KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Life (Ga.) junior Darius Barge of Hazlehurst, Georgia, has been named the Men’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week after delivering the top shot put performance in the NAIA this season.

Competing at the Emory Dooley Elite on April 4, 2026, Barge produced a meet-winning throw of 17.54 meters to take first place in a 24-athlete field, separating himself from a strong group of competitors with a mark that now stands as the NAIA’s leading distance.

Barge’s 17.54-meter effort also met the “A” standard, underscoring both the quality and consistency of his performance at this point in the outdoor campaign. His ability to rise to the occasion at a high-level meet and come away with a victory speaks to the momentum he is building for Life U as the season progresses and championship preparation intensifies.

The Running Eagles will head to the Alabama Crimson Tide Invite on April 10.