Wiley signs with University of Colorado

Wiley signs with University of Colorado
Posted on 11/23/2021
Huntington North High School senior Addy Wiley signed with the University of Colorado on MondayHuntington North High School senior Addy Wiley made her college choice official on Monday night, signing her National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Wiley will be continuing her academic and athletic careers, running both cross country and track for the Buffaloes.

Wiley has compiled a decorated career as a Viking student-athlete. The 2021 Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year in Track and Field is a three-time IHSAA Track and Field state champion, having won the 1,600 meter run in 2019 and 2021 and the 800 meter run in 2021. Wiley is the Indiana indoor track state record holder in the 800 meter run, 1,600 meter run and 3,200 meter run. Wiley’s most recent track accomplishment was being crowned as the national champion in the mile run at The Nike Outdoor Nationals this summer.

As a cross country runner, Wiley was a three-time IHSAA State Finals qualifier, finishing 10th in 2019, sixth in 2020 and seventh in 2021 to earn All-State honors all three years. Wiley also claimed three individual sectional and regional titles during her cross country career and guided her team to two sectional and regional titles.

Wiley also earned two Northeast 8 Conference cross country individual titles and an NE8 team title in 2020. Wiley’s personal record time of 17:53.4 stands atop Huntington North’s all-time girls 5k leaderboard. She was also a member of the Huntington North girls soccer team for four years while simultaneously competing in cross country for the final three years of her high school career.

In addition to her running prowess, Wiley also played for the Huntington North varsity girls soccer team for four years and the varsity girls basketball team for two. On the soccer pitch, Wiley earned Northeast 8 Conference All-Conference accolades all four years, including First Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior.

Wiley is a scholar student-athlete and is active in other clubs and organizations in addition to her athletic activities. Wiley is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Interact Club, Junior Rotarian, Student Athletic Board Member, Freshman Mentor, Huntington Youth Leadership Academy and in the Top 25 of the Class of 2022.

Wiley stated she was very selective in the early going of her recruitment process and had narrowed down the field to five schools, Princeton University, Stanford University, the University of Colorado, the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia before then selecting Colorado and Michigan as her two finalists. At that time, Wiley began accepting offers and received offers from both schools. With both offers on the table, Wiley ultimately decided to head west.

“I think Colorado will be a great place for me to improve the strength of my running and still maintain my speed,” Wiley said. “From talking with my future coaches, they put a large emphasis on the strength aspect of running, which is probably my weakest area. For that reason, I am excited to train and improve on that. While at Colorado, I hope to be part of several high-placing NCAA cross country teams at Nationals. I hope to have multiple really good indoor and outdoor performances and make national finals. After I leave, I hope I am lucky enough to go professional like so many of Colorado’s runners have.”

Of course, one of the big advantages the University of Colorado has to offer compared to other schools is the ability to constantly train and run at elevation, which Wiley noted as being influential in her decision. Many professional runners either move or regularly visit areas of elevation to train and strengthen themselves.

Colorado’s coaching staff also made a big impression on Wiley and knew the program and their vision was something she wanted to be a part of.

“When looking at colleges, I was mostly looking at long-term development/history of post-college success, resources, team culture and coaches that truly believed in me,” Wiley said. “Colorado checked all those boxes. During my time meeting Coach Burroughs and Coach Wetmore, I felt that they already had a vision of goals for me and what they thought I could achieve. They were honest in promising me the work wouldn’t be easy, but it would be rewarding, and I really respected that. The resources were amazing, and they have built a great program around athlete nutrition, which I think is very important in women’s running.”

Colorado’s program boasts a long-standing history of success, having won NCAA Women’s Cross Country National Championships in 2000, 2004 and 2018 and producing over two dozen professional runners and 12 Olympic runners since 2000, highlighted by Emma Coburn and Jenny Simpson, both of whom earned bronze medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Wiley hopes to join the quickly growing list of program alumni to continue their running careers after college.

While the quality of the program is of course important, Wiley also recognizes that feeling comfortable in her new surroundings was also an important piece of the decision. She enjoys the feel of Boulder and thinks it combines some of the best things about the Midwest with new experiences and opportunities.

“I am very excited that I will be able to run 10 minutes and be at the foot of the mountains,” Wiley said. “I’m excited for that fact that Colorado is a whole new place, but has characteristics of home. I will still have warm summers, snowy winters, beautiful fall weather, not exactly like the Midwest, but not too different from what other Midwest girls on the team have told me. I’m excited to experience a different culture. From my time visiting Boulder, it was very obvious that it’s a health-friendly community in terms of fitness and environment, so I am looking forward to being part of that community. Lastly, it is an area where there is always something to do. Boulder is filled with shops and restaurants, easy trips up into the mountains and so much more. Best of all, it’s like living in a city and the country all at once. The city has a lot to do, but it isn’t a noisy or overwhelming type of city, but in just a short drive, you are in a country setting with access to an uncountable number of running trails.”

The primary events Wiley will run for the Buffaloes are the 800 and 1,500 meter runs, though she also anticipates being able to explore different events, including the 5,000 meter run, 4x400 meter relay and steeplechase.

