By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The Union City High School cross country programs gave a good accounting of themselves in the Class A-AA state meet in Hendersonville Friday.
UC’s girls’ team – making its first-ever appearance in the event – played 19th out of 30 teams on the Sanders Ferry Park course.
Sophomore Bailey Wagoner ran the 2.5-mile race in 21:45.55, good for 42nd place in a field of 235 to pace the Purple and Gold ladies.
Wagoner, who qualified for the event as a freshman last year, shaved more than 50 seconds off her time from a year ago Friday.
Cedrion Cook, making his fourth consecutive appearance on the state’s biggest stage, finished 23rd individually in a field of 251 boys.
Cook’s time (17:22.94) was 33 seconds better than his mark as a junior.
UCHS head coach Katie Parr was thrilled with her teams’ effort.
“I believe we proved we belong here,” Parr said. “We had a good accounting of ourselves, both as individuals and as a team. We had two girls (Adeline Rice and Bailey Wagoner) who had their personal best times, and I thought everyone we had gave it their best.
“Cedrion had his personal best time, too. You always want to be performing at your highest level and peaking when you get to the state. I think we did that.”
Freshman Kennedi Robinson was UC’s second-best finisher, coming in at No. 65 with a time of 22:24.15.
Other Lady Tornadoes and their showings included: freshman Adeline Rice (134th, 24:07.66); senior Lizzy Jones (162nd, 25:07.23); junior Chloe Meade (178th, 25:47.96); freshman Daisy Sanchez (182nd, 26:03.06); and freshman Myranda Parr (217th, 31:08.83).
Union City’s team total was 458 points.
“Our one senior (Jones) battled through an injury this week and really dug down deep to give a good effort,” Parr added. “We are proud and we are going to keep building with this young squad.
“They know what it takes to compete at the biggest level. They won’t be intimated in the future by any situation. They have got that mental block taken care of. Next year will work to our advantage.”
Murfreesboro Central Magnet won both the girls’ and boys’ team championships.