Class of 2026 senior spotlight
Very few college students achieve as much off-campus as they do on campus, but Haiden Diemer-McKinney ’26 is one of those rare students with experience beyond campus that can match his prodigious career on campus. An economics major and business minor from Brownsburg, Indiana, Diemer-McKinney still has his fair share of campus involvements, serving on the cross-country and track and field teams at Wabash as well as part of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Glee Club, Athletic Communications and as a staff writer and Opinion Editor for The Bachelor during his time as a student.
Diemer-McKinney is among the most accomplished runners in Wabash’s history. He has a long list of achievements including being a four time North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) champion; a two-time NCAA national qualifier, including a third place finish in the indoor 800 meter as a freshman, earning him NCAA All-American honors; a 12-time recipient of all-NCAC honors and the school record holder in the indoor 800 and 600 meter.
“I want to leave a good mark,” said Diemer-McKinney. “Not just performance based, but also as a person. I want to be seen as someone that did things the right way and as someone who finished their career giving it all to this program that’s stuck with me.”
Head Cross Country Coach Tyler McCreary recruited Diemer-McKinney out of high school. While he knew Diemer-McKinney had a great running talent, McCreary was especially impressed by the discipline, passion, leadership and consistency he saw from Diemer-McKinney.
“Elite athletes often have big moments, but Haiden distinguishes himself through his daily habits — the way he prepares, the intensity he brings to practice and his commitment to continual improvement,” said McCreary. “That kind of consistency reflects maturity and a deep respect for his sport and his teammates. Haiden represents the culture of excellence, resilience and integrity that defines elite competitors at Wabash College.”
Diemer-McKinney’s athletic career hasn’t been without setbacks. After earning NCAA All-American honors in his freshman year, injuries have limited Diemer-McKinney’s opportunities to run at the highest level, but that hasn’t stopped his dedication to the sport or program.
“Haiden was always able to come back from those injuries to perform at a high level, just not to the expectation that he would set for himself,” said McCreary. “That’s the competitor in him. I’ve been amazed by Haiden’s resilience and his ability to have a positive attitude through all of it. I never saw him act selfishly when he wasn’t where he wanted to be.”
Now nearing the end of his collegiate running career, Diemer-McKinney has the goal of being present for himself and for the program that has given so much to him.
“Because of the time that coach has put in, and the belief he has in all of us, I want to be present and pay back that dedication,” said Diemer-McKinney. “Be present and give your all to the program because there’s still time to do something special, and that has to be the mindset.”
But what’s been, arguably, even more impressive for Diemer-McKinney are the career opportunities he’s pursued while being a full-time student. While at Wabash, Diemer-McKinney has had internships with the Indy Eleven, a United Soccer League Championship soccer club, the NCAC, the NCAA and the Indianapolis Colts in athletic and gameday communications, as well as media coordination. All of which are opportunities he got, in part, thanks to fellow Wabash men.
“Take advantage of opportunities and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” said Diemer-McKinney. “If there’s something you want badly, then the alumni network here is going to work just as hard to get it for you, and that’s what’s so special about this place.”
One such Wabash man is Athletic Communication Director Brent Harris H’03. Introduced to Diemer-McKinney as a prospective student, Harris immediately knew there was something special about Diemer-McKinney and his passion for working in sports.
“Very rarely do I get students that come in with the understanding that there is a lot of work involved and they’re not afraid to do it,” said Harris. “Haiden has taken it to another level. I think he really understood as a senior in high school that there really are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes, and he’s never been afraid to get his hands dirty.”
After graduating in May, Diemer-McKinney is looking to stay in athletic communications and is pursuing opportunities both in the NFL and with the NCAA.
The value of continual improvement is one Diemer-McKinney holds very highly. He wants to leave Wabash giving students the advice to not pigeon-hole themselves into doing one thing or letting other people stand in the way of their passions.
“Don’t be afraid to be involved, but also don’t be afraid to change your interests,” said Diemer-McKinney. “If you’re doing something to try to maximize your potential and you’re trying to chase something greater, do it. Don’t let anyone stop you, because the sky is truly the limit of what you can achieve here.”