By Mike Hutchens UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–To the victor goes the spoils.
After winning the Small Division State Discus Championship in late May, Union City sophomore Taylan Tribble was both an easy and logical choice for All State honors by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.
Tribble stunned a heralded field that included reigning champion and University of Tennessee football commitment Elijah Simmons to claim the UC program’s first state individual championship in 30 years. Tribble claimed the title in most-impressive fashion with a throw of more than 155 feet that was 10 feet better than his closest competitor.
The TSWA honors the Top 3 finishers in every individual state spring sports competition, automatically giving them All State status.
Simmons and third-place finisher, Spencer Fejeran of Claiborne, also earned the designation.
The state championship was the first in UCHS boys’ track history since 1989 when Wright Jernigan won both the discus and shot put. Justyn Johnson and Austin Jernigan were the last Purple and Gold track All Staters in 2018.
“It’s certainly fitting,” Union City head coach John Parr said of Tribble’s All State accolades. “He worked harder than any thrower we had and he’s the kind of kid you actually have to worry about throwing too much in practice because he wants to get better. We have to tell him to ‘go home’ sometimes.
“I think Taylan not only winning (the state championship) but also making All State will serve as an incentive to many of the rest of our kids, too. The big thing about track and field is you know exactly what you have to do – distance-wise and time-wise – to be successful on every level. “
The state title and All-State honor also qualifies Tribble for induction into the UCHS Hall of Honors after he graduates.
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