HUDSONVILLE – A season full of growth for Pentwater’s track and field team ended with an All-State finish as the Falcons left everything on the track.
For senior Kaleb Brown, it wasn’t just sweat and effort, but also a little bit of skin that was left behind at the MHSAA D4 track and field state finals Saturday, May 31.
Brown, alongside Chase McGuire-VanGills, Logan Fatura and Trey Johnson, competed in the 400-meter relay. While that quartet only managed a 17th place mark of 45.93, Brown gave it his all until the very end, diving across the finish line and sustaining some pretty nasty road rash in the process.
Not to be deterred, Brown received quick medical attention and bounced back for an individual All-State finish in the 400 dash. Brown – who has collected school records in multitudes this season – broke the Pentwater record with a personal record time of 51.41 that landed him in third place overall.
While the Falcons didn’t place any other athletes on the podium, the effort of those in contention was never called into question.
Fatura started his day off with a school record in discus (134-4), knocking off Tom Sturr Jr.'s mark of 133-3 that stood since 1978. Fatura placed 13th out of 33 athletes in that event, before taking 26th in shot put with a toss of 39-0.25.
Lauren Davis was the only female qualifier for Pentwater, running the 300 hurdles. Unfortunately, Davis clipped a hurdle in the final stretch and tumbled to the ground. Davis didn’t falter however, getting back up and finishing the race in 26th (1:08.36).
“Reflecting on the season brings a mix of emotions,” Pentwater Head Coach Erika Fatura said. “Many goals were achieved, along with highs and lows that created unforgettable memories. Every athlete can take pride in their accomplishments.”
Pentwater will wave goodbye to a senior class that includes Belle Powers, Rolando Salgado, Matilde Pacifico, Johnson and Brown.
