Balcome had a record-breaking performance to win the men's decathlon at the UW-La Crosse Phil Esten Challenge April 16-17, totaling 7,195 points to surpass his own school record and move into second nationally in NCAA Division III. Balcome recorded five event victories over the two-day competition, taking first in the 100-meter hurdles (15.01), high jump (1.93m), pole vault (4.25m), shot put (12.76m), and 1500m (4:29.51), while adding runner-up finishes in the 400m and discus.