University of Idaho senior thrower Blake Sturgis collected his second Big Sky Conference Athlete of the Week award of the 2026 outdoor track and field season following a standout performance at the Beach Invitational in Long Beach, California.
The Spokane native launched a personal-best throw of 71.32 meters (234 feet) in the javelin, breaking the 70-meter barrier for the first time in his collegiate career. The mark moves Sturgis into second place on the Vandals’ all-time list and ties him for 10th in Big Sky Conference history. Nationally, the throw ranks 18th among all NCAA competitors this season.
Consistent Excellence Throughout the Season
Sturgis has delivered strong results across all four meets this spring, finishing in the top three at each competition. The senior has surpassed the 66-meter (216 feet, 6 inches) mark in every outing, establishing himself as one of only three Big Sky athletes to record a throw beyond 70 meters during the current outdoor season.
The recognition marks Sturgis’ second conference weekly honor of 2026, having previously earned the distinction in March alongside sprinter Keenan Kuntz. His latest award represents Idaho’s sixth Athlete of the Week honor of the outdoor season, following recent recognition for Hanna Tait and both the men’s and women’s 4×100-meter relay teams.
Strong Start in Black and Gold
Competing in his first season with the Vandals after transferring to the university, Sturgis has made an immediate impact on the program’s record books. His javelin performances have positioned him as a leading contender heading into the Big Sky Conference Championships.
The senior’s progression throughout the season demonstrates the type of steady improvement coaches look for as championship meets approach. Each competition has built toward bigger throws, culminating in the 71.32-meter performance that rewrote his personal standards and elevated his standing among conference competitors.
What Comes Next
The Vandals will remain in the Palouse region for their next competition, traveling to Pullman for the Cougar Classic hosted by Washington State University. The two-day meet is scheduled for Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25.
The competition serves as one of the final preparation meets before the Big Sky Conference Championships, giving Idaho’s track and field athletes additional opportunities to post qualifying marks and refine their performances ahead of the season’s most important competition.
Sturgis will aim to continue his consistent excellence as the Vandals build momentum toward the conference meet. With six athlete-of-the-week honors already collected by Idaho competitors this outdoor season, the program enters the final stretch of regular-season competition with multiple athletes performing at high levels across various events.