A self-made athlete, Nate Murphy was determined to become one of Bellefontaine’s best distance runners. An average runner as a freshman, the Chieftain put in the mileage and became a standout by his senior year.
Now, Murphy is realizing a dream by continuing his running career at the collegiate level by signing with Tiffin University, an NCAA Division II program.
“It haz been a dream come true to see all these colleges wanting me,” said Murphy. “When I was a freshman I was inspired to become great and run in college, and hopefully at the professional level, which I think is mirrored in my undeniable work ethic.”
With the fourth-fastest 5K time in BHS history, Murphy will run cross country and track for the Dragons. He has a personal best of 16:09 and ran 16:30 or faster six times. Murphy finished 35th at the Division I regional cross country meet this season.
“Nate has been relentless,” said BHS head coach Ben Davis. “Everything he has achieved is strictly because of his desire to get better. He ran 19:47 his freshman year and was not a juggernaut his sophomore year.
“After that he decided to put the miles in. He ran 16:09 this year and ran 16:30s for most of the season. That is outstanding to beat everyone in the area, which is saying something because of the outstanding runners in this area.”
Murphy also looked at Grand Valley State University, Malone University, University of Akron, Xavier University and Wheeling University for his college choices. It was Tiffin University, though, where he felt a deep connection to.
“I felt like it was home from the moment I steped on campus,” said Murphy. “Their coach was interested in me and not just my 16:09 5K time.”
“I’m happy for him to run at Tiffin,” said Davis. “It’s a dream come true for him, especially at a track program with the success Tiffin has. They’ve placed first, second or third in Division II indoor or outdoor track the past three years. Nate has made a big improvement and he can flourish there.”
With one track season left, Murphy is driven to continue his improvement.
“A huge goal of mine is to become an All-American on the track and cross country teams,” said Murphy. “Tiffin is a very young team and their goals excited me to contend for a cross country national championship. They think that I will be a huge part of that. They have a very impressive track program, too, and I cannot wait to perform on the national level.”
Murphy led Bellefontaine’s cross country team to a regional berth this fall. Statistically, it was one of Davis’ best teams in school history.
“The most diligent runners we’ve had are Nate Orndorf, who recently qualified for the Olympic Trials, and Ryan Dunn who broke Wright State’s mile record last spring,” said Davis. “I’d put Nate up there with Dunn and some of the other top runners we’ve had. He’s the 34th runner we’ve had compete in college. He’s part of a tradition and put himself close to the top of the heap. It’ll be nice nice to see him develop and grow. There’s no reason he won’t continue to get better.”