2011 Bulldog and Lady Bulldog Cross Country by Union University

Hannah Clardy

Cross Country

Alex Bett Joel Wellum

Carissa Wilson

Zach Covington

2011-2012

UNION UNIVERSITY

schedule & roster

2011 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time September 2011 Sat 3 Memphis Twilight @Mike Rose Soccer Complex 8:40 p.m. Sat 17 Commodore Classic @ Percey Warner Park 9:30 a.m. October 2011 Sat 1 Union University Invitational @ Union Campus 8:00 a.m. Sat 22 St Louis Fall Cross Country Classic @ Forest Park 10:00 a.m. Sat 29 TranSouth Championships @ Union Campus 9:00 a.m. November 2011 Sat 5 NAIA Qualifying Meet @ Forest Park Sat 19 NAIA National Championship Meet 2011 WOMEN’S ROSTER Name Hgt. Hannah Clardy 5-6 Carissa Wilson 5-3 Lilli Harmon 5-3 Cally Howell 5-1 Ashlee Stewart 5-6 Allison Martin 5-6 Audrey Hazlehurst 5-3 Whitney Sweet 5-4

Class SR SR JR JR SO SO FR FR

Hometown Maumelle, Ark. Paducah, Ky. O’Fallon, Ill. Greer, S.C. Madison, Ala. Montrose, Colo. Jackson, Tenn. Roswell, Ga.

2011 MEN’S ROSTER Name Hgt. Zach Covington 5-11 Joel Wellum 5-10 Alex Bett 5-9 Drake Ott 5-5 Logan Smith 6-4 Caleb Creel 6-6 Edwin Kurgat 5-8 Lucas Peiser 5-11

Wgt. 165 145 140 120 160 175 125 145

Class SR SR SR JR JR SO SO FR

Location Memphis, Tenn. Nashville, Tenn. Union St. Louis, Mo. Union St. Louis, Mo Vancouver, Wash.

Previous School Arkansas Baptist HS Paducah Tilghman HS O’Fallon Township HS Riverside HS Bob Jones HS Montrose HS University School of Jackson Roswell HS

Hometown Saltillo, Miss. Louisville, Ky. Kapsabet, Kenya Birmingham, Ala. Knoxville, Tenn. Greer, S.C. Eldoret, Kenya Fayetteville, Ark.

Previous School Saltillo HS Portland Christian HS Lelmokwo HS Oak Mountain HS South-Doyle HS James F. Byrnes HS Central Methodist University Shiloh Christian School

Roster by Class Senior........................................................ 5 Junior......................................................... 4 Sophomore................................................ 4 Freshman.................................................. 3 Roster by State Alabama.................................................... 2 Arkansas.................................................... 2 Colorado.................................................... 1 Georgia...................................................... 1 Illinois........................................................ 1 Kentucky.................................................... 2 Mississippi................................................. 1 South Carolina........................................... 2 Tennessee.................................................. 2 Outside of USA.......................................... 2

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY Director of Athletics Tommy Sadler • tsadler@uu.edu Office Phone: (731) 661-5218 Senior Women’s Administrator/Life in the Balance Coach Katie Woodruff • kwoodruf@uu.edu Office Phone: (731) 661-5171

table of contents, quick facts & media outlets

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page #

Schedule............................................................................................................2

Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Keith Abser • kabser@uu.edu Office Phone: (731) 661-5367

Roster....................................................................................................................2

Compliance Officer Dr. Gary Williams • gwilliam@uu.edu Office Phone: (731) 661-5139

Union University Information.............................................................................................4

Athletic Secretary Teresa Thomas • tthomas@uu.edu Office Phone: (731) 661-5130

Media Outlets & Quick Facts................................................................................................3 President of the University..................................................................................................5 Director of Athletics...........................................................................................................6

University Location/Information 1050 Union University Drive | Jackson, TN 38305 Main Switchboard: (731) 668-1818 Athletics Phone: (731) 661-5130 Athletics Fax: (731) 661-5182 Website: www.uu.edu/athletics Founded: 1823 Enrollment: 4,205

Athletic Staff Directory.......................................................................................................7

Sports Information Director Steven Aldridge • saldridge@uu.edu Phone: (731) 661-5027 Fax: (731) 661-5182

Record Book / Honors..................................................................................................14-15

Head Coach........................................................................................................................8 Season Outlooks................................................................................................................9 Player Profiles.............................................................................................................10-13 Team Photo.............................................................................................outside back cover

