Sophomore swimmer breaks records, earns Flint-area Athlete of the Week

Lake Fenton's Alex Ostrander set new program marks in the 100-backstroke and 200-freestyle relay at the MISCA Meet.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Lake Fenton sophomore Alex Ostrander broke two program records at the MISCA Meet and received 1,733 votes in the weekly poll, becoming the first swimmer honored as Flint-area Athlete of the Week this season.

Why it matters

Ostrander's record-breaking performances and recognition as Athlete of the Week highlight his rising talent and the strength of the Flint-area swimming community, which has produced many standout athletes over the years.

The details

Competing at the MISCA Meet, Ostrander finished 14th out of 62 swimmers in the 100-backstroke with a time of 53.49, setting a new program record. He also teamed up with his brother Matt and seniors D.J. Buterakos and Preston Boggs to set a new 200-freestyle relay record of 1:34.33, good for 36th place. Ostrander also finished eighth in the 100-butterfly with a 52.99.

  • On January 31, Ostrander competed at the MISCA Meet in Grand Rapids.
  • Ostrander was named Flint-area Athlete of the Week on February 13, 2026.

The players

Alex Ostrander

A sophomore swimmer for the Flint Kearsley/Lake Fenton co-op team who has already broken two program records and is a returning Flint Metro League champion in the 100-butterfly and 100-backstroke.

Matt Ostrander

Alex Ostrander's senior brother, who teamed up with him to set the new 200-freestyle relay record.

D.J. Buterakos

A senior on the Flint Kearsley/Lake Fenton co-op swim team who was part of the record-setting 200-freestyle relay team.

Preston Boggs

A senior on the Flint Kearsley/Lake Fenton co-op swim team who was part of the record-setting 200-freestyle relay team.

Dave Barrett

The head coach of the Flint Kearsley/Lake Fenton co-op swim team.

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What they’re saying

“That (freestyle) record is a fun one because it was 31 years old.”

— Dave Barrett, Head Coach (mlive.com)

“He's a real pro. One example is when we were at Lapeer, and they have a little waterpark there, afterwards the lifeguards will turn the slide on and my seniors and everyone are over there. (Alex) was swimming his cooldown and getting some stretches in and his gear together. He finished the meet and now he's got to get home and get some food and rest to be ready for the next practice.”

— Dave Barrett, Head Coach (mlive.com)

“He's very much a product of the OLY program and (OLY head coach) Adam Cooper. In no way do I want to take any responsibility. I'm a small player.”

— Dave Barrett, Head Coach (mlive.com)

What’s next

Ostrander will look to continue his strong season and defend his Flint Metro League titles in the 100-butterfly and 100-backstroke. He has also qualified for the MHSAA Division 2 state meet in the 100-back, 100-butterfly, and 50-freestyle.

The takeaway

Alex Ostrander's record-breaking performances and recognition as Flint-area Athlete of the Week showcase the depth of swimming talent in the region and the impact of dedicated programs like OLY Swimming in developing young athletes.