Wiggan Out

Joe Wiggan had to make his share of unexpected adjustments this past season playing for the Burroughs High football team.

But the type of changes employed by the durable senior running back had nothing to do with opposing defenses or his running style. Instead, Wiggan's adjustments were personal.

"I had set certain goals for myself before the season," said Wiggan, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound wrecking ball who punished defenders with a combination of durability and brute force. "But as the season went along, I was able to reach some of those goals, so I had to set new ones.

"I don't want [to sound conceded] or anything, but when I set a goal to get 100 yards a game and I was doing that, I set a new goal to get 200 yards a game.

"It was just something I did for myself to help me do the best that I can."

That hard work paid off in a big way. Not only did Wiggan set school records and run wild on opponents, but he also helped the Indians win their first league title in 25 years.

It is because of those accomplishments that Wiggan was a unanimous choice as the 2006 All-Area Football Player of the Year, selected by the writers and editors of the Burbank Leader, Glendale News-Press and Crescenta Valley Sun.

Wiggan was genuinely appreciative when he was informed about his selection.

"Wow. That really means a lot to me," he said. "I know there are a lot of good football players out there and to win this is really something."