Sports Information Graduate Assistant Alicia Howson, Jackson, Tenn. Student Assistants Caroline George, Selmer, Tenn. Tyler Boone, Clarksville, Tenn. Phillip Tang, Jackson, Tenn. Melissa Farrell, Jackson, Tenn. Michelle Piper, Carthage, Tenn. Cross Country Head Coach Dr. Gary Johnson • gjohnson@uu.edu Office Phone: (731) 661-5246 Alma Mater: Union University (1992) 13th season Cross Country Quick Facts Nickname: Lady Bulldogs Colors: Red & White Affiliation: NAIA Conference: TranSouth Conference Previous Season Women: TranSouth Champions NAIA National Tournament - 29th Place Final Ranking: NR Men: TranSouth Champions NAIA National Tournament - 28th Place Final Ranking: NR NAIA National Tournament History: Team: Women 4 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) Men 3 (2007, 2008, 2010) Individuals: Women 7 Men 10

Cover Design Scott Heit, Director of Creative Services Sarah Belcher, Graphic Design Specialist Interior Design and Layout Steven Aldridge, Sports Information Director Alicia Howson, Sports Information Graduate Assistant Caroline George, Sports Information Student Assistant Photography Sports Information Office Morris Abernathy, Photographer Photography Student Staff

Writing, Editing Union Sports Information Office Printing Tennessee Industrial Printing, Inc. (Jackson, Tenn.)

STAY INFORMED ABOUT UNION UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS Visit the Union University Athletics website for news, stats, player information, photos, and more. To be placed on the Union University Athletics fan or media e-mail list contact saldridge@uu.edu. You can also follow Union Athletics on Facebook (facebook.com/UUAthletics) or Twitter (twitter.com/UUAthletics).

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

university profile

www.uu.edu/about/ Location: Jackson, Tennessee (area population: 100,000), 80 miles east of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville. Forbes magazine recently ranked Jackson as one of America’s top 150 cities for business and careers. Student Body: More than 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 40 states and 35 countries. Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1 Percentage of Faculty with Highest Possible Degree in Field: 84% Emphasis: A private, four-year, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. History: Founded in 1823, Union is the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Technology: Each residence apartment is equipped with filtered Internet and cable connections. In addition, wireless network access is available in residence commons areas, as well as in each academic building and the Student Union Building. Students receive a Union e-mail account and private file storage space on the Union network. Activities: More than 50 major student-produced music and theatre events each academic year; 70 campus clubs, societies, fraternities, sororities and other organizations; Cardinal & Cream student newspaper and The Torch, a literary journal. Campus: Union University’s main campus in Jackson and its extension campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville cover 360 acres. The wooded Jackson campus features pine groves, sycamores, a variety of oaks including Shumardi oaks lining the great lawn, elm, dogwoods, sweet gums and cherry trees. There are more than 40 major buildings and excellent athletic facilities. More than $120 million in new campus construction has been completed during the past decade, including several new Georgian-Colonial classroom buildings that support state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. Most of Union’s on-campus housing was constructed in 2008. Student-suggested design features were incorporated in each new building; all residence buildings include a private bedroom for each student. The campus is situated along the U.S. 45 bypass in north Jackson and is adjacent to one of Jackson’s largest concentration of retail establishments and restaurants. Campus Visits: Visit our campus anytime to meet with faculty or visit a class. You are also invited to join us for a Union Preview Day. This year’s Preview Days schedule is found at http://www.uu.edu/campusvisits or call 1.800.33.UNION. Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., first and third Saturdays of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Major Recognitions * U.S.News & World Report: Union is ranked as one of only 80 schools nationally “where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching.” This new category debuted in 2010. For a second consecutive year, Union was listed among 77 “schools to watch” across the nation. Overall, the magazine ranks Union 16th among master’s universities in the South, which means Union has been classified as a Top Tier institution each year since 1997. Editors also identify Union as an “A+ option for serious B students.” * Princeton Review: Princeton Review ranks Union among the top 141 schools in the Southeast. Nationally, 640 schools received this regional ranking, which is only accorded to about 25% of the nation’s colleges and universities. * Forbes: In its second annual “America’s Best Colleges” edition, Forbes editors evaluated 600 of the nation’s 4,000 colleges and universities based on the quality of the education they provide, and how much their students achieve. Union ranked 278th on the Forbes list -- up four places from last year -- and was one of only two institutions in Tennessee west of Nashville selected for inclusion. * America’s 100 Best College Buys: An objective and independent research company surveys more than a thousand U.S. colleges and universities each year, then analyzes the information to find out which schools offer the best education for the dollar based upon academic performance indicators and comparative costs. Union University has been among schools identified as “America’s 100 Best College Buys” since 1998. * President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll: Initiated in 2006, this award recognizes colleges and universities nationwide that support innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs. Union is also one of only 160 institutions named to the list for three straight years, and one of only six four-year schools in Tennessee with that distinction. * College Access and Opportunity Guide: Union is listed among 220 U.S. colleges “committed to serving and supporting today’s first-generation, low-income and traditionally underserved college-bound students.” Union is one of only four Tennessee institutions so honored. * Colleges of Distinction: Union and the other schools chosen for inclusion in this guide exhibit four distinctives of superior colleges and universities: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes. * Templeton Foundation: Union is listed in the Foundation’s guide entitled Colleges that Encourage Character Development. Schools included in this listing have “exemplary programs, presidents, and colleges and universities that inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives.”