In the classroom, Wiley plans to major in speech, language and hearing sciences with the goal of becoming a speech pathologist. Wiley was excited that Colorado not only had the major, but that the program is also a strong one with excellent opportunities in the field.

“Colorado has great access to hands-on learning opportunities and certificates you can earn in line with your regular degree to help you graduate ready for employment,” Wiley said. “I met some of the professors from this major and they are very supportive of student-athletes, which is important since I will be competing during the whole school year.”

Wiley noted the immense support of her friends and family as being a critical component of getting to this point of her athletic career, and knows their support will continue to inspire her during her career with the Buffaloes.

“I am so thankful for my incredibly supportive family,” Wiley said. “None of my success would be possible without my mom. I would really like to thank my grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Wiley and Bentley, for always being my biggest supporters. My two best friends, my sister Libby and Maddie Husband, have always been my two best cheerleaders. Lastly, Lauren Johnson. I can’t thank her enough for being a friend, all her support and inspiring me by showing how successful a woman with drive and determination can be athletically and in life.”

Monday’s signing ceremony made Wiley’s commitment official after having verbally committed to the Buffaloes on Nov. 5.

“It’s so nice to finally have a plan,” Wiley said. “Talking to colleges is exciting at first, but quickly becomes stressful, so I am glad the process is over. Now, I get to connect more with girls that I know will be my future teammates. It also takes a lot of pressure off my upcoming track season. I obviously want to improve and get better, but now I know I’m not competing for spots on teams; I’m competing to have fun and be the best I can be.”

Quotables

Mark Wetmore, Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach, University of Colorado

"We are very pleased that Addy has chosen to join us here in Boulder. She may be the most accomplished high school middle distance runner ever to come here. And, it seems her coaches have remained patient with her. So, we all have reasons to look forward to years more of exciting races."

Billy Nelson, Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, University of Colorado

“For me, the main thing that caught my eye about Addy during the early stages of her recruitment was her incredible range. She has very strong middle distance credentials, but can be competitive at the longer distances. Learning that she was a soccer player in the fall really got me excited, too. Throughout the process, I found out more about what she did for training in the fall and spring, as well as what her long-term goals were and knew she would fit right in with what we try and accomplish here with our team.”

“I am very thrilled that she is going to be a Buffalo! She brings a level of team commitment and athletic ability that is rarely seen in someone so new to the sport. Her future is very bright, and if we all manage the next few years properly, she can be a force to be reckoned with at the NCAA level.”

Brian Milton, Girls Track and Field Head Coach, Huntington North High School

“To me, what sets Addy apart from other runners of her caliber is how she cares for her teammates. She is very selfless and is willing to put the needs of her teammates above her own. That was very apparent the ‘pre-tournament’ meets the last couple seasons. She is happy to do what is needed to help the team and her teammates accomplish their goals and push them to the next level of their potential. This is what makes her an amazing leader for our team, and I am excited to see that continue this season as well as at the University of Colorado, where she will continue her running career and set new goals to accomplish!”

“The one thing I really enjoyed as a coach is how the girls really look up to her for leadership, guidance and inspiration to do their personal best! As coaches, all we can ask for is their best, and Addy brought her best every day to prepare for the tournament season. Her road has not been easy, as many people know, but she never lost focus on her goals and what she wanted to accomplish. I have faith and trust in my distance coaches to prepare great workouts to help Addy reach her goals, and last year, those goals were accomplished. However, it was her focus and execution that got her there. I was just blessed to be a part of her journey.”

Carrie Boxell, Girls Cross Country Head Coach, Huntington North High School

“Addy has a natural, raw talent and the mental capacity that helps her shine in sports, especially running. She excels in all sports she has participated in, as I have witnessed over the years. Even when she was in junior high, she participated in summer soccer and basketball leagues while attending summer cross country conditioning with the high school team. Addy displayed a special talent and knowledge of sports back then beyond her age-related peers. It is not only Addy’s natural athletic ability that helps her excel, but her passion and drive for competition in sports. She enjoys competing and is determined to do well. The drive, determination and dedication to athletics has allowed her to balance soccer and cross country in the same season. Combined with her natural ability and confidence in the area of running has permitted Addy to be a soccer player during the week to jumping into cross country races at the elite level on the weekends.”

“I have enjoyed watching her grow as a runner over the years. As mentioned earlier, Addy would come to summer conditioning cross country practices at HNHS when she was in junior high. She was a knowledgeable runner then and possessed a lot of talent. However, she has changed a lot over the years. Her confidence, passion, drive and knowledge of running really has grown, especially when she started competing at the high school level and as she got closer to the last several years of her career at this level. Addy knew what she wanted to do and accomplish when competing in races. Her form and grace of her natural talent when running was beautiful to watch in practice, and it was fun cheering her on as she carried out strategic race plans during meets.”

