(Griswold) Former Griswold star Rebekah Topham will go into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame this week. The distance running standout is set to be recognized on Saturday at the state meet.
Topham had an outstanding career at Griswold from 2012-15. She finished with 11 state titles, four second place finishes, and was a 16-time state medalist. “It felt amazing. It’s such an honor. It just takes me back to my high school days and all the memories that comes with it. It was very exciting.”
Topham’s specialty was in the distance events, claiming titles in the 1500 all four years. She is just one of five runners to win the 800, 1500 and 3000 in the same meet twice, and one of just two runners to win the 800, 1500, 3000 and 400 Hurdles in the same meet. One memory from state track came to the top of her mind among many others. “My freshman year when me and Alyx Flippin went 1-2. I think that was special to share in the success with my teammate. That’s one thing that really stands out.”
She is the only female runner to win four state championships in cross country. Topham also left her mark at the Drake Relays, claiming titles in the 1500 and 3000 as a freshman.
She competed collegiately at Wichita State, where she won seven indoor Missouri Valley Conference championships with three outdoor titles. She won the Drake relays University-College 1500 in 2016 and 2019, and finished second in the steeplechase in 2018. She ranks second on the Shockers’ all-time list in the indoor 3,000 meters while ranking third in the indoor mile and 5,000 meters.
Topham is still training to run competitively. She’s also a volunteer coach at Wichita State.
Rebekah Topham:
