BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Freshman Ryker Paradis (Lewiston, Maine) concluded a remarkable rookie season by placing 19th in the shot put with a throw of 15.15m on Saturday, March 14 at the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala.
 
Paradis, the only freshman in the field, placed ninth in his flight. His best throw of the day was his first. He then fouled on his second attempt and had a throw of 15.39m on his final throw.
 
Paradis set the program record in the event multiple times during the 2025-26 season. His best throw of the year, a toss of 17.41m, came at the DIII New England Championships on March 1 and won him the New England title. Paradis also won the Little East Conference title and the Maine State title in the shot put in addition to the LEC Field Rookie of the Year award and the DIII New England Walter Slovenski Award.