DyeStat.com – News – Addy Wiley Changes Course, Will Stay Close To Home At NAIA Huntington University

Wiley De-Commits From Colorado To Stay Closer To Home And Run With Mentor Lauren Johnson At Huntington Universtity (Ind.)

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Addy Wiley, who broke the national high school record in the 1,600 meters and went on to place fifth in the World U20 Championships 1,500 meters in Cali, Colombia, has changed her mind about her college future. 

The Colorado commit announced that she will be staying in Indiana and attending NAIA Huntington University and continue working with Lauren Johnson. 

Johnson, a longtime family friend who has guided Wiley’s training and even paced her record-setting 1,600 meters in Michigan in June (4:26.16), is the third season as the head cross country coach at her alma mater. 

Here is the message that Wiley posted on the Indiana Runner message board:

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…