Katie Plopper Sets New IU Northwest 6K Record
The IU Northwest women's cross country team also achieved a new program-best average at the Bradley Pink Classic.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Track & Field
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Katie Plopper set a new school record at Indiana University Northwest by completing the 6K race in 23:33.9. Her performance helped the RedHawks women's cross country team secure a new program-best scoring-five average of 26:19.
Why it matters
These performances demonstrate significant progress for the IU Northwest cross country program as runners continue to lower their personal and team finish times. The results build momentum for the squad ahead of their upcoming competition later this month.
Katie Plopper finished the 6K course in 23:33.9, leading the IU Northwest women to a record-setting scoring-five average of 26:19. This performance improved upon the previous program record average of 27:20.
The players
Katie Plopper
She is a member of the Indiana University Northwest cross country team who recently set a new school record in the 6K.
IU Northwest
This is a regional campus of Indiana University that sponsors various intercollegiate athletic programs, including cross country.
The details
Competing in the women's white race at the Bradley Pink Classic, Sierra Grant clocked 26:05.3, followed by Zaria Gildon at 27:13.4, Addison Waddell at 27:15.0, and Chloe Miller at 27:28.9. Grand Valley State won the team title with a score of 34 points, while Nicole Wayment won the individual race in 21:29.4.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The Bradley Pink Classic took place at Newman Golf Course.
October 24, 2026: IU Northwest is scheduled to compete at the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge.
Season Trajectory
These record-breaking times position the RedHawks as a growing competitor within their conference as they head into the postseason. The team's improved scoring average signals a strengthening roster ahead of the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge.
The new 26:19 team scoring average represents an improvement of over one minute compared to the previous program benchmark. This depth in the scoring-five rotation provides a stronger foundation for the team as they look toward their October 24 competition.
The takeaway
Achieving new personal and school records indicates that the training regimen for the RedHawks is yielding measurable competitive gains. Student-athletes can use these consistent time improvements as a metric for tracking their growth throughout the racing season.
What happens next
The IU Northwest team will continue their season at the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge on October 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local collegiate athletics, visit the Track & Field section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nwitimes.
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