First-year sprinter breaks Butler records

Anna Niebrugge has shattered school records in the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes in her debut season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Anna Niebrugge, a first-year sprinter on the Butler University track and field team, has broken the school records in both the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes in her debut season. Niebrugge's record-breaking performances have surprised even her coaches, who are excited about the future of the program with her on the roster.

Why it matters

Niebrugge's record-breaking performances as a first-year athlete highlight the potential of the Butler track and field program and its ability to attract top talent. Her success has raised the standard for what it means to be a Butler sprinter and could help the team challenge for high positions in their conference in the future.

The details

In her first collegiate meet, Niebrugge won the 200-meter finals at the Blue-Gold invite at the University of Notre Dame, becoming the fastest 200-meter runner in Butler's history. She has since broken the school records in both the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes, with times of 7.54 and 24.26 seconds respectively. Niebrugge's coaches, including new assistant track and field coach Jeff Fiebelkorn, have been impressed by her talent and determination, with Fiebelkorn calling her "one of the fastest women" he has ever coached.

  • Niebrugge broke the 200-meter dash record in her first collegiate meet at the Blue-Gold invite at the University of Notre Dame.
  • Niebrugge broke the 60-meter dash record at the Fairgrounds Invitational in Indianapolis.

The players

Anna Niebrugge

A first-year sprinter on the Butler University track and field team who has broken the school records in both the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes in her debut season.

Grace Stedge

A senior sprinter on the Butler University track and field team who is Niebrugge's teammate and competes with her on the 4x400-meter relay team.

Jeff Fiebelkorn

The new assistant track and field coach at Butler University, who has been impressed by Niebrugge's talent and potential.

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What they’re saying

“We're watching [the scoreboard] as the times are revealed, and [went] 'Oh my gosh, that's another school record, isn't it?', when she had just broken it last week.”

— Grace Stedge, Senior sprinter (thebutlercollegian.com)

“My goal for this season was really just to focus on myself and adjust to college running, so I think I was trying not to think about [breaking records]. It kind of surprised me a little when they said I had broken the records.”

— Anna Niebrugge (thebutlercollegian.com)

“She's one of the fastest women that I've ever coached.”

— Jeff Fiebelkorn, Assistant track and field coach (thebutlercollegian.com)

What’s next

The Butler track and field team will continue to compete in the indoor season, with Niebrugge looking to build on her record-breaking performances and help the team challenge for high positions in their conference.

The takeaway

Niebrugge's record-breaking debut season at Butler has raised the bar for the program and showcased its ability to attract top talent. Her success could inspire other talented athletes to join the Bulldogs and help the team achieve new heights in the future.