Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Brad Wiggins

Senior Brad Wiggins did not grow up wanting to be a track star. In fact, after trying out multiple team and individual sports and finding little joy or success, he joined the cross country team only after his parents pressing him to be involved in something. Track did not seem entirely appealing at first, but Brad soon discovered he had the talent to run long distances, and his talent very quickly turned into a passion for the sport. Brad's ability, passion, and willingness to improve led him to not only be one of the more talented distance runners in the state but his humility and eagerness to aid others have helped him share his passion with the less fortunate, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

A 3x state qualifier, Brad has taken advantage of his opportunities at East to grow as both a person and athlete. "Brad has grown as a runner over these 4 years, knowing that he can keep pushing himself in every meet to the best of his ability," says Michael and Bonnie Wiggins, Brad's parents. They go on to add, "He has always pushed himself during practices the hardest he can and has learned how to put that into competing during the meets in both cross country and track."

Head track and cross country coach Jim Milner has been an integral part of Brad's growth and credits Brad's willingness to learn about health and running to his improvement as an athlete. "Brad came in with a great attitude and really loved to run," says Jim. He goes on to add, "As we learn through high school sports, there is often more to the sport than the fitness component and Brad has become more knowledgeable with the sport in its entirety."

As a senior who has had success in the past, Brad has set goals of helping the 4 x 800 relay team set the school record and qualifying for state in both the 4 x 800 relay and the mile, something Coach Milner believes Brad can not only achieve but can surpass. "Brad can reach that goal and should be looking to place high if not win both events this season," says Coach Milner.

As a means to keep things in perspective, Brad has a ritual of dedicating every practice and meet to someone or something in his life. "I try to dedicate each run to someone or something, like God or my family, and realize there are people in the world who may want to run but do not have the opportunity to."

Brad's ability to be humble is something that carries beyond the track. "As parents, we have seen Brad's humility is so genuine, almost to a fault, because he really doesn't know he's as good as he is," says Michael and Bonnie. They go on to add, "He is quick to talk about how well others did, and that is important to him. Yet, he'll hold out on telling us in the family that he set a record or accomplished a goal."

The success Brad has had on the track pales in comparison to his willingness to go out and help the less fortunate. Brad has used his passion to help others around the world. "Brad had the opportunity to share his passion for running by visiting the O'Brien School for the Maasai located close to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last summer," says Michael and Bonnie. They continue by adding, "He brought donated running shoes, volunteered with students daily, and held a running club where kids could participate and run alongside Brad. It was an unforgettable time making a difference through sport."

Brad's success in track and cross country helped him land a partial scholarship to Coastal Carolina University, which he will attend in the fall and compete on the track team. Although he is unsure of what he will focus his studies on, Brad is interested in both psychology and meteorology.

Ashley Schlecte, Brad's Meteorology teacher, believes Brad will find success regardless of what field he chooses, saying, "Brad is an inquisitive student that is motivated by his drive to understand how the world works around him." She goes on to add, "During class, he is constantly thinking about how concepts interconnect and how different variables can affect each other. Both of these characteristics will ensure Brad's success in the future, no matter what field he chooses to go into."

With a bright future ahead, Brad advises future Wolves who are looking to go into sports too, "stick with it because sports are a great way to meet people and make friends." Brad's willingness to try a new sport has not only led him to meet several great teammates he now calls friends but also find success and an avenue to give back to others through the sport, something he can be proud of regardless of how he finishes in any meet this season.