INDIANAPOLIS - IU Indianapolis men's cross country and track standout Luke Shappell was recently named the department's recipient of the annual Michael A. Carroll Scholarship, as chosen by the administrative staff. The award is given annually to an IU Indy student-athlete based on their work in competition, in the classroom and in the community. 

"It's an honor to be a part of a legacy that is much bigger than just the winner of the award," Shappell said. "This program has shaped me into a better student, athlete, leader and community member and I'm incredibly grateful for the people and experiences that have helped me grow along the way. 

"To receive this recognition is meaningful, not just because of what it represents for me, but because it connects me to a tradition of people who have made this program what it is today. I'm grateful to share this program with so many people who inspire me every day and who are equally deserving of recognition. I'm proud to be a small part of this legacy and hope to carry it forward for those who come next."

Shappell is the first men's runner to earn the honor since 2010.

"Luke's an impressive young man. He's just a relentless, fierce competitor who works hard to do things right," IU Indy Director of Athletics Luke Bosso said. "He obviously takes incredible pride in everything he does, whether it's training or school work or being out in the community. He's one of those kids who you're just really proud to see him compete in an IU Indy uniform and representing our program."

Fittingly, when Shappell was called by the athletics staff to be informed of receiving this year's award, he was en route to a volunteer opportunity at the on-campus Riley Children's Hospital. Equally fitting is Shappell's prominent positioning in the 30-second IU Indianapolis television commercials, closing the spot with... 'and we said, watch us.'

In the classroom, Shappell has maintained a 3.9 grade point average while majoring in biology while collecting awards ranging from Horizon League All-Academic Teams to College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors. He's also been honored by both Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma for his academic prowess and worked as a Teaching Assistant in the chemistry department. 

In competition, he runs with a smooth gait, quiet confidence and mischievous smirk that has seen him power his way to a variety of victories. At the 2026 Horizon League Indoor Track & Field Championships, it was Shappell's heroics in the final leg of the distance medley relay that saw the Jaguars snatch a win from near impossibility, while also clocking a school record in the process. The always gracious Shappell was quick to congratulate the competition after an intense battle, before then celebrating alongside his teammates. 

The same confidence propelled him to a league title in the mile during the indoor season before he later backed it up with a second consecutive victory in the 1,500m event during the outdoor championships. 

While running the anchor on the DMR wasn't enough, Shappell has been the anchor of the roster as well from a leadership standpoint. 

"With such a young team, having someone who consistently shows up ready to work and sets the standard every day has been extremely important to our group." head coach Justin Amburgy said. "His consistency and attitude in training naturally set the tone for the younger athletes."

Shappell joins a collection of 28 previous scholarship winners bearing the Michael A. Carroll name. Carroll served as deputy mayor of Indianapolis during the 1970s and later held the post of Vice President of Community Development at the Lily Endowment. He was only 51 years old when he and three other prominent Indianapolis leaders lost their lives in a tragic collision between two private planes on way to a meeting in Columbus, Ohio, to discuss development ideas for White River Park.

The Indianapolis Star described the impact of Carroll and others who died on September 11, 1992: "There was no way to quantify their impact on the city: the Hoosier Dome, the Colts, saving Cathedral High School, rebuilding the reputation of the Hoosier Lottery, right-hand men to politicians (Richard) Lugar, (William) Hudnut and Dan Quayle. The Indianapolis Tennis Center, IUPUI athletics, Indiana Sports Corp., White River State Park. A new Indianapolis Zoo."

Click here to see all the winners of the IU Indy Michael A. Carroll Scholarship.