Lake Superior State University Math Professor Tom Boger presents track and field’s Justin Balczak with the Jim Fallis Award during an all-sports banquet April 17 at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

Justin Balczak, a 2011 graduate of Cedar Springs High School, has won the Jim Fallis Award, from Lake Superior State University.

The award, named after LSSU’s All-American wrestler and former director of athletics, goes to an All-American or student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom and in his or her sport.

Balczak, a junior at LSSU, is a four-time All-American in the multi-events. He finished second in the NCAA Outdoor decathlon last spring and third the year before. At the NCAA Indoor Championships, he has finishes of 10th, second and fifth in the heptathlon. He owns LSSU school records in both events, along with the indoor 55-meter hurdles, and outdoor 110-meter hurdles and pole vault.

He got off to a slow start during this year’s NCAA Indoor heptathlon, but improved throughout the meet, topping off his performance with a first-place finish in the shot put. He went on to finish fifth in the event. He is red-shirting during this outdoor season.

Balczak took first place in hgh jump.

Justin Balczak, a 2011 graduate of Cedar Springs High School, and freshman this year at Lake Superior State University, earned the title of All-American for finishing third in the men’s decathlon at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Colorado State-Pueblo last weekend.

Balczak competed in 10 events over a two-day period, setting six personal records. On day one he placed first in the high jump (6-08.25 – a personal record); placed third in the shot put (42-04.25 – a personal record); fourth in the 400-meter dash (50.33); fifth in the 100m dash (11.30 – a personal record) and seventh in the long jump (21-06.75).

He finished day one in third place overall, with 5 events to go on Friday, and stayed consistently strong.

On day two, Balczak finished second in the high hurdles (14.54 – a personal record); third in the discus (129-4 – a personal record); third in the javelin (172.07 – a personal record); ninth in the 1500m run (5.09:21); and tenth in the pole vault (12-.05.5).

Patrick Smith of Chico State won the decathlon with 7,366 points, followed by Darius Walker of Central Missouri State with 7,185 and Balczak with 7,072.

While in high school, Balczak was a state champion in the 110m high hurdles and holds school records in the high hurdles, 300m low hurdles, and the 800m relay. He is the son of Mark and Ann Balczak of Cedar Springs.

Congratulations, Justin!