Bigam looks to return to state championships

Circleville Tigers Boys Cross Country

Coach: Jason Wells

2022 finish: Sixth in Mid-State League Buckeye Division

Key returnees: Senior Sterlin Mullins (Honorable Mention All-MSL last year) and senior Brandon Patrick
Key newcomers: Freshman Ethan Steiner, freshman Ayden Virgin, freshman Drace Johnson, junior Dalton Steiner and sophomore Dylan MacDougall
Key losses: Zach Buitendorp, Trey Bigam, and Chip Stanley

Coach’s comments: We have two very experienced guys in Sterlin and Brandon. We’re going to lean on those two a lot to lead us on the course and to show these young guys the way. After those two, we’re very young, but we have some guys with potential. This year is going to be all about helping those guys adjust to high school training and gradually build them up. I imagine we’ll see a lot of improvement as the season goes on.

Circleville Tigers Girls Cross Country

Coach: Jason Wells

2022 finish: Fifth in Mid-State League Buckeye Division

Key returnees: Junior Maddux Bigam (all-district and MSL Runner of the Year last year and two-time state qualifier) and senior Aly Hatfield
Key newcomers: Senior Ellie Patrick is possibly going to be back with us after taking a year off last year; she is a very talented runner and would really strengthen our top five. Junior Emma Groff, who ran in middle school and is an accomplished athlete in soccer and track, is joining us this year and will help a lot. We also hope to have freshman Palynn Wray, who is one of our best middle school runners ever, and freshman Aggie Search, who has run two years in middle school.
Key losses: Kaylyn Milliron and Meg Warner
Coach’s comments: Obviously things start for us with Maddux. She has gotten better each of her first two years and is coming off a great track season, but I know she is setting her sights much higher. She puts in a tremendous amount of work and is a great example for our younger runners. Aly Hatfield is also a seasoned runner and strong leader; she’s been cursed with injuries but is healthy right now and should be ready for her best season. Where we are lacking is depth, as we might struggle to even field a full team. If we do, though, we should be very competitive.