Antwan Kelly set a new Track and Field record on Feb. 13 in the weight throw event with a toss of 17.90-meters at the 2023 Boston University Valentine Invitational. He broke his previous 17.83-meter record. 

Kelly has surpassed 17 meters five times this season alone. He is the only Pioneer in history to pass 17 meters and made the feat look relatively easy. 

“He has added over a meter to an already impressive school record in the #35 weight throw, and is continuing to improve,” Track and Field Coach James Lemieux said. ”I am excited to see what happens at Empire 8 this weekend, and AARTFC next weekend.”

There were 31 participants in the weight toss event and Kelly finished fourth overall. Kelly was named the Empire 8 Co-Indoor Field Athlete of the Week for his success at the invitational, marking his fourth Empire 8 award. 

Kelly is admired by his peers and his coaches. 

“Antwan has been a delight to work with over the years, even more so this year,” Lemieux said. “His determination and work ethic have been stellar all year. He has become a true student of the sport, and his performances are showing the results.” 

On Feb. 17, Kelly continued his dominance in the Shot Put event. He took first place as he was able to toss 16.86 meters. His toss would be over two meters better than second place. 

Kelly works hard to achieve success, which is proven by his performance. However, he is much more than what his numbers show. 

“He is also a team first type of athlete, always being one to cheer on his teammates and help out if I am not able to be around,” Lemieux said.

Kelly said his successful season can be attributed to the way he prepares for each track meet. 

“I go into every week more prepared and more comfortable every week this year because of the coaching I started holding myself more accountable in the classroom and in the weight room to make me the student-athlete that I can be every week,” Kelly said.

He had high praise for not only himself, but also his coaches and teammates. Pre-game is when many athletes try to get “in the zone” mentally and Kelly also uses that time to prepare himself. 

“I try to get into a flow where I feel good and confident in my ability as an athlete,” he said.

Men’s track and field will travel to Nazareth College the weekend of Feb. 25 through to the 26 as part of the Empire 8 Indoor Championships.