By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Nearly 30 Union City High School track and field performers have qualified for next week’s West Sectional meet following Thursday’s preliminaries.
While several Tornado performers were “waved through” to one of eight sectional spots without competing in the sub-sectional to fill out the next-level field, UC had a handful of first- and second-place finishes in a modified competition at Dave Shatz Track.
Tayshun Gentry posted the biggest surprise of the day, winning the triple jump and edging teammate Adrian Crawford. Crawford – the sectional decathlon champion earlier this week – did triumph in the long jump and the 400-meter run.
Aiden Reid set a new program record in winning the shot put, recording a mark-shattering throw of 55 feet. Teammate Elijah Simpson was second in the event. The Twisters’ Kyle Price won first place in the discus, with Jaxon Jones the runner-up.
D.J. Evans finished second in the 330 boys’ hurdles, while Rodney Jenkins was No. 2 in the 200 meters.
The Union City girls got their usual strong performances from Debrionna Jones and Katana Bonds. Jones and teammate Allysia Davis were 1-2 in the shot put and discus, while Bonds won the long jump.
UCHS will host next week’s Class A Sectional on Thursday, with the field events slated to begin at 10 a.m. and the running competition scheduled for 3 p.m. The top two finishers and selected wildcards will qualify for the Single-A state championships at Spring Fling 32 in Murfreesboro on May 20.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS
UCMS teams celebrate unbeaten seasons
Members of both Union City Middle School tennis squads were honored at a Thursday night get-together after each posted 9-0 unbeaten seasons this spring.
Head coach Angie Conley and assistant Makaily Bailey recognized players individually for their accomplishments and handed out several awards while also singling out members of the 8th-grade class.
Among those receiving individual accolades were: (see related photos)
GIRLS
Averi Riley, (Clutch Performer Award); Rylan Ali Bondurant, (Perseverance Award)
Peyton Kendall, (Best Attitude); Austyn Dilday (Fearless Fighter Award); Emmalyn McClanahan (Best Lefty); Andi Walker (Most Resilient); Kenslie Taylor, (Hustle Award); Carsen Gray, (Most Improved)
BOYS
Austin Powell, (Perseverance Award); Wes Worrell, (Most Improved); Miloh Turner, (Best Net Player); Kipton Powers, (Clutch Performer Award); Madix Turner (Best Singles Player); William Tohn, (Hardest Worker)
8th GRADERS
Emmalyn McClanahan, Kenslie Taylor, Averi Riley, Rylan Ali Bondurant
Austin Powell, Wes Worrell, Miloh Turner, Kipton Powers, Madix Turner