Current Programs of Study Art* * Ceramics * Digital Media Studies * Drawing * Graphic Design * Painting * Photography * Sculpture Biology* * General Biology * Cell and Molecular Biology * Zoology * Conservation Biology Business Administration* * Accounting * Economics * International Business * Management * Marketing Chemistry * Chemistry* * Chemical Physics * Medical Technology Christian Studies * Biblical Studies * Biblical Studies – Languages * Christian Ethics * Church History * Philosophy – Christian Studies * Philosophy – General Studies * Sport Ministry * Youth Ministry Communication Arts * Advertising * Broadcast Journalism * Digital Media Studies * Film Studies * Journalism * Media Communications * Photojournalism * Public Relations * Theatre and Speech* Computer Science * Computer Information Systems * Computer Science * Digital Media Studies Education* * Elementary Education: Pre K-3, K-6 or Middle Grades 4-8 * Special Education: Modified K-12 and Comprehensive K-12 * Teacher Licensure, Secondary Areas Engineering * Mechanical Concentration * Electrical Concentration English* * Literature * Writing History* Honors * Interdisciplinary Honors * Interdisciplinary Studies Intercultural Studies * Global Studies * Regional Studies * Study Abroad

Language * Applied Linguistics * French* * Spanish* * Teaching English as a Second Language* Mathematics * Actuarial Science * Mathematics* * Statistics Music * Church Music * Christian Studies * Communication Arts * Music Management * Music Marketing * Music Education o Band* o Choral* * Music Theory * Performance o Organ o Piano o Voice Nursing Physical Education, Wellness and Sport * Athletic Training * Health Education* * Physical Education* * Sport Communication * Sport Management * Sport Marketing * Sports Medicine - Exercise Science * Sport Ministry Physics* * Engineering Physics * Physical Science * Physics Political Science* Pre-professional Programs * Chiropractics * Cytotechnology * Dentistry * Dental Hygiene * Health Information Management * Medicine * Occupational Therapy * Optometry * Pharmacy * Physical Therapy * Physician Assistant * Podiatry * Veterinary Medicine Psychology Social Work Sociology and Family Studies * Criminal Justice * Family Studies * Sociology *Teacher Licensure Available Graduate Programs of Study * Doctor of Education * Doctor of Pharmacy * Doctor of Ministry * Doctor of Nursing Practice * Education Specialist * Master of Arts in Education * Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies * Master of Business Administration * Master of Christian Studies * Master of Education * Master of Science in Nursing * Master of Social Work

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

letter from the president

“Dear Friends of Union University Athletics: Thank you so much for your support of Union University athletics. A commitment to excellence is one of our four core values across the University best demonstrated in our numerous quality academic programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. For 15 straight years, Union has been listed as a Top Tier University in the South by U. S. News and World Report. One of the fastest growing private institutions in the entire South, Union University continues to make strides in all aspects of our work, and athletics is no exception. For eight straight seasons, Union has been the recipient of the TranSouth Conference All-Sports Trophy. This recognition speaks well of all of our coaches and athletes. We salute all of those who serve Union university so faithfully in our Department of Athletics. This year begins a year of transition for the Union athletic program. Your encouragement for our program during this time will be greatly appreciated. We thank each of you for your support of the Union University athletic teams and for support of our distinctive Christ-centered mission.”

