By RYAN WALKER
Bluffton’s Tyler Godwin signed to run cross country and track with Purdue Fort Wayne Monday morning at the high school.
Godwin earned the opportunity to ink with the Mastodons, an NCAA Division 1 program, after quite a season of accomplishments during his senior year. He crossed the ACAC meet’s finish line as the individual champion, leading his team to an ACAC title, qualifying for state and making the IATCCC as an all-state honoree in 2A.
Godwin signed in front of friends, family and athletic staff members to support him as they have throughout his four seasons with the Tigers.
With all the hardware this year, Godwin started gaining attention from colleges trying to recruit him. Purdue Fort Wayne was the ultimate winner, catching his eye for many different reasons; The campus life, especially having his own dorm room to himself, and coaching staff were a few of them.
“Their campus is small and it’s like you’re already in Fort Wayne,” Godwin said. “You don’t have to travel much to get places. Their coaches, when I went on my visit there, they were very informative and well-spoken about everything they have and they wanted to have you there.”
“And you get a Purdue degree,” he continued. “And if I want to go into Electrical Engineering, what better place to get an engineering degree from?”
Bluffton’s cross team ran in the regional at the Mastadons’ home course, giving him the opportunity to compete at the PLEX. He admitted that he loves their course and it’s tough due to it being flat but with some hills to get through.
For track, Purdue Fort Wayne hosts a few indoor meets at the Lutheran Health Fieldhouse and will be traveling to various places throughout the midwest. Godwin has an idea of what events he will run but says he is versatile and willing to be plugged in where he’s needed.
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