University. The meet will be held at Newell Field House and is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.