Crimson Pride Soar: Hafen Breaks Record, Dowty Earns All-Conference Honors

IU Columbus athletes shine at River States Conference Indoor Championships

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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At the River States Conference Indoor Championships, IU Columbus pole vaulter Brayden Hafen claimed the RSC Championship and shattered the conference indoor pole vault record by clearing 4.45 meters. Meanwhile, Phoebe Dowty earned RSC All-Conference honors with a runner-up finish in the 800 meters and a fifth-place finish in the 600 meters.

Why it matters

The strong performances by Hafen and Dowty at the indoor championships set the tone for the upcoming outdoor season and showcase the growing momentum of the IU Columbus track and field program.

The details

Hafen's pole vault record-breaking performance was the result of his preparation, timing, and fearless approach to the event. Dowty's All-Conference honors in the middle-distance races demonstrated her endurance, grit, and race strategy.

  • Hafen claimed the RSC Championship and set the conference indoor pole vault record on March 2, 2026.
  • Dowty earned RSC All-Conference honors at the River States Conference Indoor Championships on March 2, 2026.

The players

Brayden Hafen

An IU Columbus pole vaulter who claimed the RSC Championship and set the conference indoor pole vault record by clearing 4.45 meters.

Phoebe Dowty

An IU Columbus middle-distance runner who earned RSC All-Conference honors with a runner-up finish in the 800 meters and a fifth-place finish in the 600 meters.

IU Columbus

The university's track and field program, which is showcasing growing momentum after the strong performances by Hafen and Dowty at the indoor championships.

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What they’re saying

“Momentum is a powerful thing in track and field — and IU Columbus is carrying plenty of it.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

The strong indoor performances by Hafen and Dowty set the stage for the upcoming outdoor track and field season, where the IU Columbus Crimson Pride will look to continue their momentum and build on their success.

The takeaway

The record-breaking and All-Conference performances by IU Columbus athletes Brayden Hafen and Phoebe Dowty at the River States Conference Indoor Championships showcase the growing strength and potential of the university's track and field program, which is poised for continued success in the outdoor season.