Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Whether on the runway, in the blocks, carrying the baton, or on the football field, Julius Higginbotham ’10 delivered.
A standout in both sprints and jumps, Higginbotham was a two-time All-American in the long jump, earning indoor and outdoor honors in 2010. He also qualified for the NCAA Championships in both the long jump and 55-meter dash, showcasing the versatility that defined his Heidelberg career.
In the Ohio Athletic Conference, Higginbotham was one of the league’s most decorated performers. He was named the OAC Most Outstanding Field Athlete in both 2008 and 2009 and added OAC Most Outstanding Track Athlete honors in 2009. Over the course of his career, he won 11 OAC individual or relay championships, capturing titles in the long jump, 55-meter dash, 100-meter dash, 4x100-meter relay and 4x200-meter relay.
At the 2010 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, Higginbotham placed third in the long jump -- moving up five spots with a leap of 7.01m (23-0) in his final attempt. He was sixth at the outdoor championships later that year.
To date, Higginbotham still holds school marks in the indoor 55-meter dash (6.39s) and as part of the outdoor 4x100-meter relay (41.45s).
On the gridiron, Higginbotham had three career interceptions, playing a major role in the re-emergence of the ‘Berg football program during the Mike Hallett era. He earned All-OAC Second Team honors in 2009.
After graduating from Heidelberg with a degree in psychology, Higginbotham began his coaching career at his alma mater before spending nine seasons as an assistant coach at The College of Wooster. In 2021, he was named head men’s and women’s track & field coach at Kenyon College, where he has helped the Owls surge back to prominence in the North Coast Athletic Conference. Â
Higginbotham lives in Columbus with his wife, Tara Adams, and their two daughters, Grace and Faith.
This profile appeared in the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet program.
