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Sports

Tiger Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Fenton High School

From local fields to national fame, these stars got their start in Fenton.

Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to spotlight athletes who got their start right here in Fenton.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to spotlight athletes who got their start right here in Fenton. (Shutterstock)

Sports run deep in Fenton, and Fenton High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Tigers uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Fenton High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.


Gracie Olsen – Six-Time State Swimming Champion

One of the most decorated swimmers in Fenton High School history, Gracie Olsen captured six state titles over her four-year career, winning at least one championship each season. As a senior in 2021, she claimed Division 2 titles in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 butterfly, posting times that rank among the fastest ever at the MHSAA Finals. A dominant presence in the pool, Olsen capped her career with a commitment to the University of Indiana, a nationally ranked NCAA Division I swimming program. (Source: MHSAA.com)


Harold 'Powder' Huff – Legendary Multi-Sport Athlete

A 1961 Fenton High graduate, Harold "Powder" Huff earned a lasting legacy as one of the school’s most tenacious and inspiring athletes. Known for his fierce determination and athletic versatility, Huff competed in football, basketball and track, winning admiration for moments like crawling across the finish line after collapsing in a one-mile relay. His relentless effort and passionate play made him a local sports icon, remembered as much for his heart as his accomplishments. (Source: Tri-County Times)

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Bruce McLenna – NFL Fullback and Fenton Football Hero

Bruce McLenna starred at Fenton High School in the late 1950s, showcasing rare speed and strength that led him from small-town success to the NFL. A multi-sport athlete, McLenna excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and track before moving on to Hillsdale College, where he became a two-time Little All-American and the school’s first 1,000-yard rusher. Drafted by the Detroit Lions, he briefly played in the NFL before tragically passing in a military vehicle accident in 1968. (Source: GFAHOF.org)


Tori Bailey – NCAA Soccer Standout and Fenton Record-Setter

Tori Bailey left an indelible mark on Fenton High School’s soccer program, earning All-State and Dream Team honors while leading the Tigers to multiple league and regional titles. A versatile competitor who stands at 4'11", she tallied 34 goals and 25 assists before taking her talents to the University of Tennessee. There, she started every match as a sophomore and became a defensive mainstay, helping the Lady Vols reach the NCAA Tournament and earning All-Tournament honors. (Sources: UTSports.com, MLive.com)

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Josh Czarnota – Dual-Threat Quarterback and All-State Honoree

Josh Czarnota was a dynamic force behind center for Fenton High School, amassing over 6,000 total yards and 72 touchdowns across his junior and senior seasons. Recognized as a top performer in Michigan, he earned Detroit Free Press First-Team All-State honors and was named Genesee County and Flint Journal Player of the Year. Czarnota committed to Grand Valley State in 2018, where he continued his football career as a promising dual-threat quarterback. (Sources: GVSULakers.com, 247Sports)


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This post is sponsored and contributed by Patch In Town, a Patch Brand Partner.

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