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

director of athletics Tommy Sadler enters his 27th year of service at Union University, and the third in his role as the Director of Athletics for Union. Sadler was named to this position after serving the 2008-09 year as the acting athletics director. He follows in the footsteps of Dr. David Blackstock, who had been Union’s Athletic Director for the past 34 years. Sadler, a native of Jackson, is a 1972 graduate of South Side High School and a 1976 graduate of Union University. During his time at Union, Sadler played four years of baseball for the Bulldogs. In 1981, he received his Master of Education from the University of Memphis. His tenure at Union began in 1985 as director of public relations. After a year in that role, he became the university’s director of corporate and foundation support, a position he held for 10 years. In 1996, Sadler then moved into his previous role as associate director of athletics.

Sadler earned the Union University Staff Member of the Year in 1994. In 2010, Sadler was named the TranSouth Conference Athletic Director of the Year. Sadler has also been very active in athletics at the conference level. He is beginning his ninth year as the president of the TranSouth Conference, of which Union is a member. Prior to this time as president, he served the conference as its vice president.

Tommy Sadler

Director of Athletics 1050 Union University Drive Jackson, TN 38305 Phone: 731-661-5218 Email: tsadler@uu.edu

“Tommy Sadler has faithfully served Union University in a variety of ways through the years, but his key contribution has been in his work with the athletic department,” Dockery said. “He is respected by all of our coaches, by those who support the athletic program and by the leadership of the university. At this transitional time in the life of our athletic department, I know of no one better to help us chart a future course for that department than Tommy Sadler.” Sadler and his wife Michelle, a teacher in the Jackson-Madison County School District, make their home in Jackson.

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

athletic staff directory Union Athletics • 1050 Union University Drive • Jackson, TN 38305 • 731-661-5130(p) • 731-661-5182(f) www.uu.edu/athletics • www.facebook.com/UUAthletics • www.twitter.com/UUAthletics Staff Directory: www.uu.edu/athletics/info/directory

NAME ADMINISTRATION Dr. David S. Dockery Tommy Sadler Dr. Linn Stranak Katie Woodruff Teresa Thomas Dr. Keith Absher Gary Williams

TITLE

PHONE (731)

University President Director of Athletics tsadler@uu.edu Department Chair of PEWS lstranak@uu.edu SWA/Life in the Balance Coach kwoodruf@uu.edu Athletics/PEWS Secretary tthomas@uu.edu Faculty Athletic Representative kabsher@uu.edu Compliance Officer gwilliam@uu.edu

661-5180 661-5218 661-5288 661-5171 661-5130 661-5367 661-5139

Head Athletic Trainer Associate Athletic Trainer/ATEP Director Associate Athletic Trainer/ATEP Clinical Coordinator Associate Athletic Trainer/Assistant Professor Assistant Athletic Trainer

kjohnson@uu.edu cpawley@uu.edu saiegler@uu.edu jfarroll@uu.edu ksinclair@uu.edu

661-5439 661-5529 661-5280 661-5024 661-5439

Director of Athletic Facilities

arushing@uu.edu

661-5333

SPORTS INFORMATION Steven Aldridge Alicia Howson

Sports Information Director saldridge@uu.edu Graduate Assistant

661-5207

BASEBALL Brent Fronabarger Justin Hogan David Maristany Matt Fike

Head Baseball Coach Assistant Baseball Coach Graduate Assistant Coach Graduate Assistant Coach

bfronaba@uu.edu jhogan@uu.edu

661-5489 661-6511

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

dniven@uu.edu tlydic@uu.edu

661-5132 661-5286

ATHLETIC TRAINING Kristy Johnson Cliff Pawley Sarah Davenport Ziegler Jennifer Farroll Karen Tankersley Sinclair FACILITIES Andy Rushing

BASKETBALL (Men) David Niven Trevor Lydic BASKETBALL (Women) Mark Campbell Katie Woodruff Kaitlin Dudley Kayla Hudson CHEERLEADING Tina Giddens Becky Ranfeld

Head Women’s Basketball Coach mcampbel@uu.edu Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach kwoodruf@uu.edu Graudate Assistant Graduate Assistant

661-5344 661-5171 661-5575 661-5575

Head Cheerleading Sponsor Assistant Cheerleading Sponsor

tgiddens@uu.edu

661-5299

gjohnson@uu.edu

661-5246

arushing@uu.edu

661-5333

CROSS COUNTRY (Men and Women) Dr. Gary Johnson Head Cross Country Coach GOLF (Men) Andy Rushing Head Men’s Golf Coach SOCCER (Men) Clovis Simas Michael Lee

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach

csimas@uu.edu mlee@uu.edu

661-5533 661-6590

SOCCER (Women) Brandon Boylan Isaac Brooks

Head Women’s Soccer Coach Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach

bboylan@uu.edu ibrooks@uu.edu

661-5293 661-6589

SOFTBALL Heather Hall Ashton Strode

Head Softball Coach Graduate Assistant

hhall@uu.edu

661-5141

VOLLEYBALL Kelly Elliott Ariel Apolinario

Head Volleyball Coach Assistant Volleyball Coach

kelliott@uu.edu aapolinario@uu.edu

661-5970 661-5451

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

head coach Gary Johnson begins his 13th season as the head coach for the Union women’s cross country team and 11th season for the men’s cross country team.

