Max Bigby

Max Bigby was born and raised in Astoria. Max attended Willamette University and was on the wrestling team there before moving south to the University of Oregon where he played rugby and obtained a Bachelors Degree and a Master’s Degree. Max then attended Portland State University and obtained another Master’s Degree. His focus all of his life has been on physical fitness and sports so it was only a natural that Max would teach Physical Education and coach for the majority of his professional career.

Max coached track and field, basketball, wrestling and soccer. He coached kids through the gymnastic circus years ago and more recently through the ropes and challenge course at Camp Rilea. He enjoyed taking his PE classes canoeing and spent numerous weekends taking kids skiing. Max taught weight training to his PE classes but also taught this sport at the college and high school levels. He is a consultant for weight training and is licensed through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Max also happens to be a national and world record holder in his weight division for the squat and deadlift.

Max taught Physical Education and coached at Lewis and Clark school, Clatsop Community College, Astoria Middle School and Astoria High School.

Max helped take soccer to a more viable place at Astoria High School. He began coaching soccer in the sport’s formative years at AHS beginning in the fall of 1987. The soccer program was placed on a trial basis and we competed at the JV level. We had a 6 game schedule and won 3 out of the 6. By 1991, the soccer program had received varsity status and Max became the head coach. That was the first year the Cowapa League was formed and we won the league championship. Catlin Gabel dashed our hopes of going to State. From 1991-1999, we were in the District playoffs 7 of the 8 years; made the State playoffs four of those years; made the quarterfinals twice and in 1995 we played in the semi finals. Max’s overall record was 77 wins, 47 losses, and 12 ties. In 1995 Max was selected Soccer Coach of the Year. Max also received recognition from the Oregon High School Coaches Association for coaching and active service to Inter-Scholastic Athletics for 28 years.

Max is married to Judy Maddox Bigby his bride of 40 years. They have 2 lovely granddaughters, Lily and Alexis, whose parents are Jason and Trixie Bigby and Jared and Anita Bigby. A special highlight of Max’s soccer coaching was both Jason and Jared playing on his soccer teams for a combined 8 years.