BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UW-River Falls track and field team wrapped up day one of the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships Friday at the Birmingham CrossPlex, highlighted by a strong opening day from junior Jacob Balcome in the men's heptathlon.

Balcome sits atop the standings after the first four events of the heptathlon, totaling 3,039 points to lead the 20 athlete field heading into Saturday's final three events. Balcome opened the day with a 7.24 in the 60m before posting a 6.68m mark in the long jump. The junior continued to stack points in the shot put with a throw of 12.90m, closing out the day with a dominant performance in the high jump, clearing 2.04m to win the event and maintain his position atop the leaderboard.

Balcome holds an 86-point lead over Central College's Kale Hobart heading into Saturday's final day of competition. The heptathlon will resume with the 60m hurdles at 10 a.m., followed by the pole vault at 10:50 a.m., before concluding with the 1000m at 2 p.m.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Falcons were represented in the women's weight throw by Lauryn Schutz and Ali Clifford, as both competed against the nation's top throwers.

Schutz recorded a top mark of 16.78m during the competition to finish 12th overall, while Clifford followed closely behind with a best throw of 16.70m to place 13th. The pair of Falcon throwers capped off strong indoor campaigns with appearances on the national stage earning USTFCCCA Second-Team All-America honors. 

Saturday will bring two more opportunities for the Falcons at the national championships. Balcome will look to maintain his lead and close out the heptathlon, while Yaih Marial is set to compete in the men's high jump final later in the afternoon.