BLOOMINGTON  – Robert Murphy etched his name into the IUPUI track and field record books in a big way Friday night.

The former WCHS cross country and track star set a new school record in the mile at the Hoosier Hills Invitational held at Indiana University.

Murphy, an IUPUI junior, clocked in at 4:08.87 in the elite heat of the mile to set the new school standard.

Senior Dakota Dubbs started the record-setting night for IUPUI as his time of 4:12.78 in the early heat of the mile Friday night shaved more than two seconds off Joey Zielinsk’s old mark of 4:14.95. Dubbs placed second in his heat to IU’s Jordan Huntoon, who ran a time of 4:12.65. Zielinski was ninth in the race with a 4:19.72.

Dubbs’ record held for just more than an hour before Murphy spun the quickest mile in school history. Murphy finished third in the 10-man race, despite having to jump over a fallen competitor near the beginning of the race.

“Both guys ran really well,” IUPUI Head Coach Chuck Koeppen said. “Dubbs went out and ran the school record and wouldn’t you know it, but then ole Rob goes out and takes it from him.

“It couldn’t happen to two nicer kids and they’re probably our two hardest workers. It was just a really good night altogether for us down here.”

Murphy, who competed his first two seasons for Vincennes University, was a standout in cross country at WCHS for coach Jim Mills’ highly-successful program and a key member of the outstanding track program coached by Matt Thacker.

Dubbs, Murphy and Zielinski will join their teammates for the Tom Hathaway Distance Carnival on Saturday (Feb. 13), hosted by UIndy.