GRAD TRANSFER: Washington Lands 1:46 (800) Man & Three-Time NCAA Championship Qualifier Cole Lindhorst

---

Earlier today, the University of Washington announced that they have signed Cole Lindhorst, a now-former middle distance star for Texas. Based on his TFRRS profile, he is expected to have at least one full year of eligibility across all three seasons of competition as well as the possibility for a second year (the latter of which is speculation).

Here is what we previously said about Lindhorst in a recent "Transfer Market" article...

"When Cole Lindhorst is healthy, he is one of the more underrated and consistently competitive middle distance talents in the NCAA. With times of 1:46 (800), 3:40 (1500) and 3:59 (mile), it's clear that this current Longhorn is a half-miler first as well as someone who can effectively move up in distance if needed.

In recent seasons, Lindhorst had consistently ripped off multiple 1:47 marks for 800 meters. In fact, between the winter and spring months, the Texas runner posted five separate 1:47 efforts before running a 1:46 PR. In both seasons, he individually qualified for national meet. He also qualified for 2022 indoor national meet over 800 meters.

While Lindhorst has dealt with injuries and continuously ending his season in the prelims of the national stage, there is no denying that he is still realizing his full potential. In his latest year of racing, Lindhorst had never been as consistent as he was and he had never cracked 1:47 (800) until last month."

That same runner will now be heading to Seattle, Washington to join a team mostly known for their mile and 1500-meter prowess. However, Coach Andy Powell has begun to add a large handful of nationally competitive half-milers to his program over the last year or so. Columbia's Justin O'Toole signed with the Huskies during the winter (although he will make the move this fall) and more recently, UNC's Kyle Reinheimer also opted to sign with the Washington men.

Those two transfers own 800-meter personal bests of 1:47 and 1:48, respectively.

Of course, it's Lindhorst who is the prized pickup of this group. With a 1:46 personal best over 800 meters, an ability to be a decent miler and a proven resume as a nationally competitive half-miler, Andy Powell's job just got easier.

Not only can Lindhorst focus on the 800 meters while Nathan Green attacks his primary distance (the mile/1500 meters), but he could also be a pivotal piece for the Huskies in the DMR. In theory, his introduction to this roster gives Washington a bit more flexibility with who they can substitute in and out of that lineup.

Let's also not forget that Lindhorst has proven on multiple occasions to be an outstanding doubler. At the 2022 Alex Wilson Invite, for instance, Lindhorst split 1:47 on the 800-meter relay of the Longhorn's DMR. He then doubled back not too long after that to finish 2nd place in the open 800 meters with yet another 1:47 mark.

Yes, it's true, Washington's newest conference (the BIG 10) is known for being loaded over the half-mile distance. But with Abdullahi Hassan recently transferring to Mississippi State and Rivaldo Marshall entering the transfer portal earlier this year, there is seemingly room for Cole Lindhorst to rack up a significant amount of conference meet points for the Huskies come the winter and spring of 2025.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how surprised are you that Cole Lindhorst decided to sign with Washington?

• 1-2-3 (not surprised at all)
• 4-5 (somewhat surprised)
• 6-7-8 (very surprised)
• 9-10 (absolutely shocked)