Jeremy Steele, Girls Soccer Head Coach, Huntington North High School

“It has been a fantastic four years for Addy on the soccer field. During her first two seasons, we relied on Addy more than I had anticipated. We had a couple of tumultuous seasons dealing with injuries to key players that were expected to be dominant players on our team. However, due to those injuries, Addy was asked to carry our team forward. All four years of her time with the soccer team have been successful winning seasons in large part because of her dedication and work ethic. Her athleticism is unmatched on the field. It has been incredible for me as a coach to witness her athleticism first hand. Whether that is from breakaway goals, or her willingness to track back and defend and keep a lead safe late in a game. Her expectations for herself and her teammates raised the level of our soccer team.”

“I am incredibly excited for Addy and her future! She has set high goals for herself, and it has been great to see her work toward accomplishing those goals. There is little doubt that after seeing her push herself to become a better athlete, student and individual for the last four years that she will remain focused on competing and excelling at the next level. We are thankful for Addy and her commitment to the girls soccer team and will continue to cheer her on as she moves forward in the next step in her running career!”

Rief Gilg, Principal, Huntington North High School

“Addy has continually demonstrated the core covenants of HNHS, those of working hard and selfless service to others. The work that she has put into her studies and athletic endeavors is incalculable; distance running requires such a taxing mix of high-intensity speed work and long, solitary hours of slower roadwork, which tests both the mind and body. The success she has attained is a testament to her strength, physically and mentally, and her commitment to both individual and team excellence.”

“As an educator, the greatest reward is seeing young people continue to develop the qualities you saw when they were in high school, collegiately and beyond. It will be a pleasure to watch her continued pursuit of excellence.”

Jeremy Markham, Athletic Director, Huntington North High School

“Addy has been first class in representing herself, Huntington North High School and Viking athletics the last four years. She has exceled not only athletically, but academically, and has given back to the community in a variety of ways. She has managed all of these endeavors with dignity and class.”

“It is going to be exciting to watch Addy continue her growth as a student-athlete at the collegiate level. There is no doubt that she will strive to be at her best every day representing the University of Colorado. She will have a close following from many throughout the state of Indiana as she moves on to the next chapter of her career. She will always be a Viking!”

Tyler Oatess, Girls Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach, Riverview Middle School

“Addy Wiley was an outstanding running during her time at Riverview. From her sixth grade year to her eighth, she won many races and awards. Wiley was an individual conference champion in both her seventh and eighth grade cross country seasons. She led her team to a North East Lakes Conference Championship during her seventh grade year as well. Wiley holds the Riverview Middle School cross country 3k record with a time of 11:39. She also holds seventh grade track records in the 1,600 meter run (5:29) and the 800 meter run (2:33), both set during her sixth grade year. But, what I remember and admire most about Addy Wiley during her time a Riverview is her work ethic and positive attitude. She always tried her best and encouraged her teammates to do the same. Wiley is an perfect role model for other young female athletes.”

“I really can’t wait to see where Wiley’s talent and work ethic take her. I wish her the best of luck in college, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her competing professionally or even in the Olympics someday.”

James Bragg, Principal, Riverview Middle School

“Addy was personally motivated to excel. It appeared Addy recognized the talent she possessed and was determined to develop herself to be the best. Addy would not show the strain of the rigorous pace she set while running. Instead, she was relaxed and focused which seemed to be somewhat intimidating.”

“Addy will have the ability and platform to make an impact in both running and life. I look forward to following her career and watching how she utilizes her amazing gifts.”

Libby Wiley, Sister

“As Addy’s sister, I am beyond proud of her for taking this next step in her life. I cannot wait to see how much Addy grows as a person over the next couple years and continues to compete and advance her skills in running.”

“With Addy going to college, I’m most excited for her to get to compete against advanced athletes and experience new exciting opportunities!”

“Growing up with Addy was something I will cherish forever, as she is an overall amazing person. As a person, and role model, Addy was someone who you could talk to about anything in life and look for when you were in need of encouragement. Growing up as athletes, she was always someone I looked up to. Addy and I grew up dribbling a basketball or kicking around a soccer ball. She has always been someone who pushed me to work harder and be better at my sport so that I could have a chance at winning, of course. Growing up with Addy has been something so memorable and I wouldn’t change for the world. We are so proud of her, and cannot wait to see all the things God has in store for her.”

Stacy Wiley, Mother

“I am very excited for her to have made her college decision. I know this has been a very stressful time for her, but she was very patient and open-minded through the process while staying focused on what she was looking for.”

“This has been a goal for her to compete at the next level from a young age, though originally it was to play soccer. She impresses me every day with her work ethic and determination; she has sacrificed so much to get to this level. I am very excited for this opportunity for her and can’t wait to see where she can take this.”

“Colorado is a smaller team than most, and they are dedicated to taking care of their athletes both physically and mentally. She will be supported by coaches with great experience and dedication to their runners. Their knowledge and experience will be a great asset in her continued development while training in a beautiful location with so many diverse options. This is an incredible opportunity for her to grow as a person, being 17 hours away from home balancing college life and running three seasons: cross country, indoor and outdoor track.”
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