Dean Trailways Comets of the Week - January 30, 2023

The Dean Trailways Male Comet of the Week is senior John C Downey, of Battle Creek, and graduate of St. Philip High School. Downey became what is believed to be the first male student-athlete in school history to complete a multi-event when he competed in the heptathlon at the Saginaw Valley “Jets Pizza” Invitational. He scored 3389 points over the seven events, posting personal-best marks in four. Downey’s performances were 7.81 seconds in the 60-meter dash, 18’5.25” in the long jump, 34’4” in the shot put, 9.58 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles, 8’4.25” in the pole vault and 3:23.61 in the 1,000-meter run.

Other notable male performers last week were Jordon Brown (track and field), Robert Davids (wrestling) and Everett Haynes (volleyball).

The Dean Trailways Female Comet of the Week is junior Jennifer Mann, of Orange, California, and graduate of Villa Park High School. Mann won the 200- and 500-yard freestyle in Olivet’s final dual meet of the season at Albion College. Her winning time in the 200 was 2:01.92 and was nearly five seconds faster than the runner-up finisher. Mann’s time in 500 was a season-best at 5:26.89 and almost 15 seconds quicker than the second-place swimmer.

Other notable female performers last week were Berniah Alexander (track & field), Lily Connelly (basketball) and Koda Young (bowling).