KUTZTOWN, Pa. – It didn't matter if it was inside or outside, freshman pole vaulter Andrew Szeplaki (Bath, Pa./Northampton) put up high numbers in both and has been voted the 2025-26 KU Male Freshman of the Year.
 
Szeplaki joins teammate Trey Hamlin III (Townsend, Del./Caravel Academy), who won the award last year, and is the eighth track & field student-athlete to garner the recognition.
 
During the indoor season, the Bath, Pa., native was the PSAC champion in the pole vault and a Second Team All-American at NCAA Championships, finishing ninth overall with a best clearance of 5.16m (16-11). Szeplaki was voted the PSAC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-PSAC and to the USTFCCCA All-Region team. He also set the new PSAC pole vault record by clearing 5.20m (17-0.75) and had the highest jump in Division II by a freshman this year (5.30m).
 
In outdoor, Szeplaki doubled up and won another PSAC title in the pole vault with a mark of 5.05m (16-6.75). He also qualified for NCAA Championships and was Honorable Mention All-America. Szeplaki was also All-PSAC First Team.
 
Presented annually since 1993, the Kutztown University Athletics Male Freshman of the Year award recognizes a first-year Golden Bear for outstanding athletic achievement. The award is voted upon by athletic department administration, coaches and support staff.