By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–A trio of Union City High School cross country runners tuned up for the upcoming season by competing in the Madison Academic Fleet Feet Jamboree at Union University in Jackson Saturday.
Junior Bailey Wagoner recorded the best finish of the Tornado trio, placing 14th out of 105 competitors in the girls’ field. Wagoner was timed at 16 minutes on the 2.2-mile course around the UU campus.
Kennedi Robinson, a UCHS sophomore, finished 31st with a time of 18:09.
Freshman Rushdon Howell competed in the boys’ field and was a middle-of-the-pack finisher in his first varsity race with a time of 15:15 – good for 81st in a field of 177 runners.
“I’m really proud of these three and the effort they gave today,” first-year head coach Ashley Martin said afterward. “I see big things coming from them this season.
“Bailey (Wagoner) ran a great race, right out of the gate. We will look to improve her end game with sprint training and pacing a bit better to have the gas to wrap it up strong in the meets to come.
“Kennedi (Robinson) had a great finish, and she’ll be a top contender before this season is through. And for a freshman, Rushdon did a fantastic job. I look forward to seeing him grow and be a competitor for those top spots over the next four years.”
Union City’s first regular season meet is scheduled for Tuesday at Dresden at 4:30 p.m.
SPORTS EVENTS FOR WEEK OF AUG. 15 – 20
MONDAY, AUG. 15
High School Golf
Milan @ Union City, 4 p.m.
High School Volleyball
West Carroll @ Union City, 5 p.m. jayvee, varsity to follow
Middle School Softball
Union City @ Crockett County, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUG. 16
High School Golf
Union City @ Trenton, 4 p.m.
High School Cross Country
Union City @ Dresden, 4:30 p.m.
Middle School Softball
Gibson County @ Union City, 5:30 p.m.
Middle School Football
Union City @ Crockett County, 6:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
THURSDAY, AUG. 18
High School Volleyball
Union City @ Gibson County, 5 p.m. jayvee, varsity to follow
Middle School Softball
Martin @ Union City, 4:45 p.m.
Middle School Cross Country
Union City @ Dresden (Jamboree), 4:45 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUG. 19
High School Football
Union City @ Lake County, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 20
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED