East Union Cross Country

Dennis Clayton | Gazette Sports Editor 2020 East Union Urchins Cross Country: Front row left - Daisy Johnson, Briley Lesley, Sunshine Fulgham, Dakota Gentry, Maci Rae McLellen, Avery Easterling, Ella Johnson, Ada Gentry, Rachel Gentry. Second row left - Jeremy Rakestraw, Karley Conwill, Annalise Bailey, Noah Johnson. back row left - Keith Goolsby, John Evins, Chance McLellen, Brandon Goolsby, Kole Jackson, David Comans, Gabe Rakestraw, Seth Johnson, Damion Jordan.

Urchins need to produce early for succ ess

East Union cross country are both coming off All-State, Allsee how they perform. will have a bit of a blend Division, and All-County seasons and “Seth Johnson, Daisy Johnson, of youth and experience we are excited to have them back this Maci McLellen, and Dakota Gentry for the fall 2020 season. year,” McLellen said. have both had great summers and we Coach Nathan McLellen enters his The Urchins will have several hope they can help our varsity squads 16th season at the helm of the Urchins, experienced runners returning with by the end of the year,” McLellen but he’s never quite faced anything Johnson and Conwill, McLellen will said. like this year with the coronavirus be relying on several runners to set a Despite the mix of youth and situation. standard for the younger group. experienced runners, the Urchins are

“We have worked really hard to “Kirsten Hitt, Karley Conwill, and a team built on unity and their coach keep our kids safe,” McLellen said. Sunshine Fulgham are great at leading sees that as a great strength going “We checked temps and checked for by example because of the effort they forward. symptoms before practice, required put into practice while Rachel Gentry “We are really strong in team them to bring their own water and and Sunshine Fulgham are strong unity,” McLellen said. “Our kids give them the practice plan ahead of vocal leaders,” McLellen said. “The really enjoy each other. It is not really time so we would not have to gather guys are led by Gabe Rakestraw. His a weakness because I believe in our as a group at practice.” effort and dedication to the sport is youth. They have what it takes to be

“Both teams are a mix of youth special. He leads by example so well successful.” and experienced runners and we need it is hard for the other guys to take a East Union is looking forward to both groups to produce early for us to day off. Chance McLellen has stepped the Watson Classic meet in Clinton be successful.” up and is becoming a vocal leader for as their most important event since

East Union does have the luxury of our team.” it will give them a first hand look at two returning All-State performers in East Union will have several the redesigned course that they will Class 2A from 2019 in Karley Conwill newcomers that are expected to compete on at the 2A state competition and Noah Johnson. contribute to the team’s overall in November.

“Noah Johnson and Karley Conwill success and McLellen is anxious to