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Whitman College Upward Together campaign
Winter 2026

Now & Then: Different Eras, Same Passion for Whitman Athletics

The uniforms are different, the venues have changed and records have been broken. But the look of grit and determination on a Whitman College runner’s face is timeless. Separated by half a century, these runners share the relentless pursuit of excellence that has long defined Whitman’s athletic spirit.

Ella Harrington wearing a Whitman jersey runs ahead of other runners on a grassy field with spectators looking on
Ella Harrington ’28 runs in the women’s 6K at the Whitman Open on Oct. 4, 2025. Harrington led the Blues with an individual fourth-place finish and personal best time. The sophomore from Bainbridge Island, Washington, went on to qualify individually for the 2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Cross Country Championship.
John Leier wearing a Whitman jersey runs ahead of other runners on an outdoor track
John Leier ’74 competes at a track and field event in his senior year. Leier went on to finish third in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship later that year.

Whitman Blues Today

17

varsity teams

280+

student-athletes

19%

of student body

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Published on Feb 23, 2026

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