Beau Backes

Class:
Redshirt Senior
Position:
Throws
Height:
6-5
Hometown:
Lindstrom, Minn.
Prev School:
Chisago Lakes High School

TFRRS Profile

2024 Outdoor Track & Field (R-Jr.)

Threw the discus at the NCAA Division I East First Rounds meet for the second time in his career
Placed fifth in the CUSA discus and ninth in the shot put (season-best 49-5.75)
Top discus mark of the season (177-7) came at the Bob Davidson Team Challenge
USTFCCCA All-Academic Team member

2023-24 Indoor Track & Field (R-Jr.)

Did not compete in any meets for Liberty

2023 Outdoor Track & Field (R-So.)

Did not compete in any meets for Liberty and was redshirted
Throwing unattached, heaved the discus 172-10 at the Liberty Twilight Qualifier
ASUN Academic Honor Roll member

2022-23 Indoor Track & Field (R-So.)

Did not compete in any meets for Liberty and was redshirted

2022 Outdoor Track & Field (R-Fr.)

NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round qualifier in the discus
Placed fourth at the ASUN meet in the discus and hammer and eighth in the shot put
Dr. Jack M. Toms Alumni Invitational discus champion
Achieved top marks of 50-2.5 (shot put - Meet of Champions), 180-5 (discus - Triton Invitational) and 170-5 (hammer - Meet of Champions)
Two-time ASUN Men's Freshman of the Week (March 30 and April 13)
USTFCCCA All-Academic Team
ASUN Academic Honor Roll member

2021-22 Indoor Track & Field (R-Fr.)

Did not compete in any meets for Liberty and was redshirted

2021 Outdoor Track & Field (Fr.)

Did not compete in any meets for Liberty and was redshirted
Competing unattached, top marks included 150-8 in the discus (Liberty Twilight Qualifier) and 145-3 in the hammer (Lynchburg Hornet Open)
ASUN Academic Honor Roll member

2021 Indoor Track & Field (Fr.)

Came in seventh in the ASUN weight throw competition with a personal-best mark of 50-11.5

Prep

Graduated from Chisago Lakes High School
As a junior, placed sixth at the Minnesota AA state meet in the shot put and seventh in the discus
Set school records in the shot put (52-7.75) and discus (165-1)
Also competed in basketball

Personal

Son of Ron and Michelle Backes
Father Ron was a thrower on the Minnesota track & field team
Mother Michelle played basketball and softball at St. Olaf
Sister Carmen played basketball at Wisconsin
Birthday is July 24
Graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business
Currently working toward a master’s degree in biology

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
I was drawn to Liberty due to the Christian atmosphere and beautiful facilities, but the main factor that helped me choose Liberty was the teammates I met during my official visit.

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I have a pretty regular routine for every competition, but there is nothing unique that I find helpful.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My father. He was a thrower too and I really value his input and coaching as he has helped me over these past four years. But more than just his track expertise, he has shown me what it means to be a good man, and he has been a wonderful father.

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Making the regional meet after my second hip surgery was a big goal for me this past season and being able to not only accomplish that but have my dad and sister come to Kentucky to watch was a real blessing.

Do you have any relatives who are playing or have played college or professional sports? (Names, relation to you, what/where they played)?
My dad threw shot put and discus at the University of Minnesota and then went on to throw professionally for several years. My mom played basketball and softball at St. Olaf University. My sister played basketball at the University of Wisconsin.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
I like dinner and have two favorite foods: pickles and sushi.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
I check my messaging app.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Camping and just spending time outside.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Paul George

What is your favorite possession and why?
I really like my camping backpack because I have been able to use it on many different backpacking trips and adventures.

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
Upside Down by Jack Johnson

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Nepal is my dream vacation because I would love to experience the culture and see the Himalayas in person.