WIMAUMA, Fla — University of Florida javelin thrower Mark Porter took an unconventional route to the Sunshine State.
Porter, a Massachusetts native, won the 2021 Big Ten outdoor title pitching for Penn State. After graduating, he saw an opportunity to continue in his field of study at UF. Porter is working on a doctorate. in plant breeding. Its specific objective is to develop the best strawberries possible and to maintain high level harvests.
Florida, specifically Hillsborough County, is a hotbed for strawberries and a perfect location for this particular agricultural study. So Mark does his research at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma.
He lives next door to the lab, which makes things great for Porter’s science work, but difficult to travel the 150 miles to Gainesville. Luckily for Mark, there are acres of open space for him to practice javelin throwing during the week. He did everything to earn the nickname “Gene Jock”.
“It’s different, but I know what I signed up for,” Porter said. “As soon as I knew I was going to be here at the Center for Research and Education, it was game over.”
Eric Werskey is Porter’s throwing coach. He’s dealt with virtual coaching before and he says there were no problems with Porter’s workout routine.
“It’s a unique challenge, but we’re making the most of what we’re doing,” Werskey said via Zoom. “He understands the training methods perfectly. He also had success in the event. He understands that, and I trust that part too.”
“As long as you keep your priorities straight and say ‘Hey, I have to hit the gym this week. I have to go throw this week “and make sure it happens,” Porter added. “In the long run, it will be fine.”
Mark’s mission is to produce the best strawberry crops possible and keep the plants high in the future.
“Just to understand the concepts. The math, the biology behind it is tough,” Porter said in the lab. “But that’s what makes it so rewarding. Once you can figure that out, you’re motivated by the results you see.”
Despite generally smooth sailing, there were a few hiccups in the training schedule.
“I asked ‘Hey, can I have a movie?’ [Mark] goes ‘I can’t go out tomorrow. I have to go pick my strawberries. ‘” Werskey said with a laugh.
But the delay was worth it one of the times Mark traveled to Gainesville so he could train with his coaches and teammates. Porter brought gifts – freshly picked strawberries. Unwrapped, not off the shelves of the grocery store.
“I knew everyone – it was going to blow their minds.” Porter laughed.
Werskey and the rest of the team were amazed.
“Everyone who had them was like, ‘Mark. These are the best strawberries I’ve ever had.'”
“Taste a ripe strawberry for the first time, it’s pretty mind-blowing,” Porter said. “I was glad they got to try that.”
Werskey isn’t surprised that Mark is able to balance his doctorate. work with Division I athletics.
“It’s like this guy is creating the next best strawberry, and he’s going to compete and help us at a very high level.”
Porter admits that his main focus is his research. And while competing at a high level in the javelin is important, he doesn’t let the pressure get to him.
“At this point, it’s more for the fun of it than anything. I’m not going to stress out like I might have for the past few years. I’m doing this because I love it.”
Mark’s next competition is The Florida Relays in Gainesville. The action begins on March 31 and ends on April 2.
