(Addy Wiley will attend Huntington University, an NAIA school in her hometown)
Image courtesy of Chris Wells
The two-time defending Indiana State champion in the 1600 and 800 meters has made a change in her college running plans. Addy Wiley, national champion and national record holder, and Huntington North alumni, has de-committed from the University of Colorado Boulder and will stay closer to home and attend NAIA school Huntington University.
Wiley had a busy summer post IHSAA competition competing in a variety of national and world meets including placing 5th in the World U20 Championships in the 1500 meters in Cali, Colombia.
Huntington University coach Lauren Johnson, has been a mentor for Wiley and a friend of the Wiley family. Part of the decision for Wiley stems from her previous work with Johnson over the last few seasons in which Wiley has had incredible success.
Below is a message posted by Wiley on the Indiana Runner message boards in regards to her decision:
"Hello everyone, as a now graduated high school runner I feel it is appropriate to hop on these message boards. There was a lot that went into this decision, but I will keep it simple as honestly it's my decision and that should be enough in itself.
Finishing 5th at U20 Worlds was an unbelievable experience. I didn't even run my best in the finals but still ran fast enough to contend for the NCAA national title as a high schooler. Why would I want to leave a coach and support network that helped guide me to a national record and a top 5 World finish?
As many of you know I accomplished that working with Lauren Johnson, who has always been a family friend and great mentor of mine. When I got back from worlds I told Lauren I wanted to continue working with her. I put her in a very tough position. She supported me going to CU and even helped arrange other school visits for me, but it's my life and she has always wanted me to be able to decide what is best for myself. I uncommitted from CU with nothing but respect and admiration for Coach Wetmore and Burroughs. I just don't think the Division 1 system is for me at this time. I've had such a successful end to my high school career and if my goals are beyond collegiate running I'll have to do some unique training to nurture that talent. I'm very excited about going to HU and the NIL options I have been able to explore because of it. Hopefully I get to talk more about those soon! Everyone is allowed to voice their opinion, but anyone with any other concerns simply doesn't know the truth so please spare the gossip. Please do not believe everything you see online. I also want to thank everyone who has reached out privately, and publicly, for their support!"
