The Kansas track and field team is losing a sensational standout.
In a letter to the fans, which was posted via Kansas Athletics Tuesday night, Bryce Hoppel announced he had decided to forgo his senior season to pursue his dream of running professionally. Hoppel is coming off a stellar junior season as a KU distance runner.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point in my life,” Hoppel wrote in the letter. “My ability and accomplishments would not have been possible if it were not for the people who surround me and show me an unimaginable amount of love and support.”
Hoppel left his mark on the KU men’s track program in just three seasons. In his junior campaign, Hoppel won a national title in the 800-meter run at both the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships as well as the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Last weekend, Hoppel’s impressive streak of consecutive races came to an end at the 2019 Toyota USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Drake Stadium. Prior to his third-place finish in the 800-meter run, Hoppel had won his previous 21 races dating back to Feb. 2.
Hoppel’s long list of accolades as a Jayhawk include:
• National Relay Championships Meet Record (800 Meters) – 1:45.87
• John McDonnell Field Facility Record (800 Meters) – 1:45.87
• Birmingham CrossPlex Facility Record (800 Meters) – 1:46.46
• 2019 Indoor First Team All-America (800 Meters)
• Indoor School Record (800 Meters) – 1:46.46 (3/9/2019)
• 2019 USTFCCCA Midwest Region Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year
• 2019 Indoor Big 12 Champion (800 Meters)
• 2019 Indoor Big 12 Champion (DMR)
• 2018 Outdoor First Team All-American (800 Meters)
• 2018 Indoor First Team All-American (800 Meters)
• 2018 Indoor Big 12 Champion (800 Meters)
“I’m really grateful for the time and accomplishments that Bryce achieved as a member of the KU team,” Kansas head coach Stanley Redwine said in Hoppel’s letter. “We are excited for the next step in his career and he has our total support in achieving his goals.”
Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk #RockChalk
More on my decision ➡️ https://t.co/72CJZgx990 pic.twitter.com/BhMLyF01Ud
— Bryce Hoppel (@BryceHoppel) July 31, 2019