Hamilton Heights’ Bichey signs to run for Campbell University

Submitted

Mary Ella Bichey, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to join the Women’s Track & Cross Country Team at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N. C., this fall. Campbell University is a member of the Southern Conference (SoCon) and a NCAA Division I athletic institution. She is the daughter of Amy and Brad Bichey.

Bichey really enjoyed her visit at Campbell University, a private Christian institution of higher education which offered everything she was looking for. “It was the perfect mix of everything,” recalled Bichey. “It was a smaller college and campus, had nice facilities, and a strong focus on academics. She also said members of the cross country team were super fun and she could see herself fitting in well there. Bichey plans to study kinesiology/pre-physical therapy and ultimately earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

“I fell in love with the sport when she first started running in the eighth grade,” recalled Bichey. Since then, she runs all the time to build her skills and make sure her aerobic base stays consistent. “I am really passionate about running because of the mental and physical challenges present with each work out and race,” she added.

Bichey is a multi-sport athlete (cross county and swimming) who has enjoyed success in school and athletics. She earned four varsity letters in cross country, received the Husky Award twice, and earned the Most Valuable Runner Award and Best Leadership Award during her tenure with the team. She is also active in the National Honor Society, Student Government (current secretary), Spanish Club, and is a member of the White River Christian Church.

Bichey credits her coaches Bill Bowen and Bill Trachtman for helping to shape her as an athlete and a person. “Without their guidance and coaching, I would not have decided to run in college,” she said.

“So proud and excited for Mary Ella as she pursues the next chapter in her running career,” said Bill Bowen, Hamilton Heights High School Girls Cross County Coach. “Mary Ella was a four- year varsity runner for us. She was committed, dedicated, and her work ethic was second to none. She was physically tough, mentally tough, and got stronger as the race went on.  Mary Ella was a tremendous asset to our cross country program, and I wish her the very best.”

“Mary Ella is a wonderful person,” added Bill Trachtman, Hamilton Heights High School Boys Cross Country Coach. “She is a great competitor and a loyal teammate. Mary Ella will give it all to help our team be victorious.  You can always count on Mary Ella to step up and help out our program.  No task is below her. From cleaning up our team camp site to helping pick up items on the bus, she is the consummate team player. Mary Ella has a bright future in running and in life. She is a joy to coach, and I can’t wait to see all the successes she will have in the future.”

“Mary Ella has worked extremely hard to improve her running times over the course of the past four years,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “That hard work has paid off and we’re excited to see her have the opportunity to continue the sport she loves at Campbell University.  We wish her the best on the next step of her journey.”

“I am super excited about running in college and to reach new goals in my running career,” added Bichey.