Senior Runner Breaks School Record on Final Home Meet

Riley Tate didn't just finish strong on senior day. The Ohio native broke Purdue Fort Wayne's 1000-meter record with a time of 3:00.70, turning her final home meet into a moment she'll never forget.

The Mastodons hosted the Mastodon Open on January 17, celebrating 11 senior athletes before competition began. But once the races started, Tate set the tone for a day filled with personal victories across the roster.

Fellow senior Ali Sparks claimed two first-place finishes in the weight throw and shot put. Four teammates threw personal records in the weight throw, including Francesca Carlo and McKayla Henry, who both surpassed 15 meters for the first time.

Lillian Hurd dominated the sprints, winning both the 200-meter dash and 60-meter dash. Teammate Amelie Mach won the 400-meter dash in her very first attempt at that distance, showing the depth of talent on the squad.

The day marked firsts for several athletes building their college careers. Five runners completed their first collegiate mile, with Faith Norris leading the group at 5:23.21. Ava McAlexander recorded her first collegiate long jump mark, while Lena James and Kaymin Phillips logged debut times in their respective events.

Why This Inspires

Senior day in college athletics celebrates the end of one chapter, but Tate's record proves that endings can also be beginnings. Her mark will stand in the record books, giving future Mastodons something to chase and reminding them that their biggest achievements might come when the pressure is highest.

The meet showed how individual excellence lifts entire teams. When one person breaks a record, it creates energy that spreads. Twelve personal bests in a single day doesn't happen by accident. It happens when teammates push each other to be better.

The Mastodons now split their roster for upcoming meets at the Indianapolis Fairgrounds and Notre Dame Invitational. They'll carry momentum from a senior day that honored the past while building confidence for the future.

Tate's record will outlast her college career, inspiring runners who haven't even arrived on campus yet.