Navy's Newell sets Indoor Star Meet record

Rutan makes Tennessee debut in softball season opener

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In college sports action, Navy's Matt Newell set an Indoor Star Meet record in the 1,000 meters, while Tennessee's Maddi Rutan made her pitching debut for the Volunteers softball team in their season-opening tournament.

Why it matters

These performances by student-athletes from the Columbus, Indiana area showcase the talent and accomplishments of local sports stars competing at the collegiate level across a variety of sports.

The details

Newell, a senior from Columbus North, broke a 40-year-old record in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:23.44, the sixth-fastest in Navy history. Meanwhile, Rutan, a junior from Columbus North who previously played at Eastern Kentucky, allowed one run on three hits in 2 1/3 innings in Tennessee's 9-1 win over Rutgers. Rutan also played third base and drew a walk in the Volunteers' 2-0 victory over 5th-ranked Oregon.

  • Newell set the record on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Rutan made her Tennessee debut on Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Matt Newell

A senior from Columbus North who competes in track and field for Navy.

Maddi Rutan

A junior from Columbus North who is in her first season playing softball for the University of Tennessee after transferring from Eastern Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These performances by student-athletes from the Columbus, Indiana area showcase the talent and accomplishments of local sports stars competing at the collegiate level across a variety of sports.