South Bend, Indiana, February 1, 2026
The IU Indianapolis men’s track team achieved remarkable success at the Meyo Invitational, breaking school records in the 800-meter and mile events. Sophomore Joey Ashman and junior Luke Shappell led the way with impressive performances, inspiring local community support and showcasing the value of investment in sports. The team also broke the distance medley relay record, setting a competitive tone for the event. As they gear up for the Fairgrounds Invitational, excitement builds for future competitions and continued community engagement.
IU Indianapolis Men’s Track Team Shatters Records in South Bend
Record-breaking performances highlight the Meyo Invitational
South Bend, Indiana – The IU Indianapolis men’s track team has showcased an impressive level of talent and determination at this year’s Meyo Invitational, achieving remarkable successes in both the 800-meter and mile events over the weekend of January 30-31, 2026. This achievement not only reflects the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes but also highlights the positive impact that community involvement and investment in sports can have on local pride and economic growth.
As local entrepreneurs and sports programs alike face challenges in an evolving economic landscape, the resilience displayed by the IU Indianapolis track team serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with passion and perseverance. Fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive under minimal regulatory burdens creates opportunities for innovation and community engagement, essential elements for nurturing future champions.
Record-Breaking Performances
800-Meter Event
Sophomore Joey Ashman secured the open division title in the 800-meter event, clocking an impressive time of 1:50.78. This performance not only earned him a gold medal but also broke the previous school record by a significant margin of three seconds. Teammate Liam Lilly played a crucial role by providing vital pacing support, which contributed to Ashman’s outstanding run.
Mile Event
In the mile event, junior Luke Shappell set a new school record with a time of 4:07.19, improving his personal best by three seconds. His performance was closely followed by sophomore Riley Nixon, who finished just a fraction behind at 4:07.20, demonstrating the depth of talent within the team.
Distance Medley Relay Achievement
Prior to the individual events, the IU Indianapolis men’s track team made headlines by breaking the distance medley relay (DMR) record on January 30, marking a strong kickoff to the weekend’s competition. This early achievement set a competitive tone and demonstrated the team’s strong cohesion and dedication.
Upcoming Competitions
The Jaguars plan to build on their recent achievements as they prepare for the Fairgrounds Invitational, scheduled for February 6-7, 2026. As they look to continue their momentum, local supporters are encouraged to rally behind these young athletes, fostering a culture of encouragement and engagement that benefits the broader community.
Conclusion
The recent accomplishments of the IU Indianapolis men’s track team underscore the importance of community support and investment in local athletics. Their remarkable record-setting performances are not only a source of pride for Indianapolis but also an inspiring testament to the determination and hard work of young athletes. As the team’s season progresses, residents and local businesses have an opportunity to support these athletes and, by extension, contribute to the overall growth of Indianapolis’s sports culture and economic landscape.
FAQ
What records did the IU Indianapolis men’s track team break at the Meyo Invitational?
The team set new school records in the 800-meter and mile events, along with breaking the distance medley relay (DMR) record.
Who set the new 800-meter record?
Sophomore Joey Ashman won the open division title in the 800-meter event with a time of 1:50.78, breaking the previous school record by three seconds.
What was the new mile record achieved by the IU Indianapolis men’s track team?
Junior Luke Shappell set the new mile record with a time of 4:07.19, with sophomore Riley Nixon close behind at 4:07.20.
When is the next competition for the IU Indianapolis men’s track team?
The Jaguars are set to compete in the Fairgrounds Invitational on February 6-7, 2026.
| Event | Record Holder | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800-Meter | Joey Ashman (Sophomore) | 1:50.78 | New school record, surpassed by three seconds. |
| Mile | Luke Shappell (Junior) | 4:07.19 | New school record, improved personal best by three seconds. |
| DMR | Team Effort | N/A | Broke previous distance medley relay record. |
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