NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Worcester State University's standout thrower, Sam Weeks (Methuen, Mass.) took an 11th place finish in the weight throw at the NCAA Division III National Championships this Friday with a throw of 17.45m.

"He was determined to be among the best this season and he certainly was that," commented head coach Al Halper.  "He also joins an elite group of Worcester State Track and Field Athletes who have earned the opportunity to compete on the national level."

"The great thing is that he still has a competitive outdoor season ahead of him which is exciting for him personally but also for his team to which he contributes greatly to their overall success," said Halper.  "He can only add more accolades to his collection. Sam will throw the shot put, discus and hammer during the spring. Once again he will be looking to take a trip back to the national championships, this time in outdoors."

"It was truly an honor going through this weekend with Sam," commented Worcester State throwing coach Shawn McCabe.  "Though it wasn't the outcome that he and I had hoped for, for him to have the opportunity to go out there and not only compete against some of the best D3 throwers in the country but also finish his indoor season ranked among them is still an incredible accomplishment in its own."

" It's a quick turn-around to the outdoor season so using this experience as motivation will only push Sam to be more focused and determined to return to this stage once the spring season gets underway,"  said McCabe.  "It's going to be a fun season for all the athletes involved."

"Now having been to the national meet, he will be even more hungry to better his finish in indoors and gain All-American status in at least one outdoor event," concluded Halper.