Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
CIRCLEVILLE — There’s no question that Circleville’s football program took strides in the right direction this season.
After winning just one game in 2023, the Tigers pieced together a 4-6 mark with two one-score losses that could’ve also easily gone their way.
Kole Nungester was right at the center of that movement.
“It meant a lot to our program. Bringing in a few new coaches and a new system was a work in progress,” Nungester said. “But I thought the culture was changing this year. That’s something Circleville has been aiming to change for awhile now. I think we’re in a great spot to go into next year and continue to change the culture and see success follow.”
The junior wide receiver caught a team-high 55 passes for 608 yards — 11.1 per catch — and found the end zone on seven different occasions. He caught at least three passes in every single game this fall.
Those numbers, and for multiple other reasons, are why Nungester has been selected as SOSA’s Pickaway-Ross Athlete of the Month.
Nungester’s best night this past season came in a 36-33 tough-luck loss to Amanda-Clearcreek. In that game, he had 12 catches for 131 yards and a score. It bodes well for his senior year, one he has big plans for.
“I think having a year under our system will benefit us going into the next year,” Nungester said. “Many of us will be familiar with the scheme and the views our coaches have for us. We made strides this year, but I think we will make even more next year.”
As soon as football wrapped up, Nungester started to shift his aim towards the hardwood.
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Circleville, under first year head coach Evan Callihan, has begun the season 3-1 overall with victories over Washington Court House, Liberty Union and Bloom-Carroll — the latter two coming in Mid-State League action.
“Just like football, there’s a whole new coaching staff for basketball season,” Nungester said. “I think they have prepared us well all summer and we came into this season ready to go. Our mindset on focusing on the next game and next play has been huge for us. We’re not letting one mistake or bad game define us. But we’re going to continue to work on having consistency and bringing intensity every single night.”
While Nungester isn’t competing on the gridiron or the basketball floor, he’s working to better his future at Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center.
“Growing up, I always loved police and crime shows,” Nungester said. “I knew when I got older, that was something I wanted to pursue. Once I heard about the LPS program at Pickaway-Ross, I knew that’s something I would love to do. I feel I’m gaining experience now before I’m even out of high school that would put me ahead of others hoping to pursue the same field as me.”
“I would just tell people thinking about Pickaway-Ross to not worry about other people or what they say. Focus on yourself because it’s benefiting you and your future.”
Next up on the docket for Nungester and his Tigers are meetings with Amanda-Clearcreek, Logan Elm and Hamilton Township. The team’s start has been a good one. But those next three contests could determine the season’s trajectory — good or bad.
Either way, Nungester believes there’s a reason why he and his teammates have big goals.
“I think we have a very high ceiling, [which could include a] league championship and a deep run in the [tournament],” Nungester said. “But to get there, we’re going to have to work hard each and every day, and treat every game like it’s the championship.”