Baatz recorded two of the top throwing distances in the NCAA Division III with his efforts at the Badger Track & Field Classic on Jan. 12, and the North Central College (Ill.) Cardinal Opener on Jan. 18. Competing at the Badger Track & Field Classic, Baatz defeated the other 15 participants in the shot put with his school-record and nation-leading distance of 60-0 1/2. He also placed third among 15 contestants in the 35-pound weight throw with a mark of 62-8. At the North Central College Cardinal Opener, Baatz defeated 35 other entries in the shot put with a distance of 57-2 3/4. He also finished second out of 36 competitors in the 35-pound weight throw with a mark of 59-5 1/2. UW-Oshkosh scored 147 points to win the nine-team North Central College Cardinal Opener. UW-La Crosse finished second with 142 points. No team scores were kept at the Badger Track & Field Classic.
Also nominated:
UW-Eau Claire, Roger Steen, Sophomore, Luck, Wis.
UW-La Crosse, Isaac Vazquez, Senior, Arcadia, Wis.
UW-Stout, Charlie Royce, Sophomore, Stacy, Minn. (Forest Lake)
UW-Superior, Kenny McGee, Junior, Anaheim, Calif. (Magnolia)
UW-Whitewater, Justin Bowers, Sophomore, Lake Geneva, Wis.