Ian Atherley, a collegiate runner at Saint Mary's University, defied conventional paths to success, overcoming early setbacks in high school and college that could have ended his athletic career. Initially the slowest runner at Rosemount High School, he eventually improved significantly, though recognition remained limited. After facing injuries and a discouraging time at UW-River Falls, a pivotal reassurance from a teammate reignited his passion for running, prompting him to seek out a new opportunity at Saint Mary's. Now, he views this chapter as a fresh start, aiming to impact teammates positively and compete in the conference championship, a goal he missed out on previously.

By the Numbers
  • Atherley shaved four minutes off his 5K time in high school, breaking the 20-minute barrier.
  • He was cut from the UW-River Falls roster by his second year, competing unattached for a period.
State of Play
  • Atherley is committed to leadership and presence on the team, focusing on self-improvement rather than competition against others.
  • He seeks to leave a legacy at Saint Mary鈥檚, similar to the respect he garnered in high school.
What's Next

Atherley aims to compete at the conference championship this fall, a goal previously unattainable due to team size constraints at UW-River Falls. He plans to foster a strong team dynamic and support younger teammates in their development.

Bottom Line

Atherley's journey emphasizes that setbacks are not definitive; rather, the response to those challenges defines success. His focus on personal growth and leadership at Saint Mary's marks a significant new chapter in his athletic career.