Help Me Be in the Stands When Ryan Throws at Nationals

Twenty-two years ago I held a quiet, steady little boy in my arms. On April 27, 2026, that boy won his third consecutive Conference Carolinas Outdoor Championship in the javelin. Three weeks later, on May 21–23, he competes at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Welch Stadium in Emporia, Kansas. He'll receive his Master's degree the same week — two milestones in fourteen days.

I'm Ryan's dad, Henry Hunter. The NCAA covers Ryan's trip. I'm raising $3,000 to cover mine — flight, lodging, meals, and ground transport — so I can be in the stands when he steps onto the runway on a national stage.

About Ryan

Ryan is a senior at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. He holds six FMU school records (60m indoor 7.06s, 100m 10.67s, 200m indoor 22.02s, 200m outdoor 21.81s, javelin 67.04m / 219'11", and the 4×100m relay 41.73s). He's currently ranked #15 in NCAA Division II in the javelin, has been named FMU Team MVP three years running, and is a three-time McDonald's Student-Athlete of the Week. In 2025, he voluntarily removed himself from NCAA Nationals consideration to prioritize his team's roster needs. That's the kind of athlete he is — faith-driven, family-first, team-before-self.

This is NCAA-compliant

This fundraiser was reviewed and approved in writing by Andy Slocum, Compliance Officer at Francis Marion University, on April 28, 2026. Funds go directly to me (Henry Hunter) as the GoFundMe beneficiary, and are used exclusively for parent travel to NCAA Nationals. No money goes to Ryan or to FMU Athletics.

How you can help

Give any amount. $5, $50, $500 — every dollar helps me get there.

Share this page with anyone who knows Ryan, who's been part of his journey, or who loves a good story about a kid who stayed humble and worked.

Send a note. Even if you can't give, leaving a comment on this page or shooting Ryan a text means a lot at the end of a long season.

If you'd like to follow Ryan's road to Nationals — race results, behind-the-scenes, the moment he gets his master's degree — sign up for updates at https://faith-field-flow.lovable.app.

Thank you for being part of his village.

— Henry Hunter

Father of Ryan Hunter, FMU '26

Columbia / Blythewood, SC