Wilkes University Athletics

Balum starred for the storied Colonel wrestling teams at the Division I and Division III levels throughout his four-year career. He was a member of the 1974 Division III NCAA Championship team finishing third in the tournament at 126-pounds earning All-American status. Balum also was a two-time Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) champion at 126-pounds during his career at the Division III level.
 
Balum was also a member of Wilkes' first Division I team in the program's history and served as a co-captain his junior year. While wrestling at the Division I level, Balum was a two-time Binghamton University Invitational champion and a finalist (second place) at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Tournament at 134-pounds. During his senior season in 1977, Balum was a Division I Tournament qualifier and finished his career with a 74-27-1 overall record.
 
Following graduation, Balum coached wrestling for 42 years at Coudersport, Wellsville (N.Y.), Southern Columbia, Line Mountain and Susquehanna University. He was named District 4 Coach of the Year twice and the 2017 Pennsylvania Junior High Coach of the Year. Balum was inducted into the Muncy High School (2004) and District 4 (2005) wrestling Hall of Fame.