Michaela Dendinger Sweeney and Carly Fehringer, both standout throwers from Wayne State College, were inducted into the Sioux City Relays Hall of Fame on April 8. Dendinger Sweeney achieved nine All-American honors and two NCAA championships between 2013-2018, excelling in shot put and hammer throw. Fehringer, a former NCAA Division II All-American and now throws coach at Wayne State, has coached multiple national qualifiers and saw her athletes achieve significant milestones, including a national championship win in 2023.

By the Numbers
  • Dendinger Sweeney is a two-time NCAA national champion in shot put and hammer throw.
  • Fehringer has coached 20 national qualifiers, resulting in eight first team All-Americans.
Yes, But

While both athletes achieved individual success, the focus on their coaching careers highlights the importance of mentorship in developing future talent in track and field.

State of Play
  • Both athletes have transitioned from competitive careers to coaching roles, impacting the next generation of throwers.
  • Fehringer led Wayne State to its first-ever national championship in the weight throw in 2023.
What's Next

As both Sweeney and Fehringer continue their coaching careers, further successes are likely, potentially leading to more national champions and higher recognition for the program.

Bottom Line

The induction of Dendinger Sweeney and Fehringer into the Hall of Fame underscores not just their athletic achievements but also their significant contributions to Wayne State鈥檚 track and field legacy through coaching and mentorship.