Soldotna High School graduate Galen Brantley III was named Alaska Athlete of the Week after a standout performance at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships.

The Dickinson State junior launched the 16-pound shot put to a personal best mark of 54 feet, 9.5 inches — a whopping 20.5 inches further than his previous best.

The mark placed Brantley third, earning All-American Honors for the first time and erasing his own program record in the process.

The Alaska Athlete of the Week is selected by a panel each Monday.

Have a candidate in mind? Email us your nomination: info@alaskasportshall.org.

Also receiving votes: Rosie Brennan, Rosie Frankowski, Revy Mack, Darci Matson/Kaylee Merrill