Houghton University Athletics

One of the most decorated runners to ever don the purple and gold, Kaitlin (Fadden) Platt earned eight NAIA National Championship appearances (three in cross country and five in track & field), captured two All-America awards (one in cross country and one in track) and claimed Houghton College’s first NAIA national championship in the 2008 marathon as a sophomore. At the time, she was just the third Houghton athlete (second female), to ever post NAIA All-America honors in both cross country and track & field.
 
Kaitlin grew up in Hyde Park, New York and began running track in middle school, following in the footsteps of her older brother, Ryan, who would pave the way for her at Houghton and also earn NAIA All-America honors in 2008. 
 
In the fall of 2006 Kaitlin enrolled at Houghton College because “[Ryan’s] love for Houghton was contagious,” and he encouraged her to consider it. The running program, music program and overall campus life seemed like a perfect fit. She chose to major in Adolescent Education and History and minor in music, both of which continue to play a significant role in her life today.
 
As a child in a strong Christian home Kaitlin knew Christ from a young age, but stated that during her time at Houghton her faith grew drastically. Her knowledge and understanding grew through academic courses and amazing chapel speakers. She also formed intimate relationships with classmates, teachers and coaches. They held devotionals together, prayed together and completed service projects together. She was surrounded by strong Christians who lifted her up and encouraged her when she needed it. During this time she deepened her realization of what a life of following Christ truly looks like.
 
In the spring of 2007 at the Outdoor Track & Field Nationals in California, Kaitlin watched her future husband, Mike Platt, finish his first marathon. From that moment on she knew she wanted to accomplish the same feat.
 
One year later, after qualifying for the marathon championship by placing in the top six in a regional half-marathon, Kaitlin pulled away from an experienced field down the stretch to win the first marathon in which she had ever run, 36 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.
 
Perhaps the most inspiring thing about Kaitlin, however, was the fact that the following year she took second place in the 2009 National Championship for the marathon but the games committee disqualified her for “receiving inappropriate aid.” The disqualification eliminated what would have been her second All-America distinction, an accomplishment that would have to wait until her final semester at the NAIA Cross Country National Championship.
 
The disqualification is a complicated story, but in those days the NAIA used the NCAA rule book for all of its track & field events. The problem was that the NCAA does not have the marathon as an event. Thus, in the pre-race coaches meeting race officials said that they would follow rules used in other marathons. One rule was that "no aid can be given to an athlete outside of designated aid station areas." "Aid" could be given by coaches or team members within the confines of these areas. 
 
At about mile 17 Katie was in second place, right behind the leader, but experiencing excruciating lower back pain and probably should have dropped out. Our long-distance coach, Matt Dougherty, told her to wait until she got to an aid station.  There he had her lay down and stretched her out. Officials who were at this station said nothing. She got up and bravely finished the race.
 
We were in the van headed back to our hotel when I got a phone call requesting that I return to the track to talk with the Games Committee regarding Katie's disqualification!  This was a crushing blow. She had run an incredible race, through excruciating pain for 26.2 miles. Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of this whole scenario is the gracious way in which she accepted this devastating and unexpected ruling.  
 
In my 34-plus years of experience with Houghton athletics this unfortunate situation will remain a high-water mark as to what it means to be a Christian athlete representing the ideals of excellence that Houghton College strives for. Hands down Kaitlin Fadden Platt was one of the top three female distance runners in Highlander history. She held multiple distance records and certainly deserves this Hall of Honor recognition.
 
After graduating from Houghton in 2010, Kaitlin realized her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She went on to earn a Masters of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from New Jersey City University and currently teaches Special Education at Briarcliff Middle School in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. 
 
“I love helping others,” she recently said.  “Teaching is a career where you get the chance to form long term connections with students and have a meaningful impact on their lives. There are a lot of tough and messy days, but seeing growth in your students is totally worth it. Everyday I have a chance to hopefully show some of the attributes of Christ to my students. And, teaching is fun!”
 
While her running days have hit a semi-dormant stage, she still loves to be outdoors and stays active, cooking, playing the piano and caring for her husband and two sons. 
 
Of her time at Houghton Kaitlin reflects that she learned the importance of dedication and hard work, often learning more from the setbacks she faced. She learned patience, and that God always has a reason and a plan. She is thankful that this is where she met her husband, and for the countless memories of laughing and talking for hours with teammates on long runs. Some of her favorite memories are from pre-season training at Star Lake, connecting with teammates, coaches, nature, and God.