Mark Porter Returns to the Track & Field National Championship

Last summer, you may have read about RMHS alumnus Mark Porter (class of 2017) and his stellar track and field career at Penn State…and beyond. He has been very busy with his studies, research and throwing since then. He’s accomplished a lot in this past year.

You may recall that Mark is pursuing a PhD in Plant Breeding at the University of Florida. His research requires him to be away from the main campus and instead at the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center. Therefore, he didn’t have a track, weight room, regular coaching, trainer, or teammates to work with. He had some weights, a field to sometimes throw on and a monthly trip to the campus 2.5 hours away to train on turf. More importantly, he had a love of throwing, goals, and one final year of NCAA eligibility.

Research, train, sleep, repeat.

It was a full schedule, but since Mark loved what he was doing, he made it work. He wasn’t able to attend all the away meets because he couldn’t spend too many days away from his research. Yet he managed to score points at the five meets he did throw at.

Not only did he contribute to the team, but he “punched his ticket” when he qualified to compete at the NCAA D1 National Track & Field Championship once again. But this time as a “Gator.” For something as important as this, he made arrangements to leave the Gulf Coast Research Center for several days and make the trip to Eugene, OR one last time as an NCAA athlete.

According to Mark, “This year was particularly fun because I felt more grateful for each opportunity to compete since it was my last year. And I didn’t have any expectations for how it was going to go. I really enjoyed meeting my new teammates and getting to know them as well as seeing my former Penn State teammates at meets.

Mark’s track & field career may be over, but he certainly left his “mark” at every school where he competed. He has the medals and memories to carry with him. And who knows – if his research goes as planned, he will also leave his mark on the produce industry, in particular, tropical fruit. Good luck Mark. We look forward to your next accomplishment!

Career achievements:

· Winner of boys’ javelin event at the high school All State meet

· RMHS boys javelin record of 194’ 7”. That record remains today!

· D1 “walk-on” javelin thrower at Penn State University

· First season personal best (PB) of 215’5”

· 2nd in the Big Ten Championship meet by throwing a new PB of 225’ 2”!

· NCAA D1 Outdoor T&F Championship - 13th place and Second Team All-American honors

· 1st place finish at the Maryland B1G Invitational and all-time PB - 242’ 7”

· Gold medal at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships

· NCAA D1 Outdoor T&F Championship - 12th place and Second Team All-American honors

· NCAA D1 Outdoor T&F Championship - 16th place and Second Team All American honors

· U.S. Olympic Trials - 16th place

· USTFCCCA Academic All-American honors

· UF All-Time Top 10 List (#5) for a throw of 234’7”

· SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll

· SEC Outdoor T&F Championship – 5th Place