By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Halfway through the spring sports season, Union City’s teams are definitely on the right ‘track.’
Both the Tornado girls’ and boys’ programs won another meet Wednesday, besting runner-up Dyersburg and eight other teams on a picture-perfect day at Dave Shatz Track.
UC recorded seven first-place finishes on both sides as the boys won their fourth team title and the girls their third during the first month of the 2023 season.
“We’re in a good spot as we look toward building momentum for the postseason,” UC head coach Wade Maddox said. “We had several kids post personal-best times and distances today, and our distance people are improving every time out.
“Naturally, you want to be at your peak in mid- and late May, and I think running in two meets next week, including one at USJ will allow us to compete against top-quality opposition.”
Keaten Brown took honors in the discus and shot put for the boys Wednesday. Malaki Brooks was first in the 400 and 800-meter runs, and Kameron Shade finished ahead of the pack in the 100-meters. Rushdon Howell claimed the best time in the 3200 meters, and Kolby Craig won the long jump.
Shade also was second in the 200-meters, Craig placed second in the triple jump, and Adrian Crawford was runner-up in the 400.
The Union City girls got first-place efforts from Katana Bonds in the triple jump, where she set a program record (34’5”), and in the long jump. Alexis Smith won the 400, Debrionna Jones led all throwers in the discus and the shot put, and Allysia Davis beat everybody in the high jump. Ada Rogers took first in the 100-meter hurdles.
Rogers was also second in the 300-meter hurdles, Smith was runner-up in the 200, and Brooklyn Murphy followed Jones in the discus.
UC’s two teams will compete in Jackson on Tuesday and then at home Friday.
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
Union City 14, Lake Co. 2
The Tornadoes scored five times in the second inning and six more in the fourth frame on their way to a mercy-rule victory over visiting LC.
Kyler Southerland had three hits and drove in four runs to lead the UC onslaught. Landon Hauhe went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBIs, while Copeland Chism scored three times. Barrett Cox and Will Ragsdale each crossed the plate twice and Tucker Davis drove in a run.
Maddox Dunn doubled, scored, and had a ribbie for the victors.
Chism gave up both Falcon runs and four hits to gain the pitching win. Jack Harris retired the final three Lake County batters to close out the victory.
Now 8-6, UC will play at Mayfield Friday.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL
Dyersburg 10, Union City 0
UC failed to get a hit while falling to 3-10.
A five-run D’burg fourth inning built on the Trojans’ 5-0 lead and brought the game to an early end via the mercy rule.
C.J. Ware was charged with the pitching loss.
Union City plays at Halls Thursday and hosts Obion County on Friday.