CHENEY, Wash. – Owen Higgins didn't arrive at Eastern Washington University as a finished product. He arrived as a runner with raw speed, international experience, and a willingness to adapt, qualities that have quickly turned him into one of the most versatile middle-distance athletes in EWU history.
Higgins grew up in South Africa and started running young, first under the guidance of his father. By age eight, it was clear the sport would become more than a hobby. "I realized I had some potential," Higgins said. After working with multiple coaches through primary and high school, one goal became clear: earn the opportunity to compete in the United States.
"He really pushed me to get overseas and run the times I needed to get into a D1 school and a good scholarship," Higgins said. "So yeah, that's basically the history of my running."
That path eventually led him to Cheney, Washington, a destination far removed from home, both geographically and culturally. Higgins said EWU stood out largely because of head coach Tuck's recruiting style.
"He was just straightforward," Higgins said. "He was direct, and I enjoyed the direct approach of the recruiting. So that's why I picked Eastern."
Cross country, however, wasn't originally part of the plan. Higgins had little experience with the discipline before arriving at EWU, and even then, the decision came gradually. He was given a choice, took his lumps early, and then found his footing.
"I didn't do too great my first two races," Higgins said. "Then by the third, I had a bit of practice and it clicked. And he said, 'Okay, you're in cross now.' So I just kept doing it."
The transition from South Africa to Eastern required adjustments on nearly every level. Training was different. Racing was different. Life off the track was different.
"I probably only raced five races in a year in South Africa," Higgins said. "Here, it's like every weekend."
The cold didn't help either, nor did being far from family. Still, Higgins credits the people around him for helping him settle in. "Coach Robin and a lot of good people really helped me fit in," he said.
While cross country was the biggest unknown, Higgins quickly realized it would become one of his biggest strengths. Rather than limiting him, the added mileage reshaped the way he approached middle-distance racing.
"Cross is a really big thing for the way I run the 800 and the mile," Higgins said. "It gives you that strength, and then allows you to run multiple heats and finals and still do well in the final."
That strength has translated directly into results. Higgins now holds the EWU indoor school records in both the 600 meters and the 1000 meters—two marks that underscore his unique blend of speed and endurance.
"The 600 record was really exciting," he said. "It was an old record to take down. I didn't really expect to get the 1K, so that was also a lot of fun. It means a lot. It's nice to have my name on the record book."
And he's not done yet. Higgins is currently second all-time at EWU in the indoor 800 meters, sixth in the mile, and fourth in the outdoor 800 meters. While his range spans from the 600 to the mile, one event clearly stands out.
"The 800, for sure," Higgins said. "I've just got more speed within the eight and strength."
One moment confirmed for Higgins just how high his ceiling might be. At the 2025 indoor conference championships, he entered the meet ranked seventh—an underdog by most measures.
"I beat some big-scale champs and some NAU boys," Higgins said. "I shouldn't have got out of the heats, and I did. Then I got third in the finals."
That race, he said, changed his perspective. More than physical ability, Higgins credits a shift in mindset for his rapid progress at Eastern.
"I think I've learned to handle pressure easier," he said. "Just appreciating getting another chance to race on the track and compete against some big names."
As Higgins transitions into outdoor season, his ambitions remain clear. While weather and limited warm meets present challenges in the Pacific Northwest, he believes bigger performances are coming.
"I'm trying to get that 800 record this year and make regionals," Higgins said. "That'd be nice."
Behind the scenes, Higgins has embraced changes in training, including more strength work, hills, and time in the weight room. He credits assistant coach Hahn with finding the right balance between speed and endurance.
"He's keeping the tempos and stuff, but building in a lot more speed," Higgins said. "By far, this year should be really good."
Team culture has also played a major role in Higgins' development. At Eastern, competition doesn't stop at the finish line.
"You're trying to compete against your teammates, even if they're doing a different event," Higgins said. "It's very competitive, but everyone wants people to do well."
For
Owen Higgins, the move from South Africa to Eastern Washington wasn't just a change of scenery. It was the start of a transformation, one that continues to rewrite the record books, one race at a time.
Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season ticket and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
FOLLOW THE EAGLES
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
