SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Photo courtesy of Darla Berry. Photographed from left to right: Kate Cunningham, Erika Hunteman, Brody Campbell, Claelle Condestin, Kody Fenters, Brian Hunteman -- Today, we are celebrating Kody Fenters, a senior student-athlete at Speedway that has participated in cross country, basketball, and baseball for the Sparkplugs. Fenters just finished his cross country season and he’s taking time off from the hardwood this winter to prep for his final high school baseball season. Why does Kody enjoy high school sports? “They keep me in shape,” said Fenters. “Working out is good for mental health.” During his time on the baseball diamond at Speedway, Fenters has been honored as the team’s best offensive player, the team’s best defensive player, and he was also selected for the Most Improved Award. After playing for long-time coach Marcus McCormick, Fenters will now be counted on to help in the leadership department for first year head coach Matt Burke. “The baseball program is lucky to have a young man like Kody Fenters,” said Burke. “Kody is one of the most strong willed, passionate and competitive kids I've coached. These are all characteristics that will serve him well in his future endeavors.” “I have enjoyed watching Kody grow and mature over the past few years,” added Burke. “And I look forward to hearing of his future successes.” The cross country team has evolved quite a bit during Kody’s career and this year’s team finished as the ICC ruuner-ups. “Kody has been a member of the cross country program all four years, and even farther back if you count his junior high seasons,” said cross country coach Brian Hunteman. “He has been a quiet leader over the last two seasons, helping guide a bevy of younger runners through his actions and efforts in practice.” And while Kody might be undecided on what’s next after Speedway, he knows where to go for help. “My dad has helped me with deal with many roadblocks in life,” reflected Kody. “He has showed me what’s important in life. He understands me and lets me be my own person.” Will Kody be missed at Speedway after graduation? Ask many people and they will definitely say yes for all sorts of reasons. “Kody has been a blast to coach for the last four years,” said Hunteman. “I will miss our nearly daily sports conversations at practice.” Kody is the son of Karl and Stephanie Fenters. He has a younger brother Kaleb who is an eighth grader at the junior high and his older sister Kaiah Fenters (SHS ‘21) is playing college softball at Valparaiso.