SAND SPRINGS – Cole Higgins has a chance to compete at Nike Outdoor Nationals, but only if he can raise $1,500 within a week. As an upcoming junior at Charles Page High School, Higgins regards running as something that has been a part of his life for almost forever. The accomplishment of running at Nike Outdoor Nationals, an American middle school and high school track and field championship that is held annually, would make Higgin’s hard work all the more rewarding.
“It would mean a lot because I get to have something that I can look back at, you know?” Higgins said. “Like, I can say to myself in the future that I did that, I achieved that, like, I got there, I worked as hard as I did to get there, and I’d be happy with that.”
He is a part of his school's cross country and track field teams – where he has attended the state championships for both sports and placed sixth at the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association 5A/6A State Championship 2026 Track Meet. He is also a member of the Oklahoma Cheetah Track Club, a nonprofit track and field organization he joined in eighth grade.
Andrea Lister, an administrator for the Oklahoma Cheetah Track Club, says the total cost of the trip is about $1,500.
“The plane tickets are about $800, lodging is around $300, and he will be there for a full week so we are estimating food and incidentals to be about $400 in Eugene, OR,” said Lister. “Investing in Cole is a great investment in our future.”
For Higgins, he maintains motivation through reminding himself of where he could be one day as he continues to train consistently.
“I have a lot of hope for the future and hope for the future motivates me a lot,” said Higgins.
If Higgins is able to attend Nike Outdoor Nationals, he’ll be competing in the 1500 and 800 meter runs and will be heading to Eugene, Oregon on Tuesday, June 16.
To help Cole fund his trip, contact Andrea Lister at 720253-6050.