Virginia Union University's Alpha Balde has been named the CIAA Male Track Athlete of the Week, the CIAA announced on Wednesday, March 27.

Balde, a freshman from Baltimore, Md., who is majoring in Business Analytics,  finished in first place overall in both the 200 meter dash, and the 100 meter dash at the Fred Hardy Invitational, held at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Va., on Friday, March 22.

Balde recorded a personal best time of 21.74 seconds in the 200 meters and also set a personal record of 10.98 seconds in the 100 meters. 

The Fred Hardy Invitational consisted of mostly Division I track programs, including the University of Richmond, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, American University, Georgetown University, the College of William & Mary, Marist University, and Lehigh University.

"As we transition from indoor to outdoor track the sprinters are faced with different challenges," said VUU Assistant Track & Field Coach Bryan Gurley.  "The shortest race would now require a bit more strength to finish moving from 60 meters to 100 meters. The 200 meters no longer have separate turns (due to larger track). Alpha is up for the challenge, he continues to show a hunger to be at the top regardless of the event, track size or competitions talent pool. Simply said, he's willing to do the work, the results are showing."

The VUU Track & Field teams will now travel to Salisbury, N.C., to compete in the Blue Bear Invitational, hosted by Livingstone College on Saturday, March 30.