Right now, the cross country team and I are getting ready for the NCAA Championships. I could not be more excited to step on the line with some of the best runners in the country. Especially after not preforming our best at a very cold/wet regional meet this past weekend, we are hungry to bounce back and run like we know we can. Although this season has had a lot of bumps, everything has started to come together. Going into this weekend I am confident that we are going to deliver our best race of the season and finish this season fully satisfied.

As I just mentioned, our team did not have the best week at regionals. The weather was snowy, the temperature and wind gusts felt freezing, and a couple of our top runners were still beaten up (or sick) from the hills down in Muskingum. With all of that considered, I believe is it remarkable that we were still able to qualify for nationals. I know that the team and I are disappointed with the results, and we are going into nationals seeking redemption. On the bright side… we are currently underdogs. But I am fully confident that we are going to surpass expectations.

As a freshman getting to run in the postseason on the varsity squad has been the highlight of my year thus far…  and it makes me so excited to see how the rest of my time here will unfold. I am super grateful that I get to experience the postseason races and I am just taking it all in.
This experience has made me hungrier than ever to get better. Considering our varsity lineup is mainly seniors, everyone next year will have to step up a lot and continue finding roles. We have a lot of talent on this team and making it to nationals has now become the annual goal. Being named OAC Freshman of the Year was a great honor, and I have already set some big expectations for myself that I am excited to fulfill.

This season on a new team was different but so enjoyable. I come from a small town where I was the best runner on the team. So, arriving here to a team that is way bigger (and better) was very beneficial to my running career.

I love how everyone on the team is close and we're all friends. The upperclassmen have made this season so awesome, helping me and the other freshmen fit right into the family atmosphere. They always lead by example and hold everyone accountable. They always make sure they pick on me when I make dumb freshman mistakes and take the time to help fix it. They always are willing to help with balancing running and classes. They have been such good role models for me and all the underclassmen. They all have not only made me a better runner but a better person as well.

Let's see what happens next!

Jay Figgins
Utica, Ohio
Class: 2026
Major: Middle Childhood Education