Port Huron, Mich. – The Skippers men's track & field team wrapped up its final meet of the season with a performance that showcased competitive fire, steady progress, and a program on the rise. Across sprints, middle distance, and distance events, the team delivered numerous personal bests and strong finishes, setting a promising foundation for the future.
Sophomore sprinter Donte Fenderson set the tone early, making an immediate impact in the short sprints. Fenderson posted a season-best time of 11.08 in the 100 meters during prelims before elevating his performance in the finals with a lifetime best 11.05. He later doubled back in the 200 meters, running 22.97 to cap off a consistent and dependable day on the track.
The middle- and long-distance runners sustained the momentum with standout efforts. Luke Meyer turned in a season highlight in the 1500 meters, finishing as the runner-up while clocking a personal record of 4:08.43. In the 800 meters, Korbyn Thornton secured a heat victory and a new career best of 2:00.45, underscoring the team's continued growth in middle-distance events.
One of the most notable performances of the day came in the 5,000 meters, where Ryan Jakins delivered a breakthrough race. Jakins recorded a massive personal best of 16:41.71, earning a third-place overall finish and cementing his progress throughout the season.
In the 400 meters, Bryce Barkowska ran a steady and composed race to finish in 54.06, while Isaiah Grimmett remained reliable in the 400-meter hurdles, posting a time of 1:04.36. Both athletes contributed valuable points and consistency in key events.
The meet concluded with a strong team effort in the 4x400-meter relay. The quartet of Jerry Westrick, Bryce Barkowska, Donte Fenderson, and Wyatt Murtos combined for a time of 3:39.01, closing out the competition with a unified performance.
Overall, the Skippers capped their season with a meet defined by personal records, competitive finishes, and visible growth across all event groups. In the program's first year, the athletes not only produced impressive individual results but also established a strong culture and competitive standard. With continued development and commitment, the Skippers look ahead to next season poised for even greater success.
