New Orleans, La. - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced their weekly Athletes of the Week on Tuesday. Peyton Barton was named NCAA Division II Athlete of the Week by the organization following his record-setting performance on Friday. He becomes just the third male athlete from Missouri Southern to be tabbed with the honor. 

Barton and the Missouri Southern track & field programs traveled to Maryville, Missouri this past Friday and Saturday, competing in the Bearcat Invite hosted by Northwest Missouri. At the meet, Peyton Barton had another record-setting performance in the weight throw, shattering his school record and breaking both the meet and facility record. On his final attempt, Barton threw a distance of 22.62m to break the record he set last week of 22.31m. He was already leading all of NCAA Division II in the event, but that mark puts him nearly a full meter ahead of the second best toss this season. Additionally, that performance places him 4th on the USTFCCCA all-time Division II list.

The team will compete just up the road from Joplin this Friday and Saturday, participating in the Ninth Annual Indoor Gorilla Classic hosted by Pittsburg State University.