Ivy commits to run track at Rice

By Sam Waller

Albany graduate Luke Ivy fulfilled a dream recently when he signed to compete in track and field at Rice University.

Ivy becomes Albany’s first signee for NCAA Division I men’s track since Drew Hudson competed at Princeton.

“I never thought I’d be doing that,” Ivy said. “In the back of my mind, I thought it would be really cool, but I never actually believed that I could. Now that it’s a reality, it’s really exciting and something I’m looking forward to.”

Ivy qualified for state in the triple jump in 2021 and narrowly missed returning to the state meet this spring. He also competed in the long jump and ran on all three relays for the Lions. He ran the 200 and 800 during his career in addition to playing football, basketball, baseball, and tennis.

His career-best in the triple jump was 43 feet, 10¼ inches as a junior.

Ivy, who was Albany’s valedictorian this year, said Rice’s academic reputation took priority in his decision.

“I really liked the campus,” he said. “And I always knew that academics was going to come first.”

Boys track coach Rod Britting said Ivy is a good fit for Rice both academically and athletically.

“The entrance requirements to Rice are rigorous, and Luke’s SAT score was through the roof,” Britting said. “That’s hurdle number one. Once you get past that point, it’s a matter of what kind of work ethic he has, what he’s willing to do.”

And Ivy more than fills the bill on that score, as well, Britting said.

“A guy like Luke will show up every day, do everything you ask,” Britting said. “Coaches don’t mind working with those types of kids. He’s going to take care of the little things.”