Mike Fulghum
Cross Country/Track 1959-1961

Mike Fulghum grew up in rural Fredonia and graduated from Fredonia High School in 1959 where he competed in football and track. During his junior year, he set a Tri-Valley League record in the 880-yard run in 2:00.45. This record stood for over 20 years. Also during his junior year he placed 3rd in the state in the mile with a 4:32.1. He did not run as well his senior year due to an illness but placed 2nd in the state with a 4:32.6 mile.

      Fulghum came to CCC in the fall of 1959 on a cross country and track scholarship. The cross country team finished with a record of 4 and 3. The region IV track meet was in Coffeyville. Fulghum won the mile in 4:18.7 and the 2 mile in 9:49.1. Both times were new records. The nest week he won the mile and 2 mile at the state meet in Wichita. Nationals were in Big Springs, Texas, where he won the mile and 2 mile leading the Ravens to the national team title. In his sophomore year, he was undefeated in cross country. At the national meet in Jackson, Michigan, the Ravens took home 5 of the 15 All-American medals. They placed 1, 2, 11, 12 and 13 to take home the national team trophy. Fulghum won the 3 mile race breaking the record by 50.4 seconds. He also won the mile, half mile and 2 mile at the state meet in Wichita. He pinched a nerve in the arch of his left foot on Tuesday before the nationals. 

      Fulghum went on to Kansas University in the fall of 1961 on a full scholarship. There the cross country team won the Big 8 conference championship. The team finished 4th in the NCAA championship. The Jayhawks took the conference indoor track title and finished 2nd in the outdoor title. Fulghum ran 1st leg on the 4 mile relay that won the KU Relays and set a world record. They also won the Drake Relays. His senior year the Jayhawks finished 2nd in the conference cross country championship. Because of the nagging foot injury, Fulghum did not run track his senior year.

      After graduation from KU with a degree in education, he taught a semester at Troy, KS followed by 2 years at Haverhill in the Leon-Bluestem District. Next he taught one year of Eureka and finished with 31 years at Heller School in Neodesha. He was the runner’s coach for the junior and senior high boys and girls track for 19 years. In 1984 the boys team won the state track title.

      Since retirement he and his wife Billie live on 135 acres southeast of Fredonia. During the growing season he is busy taking care of his large yard and “Pete’s Park.” In the winter months he and his brother Bob cut firewood for their fireplaces. His step-sons own a cattle ranch nearby with a cow-calf operation of over 350 Blank Angus brood cows. Fulghum helps them with cattle work, woodcutting, and leaning pastures.

          He has made 41 June fishing trip to Canada and has plans for at least 4 more trips.