Dr. Gary Johnson Head Coach

1050 Union University Drive Last season, Johnson earned the conference Jackson, TN 38305 sweep for the seventh straight year as he led the Lady Bulldogs to their eighth straight Phone: 731-661-5246 TranSouth Title, while also leading the men Email: gjohnson@uu.edu to their seventh straight TranSouth Title. In his career, Johnson also led his teams to two women’s region titles and one men’s region title before the NAIA eliminated region play. Johnson has also put seven of his teams in the NAIA National Championship, which include four automatic qualifications for the women and three for the men. Johnson has been named TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year in women’s cross country 10 times (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), men’s cross country nine times (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), and men’s tennis four times (1999-2002). He has also earned NAIA Region XI Coach of the year three times in women’s cross country (2004, 2006, 2007) and twice in men’s cross country (2006, 2007). Johnson has coached 17 national qualifiers including: Michelle Hardee (Gilmore) (2001), Janelle Royer (Campbell) (2002, 2003, 2004), Jill Konkol (2003), Candace Cross (2005), Hannah Clardy (2009), Chris Winter (2003, 2004), Cameron Groll (2003), Phillip Thompson (2004, 2005, 2006), John Fox (2005, 2006), Douglas Martin (2006), Zach Covington (2009), Alex Bett (2009). He has also coached seven automatic team qualifiers (women: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010; men: 2007, 2008, 2010). Originally from Tulsa, Okla., Johnson graduated from Union University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He completed his Master of Science degree at the University of Memphis in December of 1993 and his Doctor of Arts in Physical Education from Middle Tennessee State in May of 2004. Johnson is married to the former Holly Tignor of Jackson. The two are proud parents of their son, Miles Johnson, who was born on June 24, 2005. The Johnsons are members of Englewood Baptist Church.

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

season outlooks

WOMEN The Union University women’s cross country team is coming off an eighth straight TranSouth Conference Title. Union returns six runners from last season, including all four runners that were named to the post season honors list. Allison Martin, Ashlee Stewart, Hannah Clardy and Lilli Harmon all return as all-conference runners. Martin returns as the reigning TranSouth Runner and Newcomer of the year from last season as a freshman. Union also advanced to the NAIA National Meet for the fourth time in school history as a team. The senior class includes Clardy and Carissa Wilson. Clardy is a former newcomer of the year as a freshman and was the conference runner of the year as a sophomore. Two juniors are back for their third seasons including Harmon and Cally Howell. Both have contributed to the long standing success of the women’s program. Stewart and Martin both return for their sophomore seasons after leading Union as freshmen. Martin was named the TranSouth Runner of the Week four times. Two freshmen join the team this season. Audrey Hazlehurst and Whitney Sweet both enter Union with an impressive running history. They will be expected to contribute right away in helping continue the winning tradition of the program. Union head coach Gary Johnson says, “We are looking forward to our final season in the TranSouth Conference and hope to go out with our conference winning streak in tact. Our team recognizes the challenge of winning multiple championships and want to complete our NAIA affiliation with a conference championship and a trip to the national championship meet. We don’t ever assume this will happen and look forward to the challenge of defending our crown against a quickly improving conference.” Johnson adds, “Our women’s team returns six of eight runners from the 2010 TranSouth Championship team. We add Audrey Hazlehurst, a multiple time Tennessee State runner-up cross country runner, and Whitney Sweet, an outstanding prospect from Roswell, Ga. This group of girls have been spread out all over the world this summer doing mission work and study abroad programs. It should be an exciting year watching Audrey and Whitney blend in with an experienced team that hopes to make it back to the NAIA nationals and improve on last years performance.” MEN The Union University men’s cross country team is returning all but one runner from last season, including all three all-conference runners Alex Bett, Edwin Kurgat and Zach Covington. Union captured their seventh straight TranSouth Conference Title last season and look to win again, in their final season in NAIA and TranSouth competition. The Bulldogs also advanced to the NAIA National Meet as a team for the third time in school history. Union returns seven runners from last season. Union has just one newcomer on the team in, freshman Lucas Peiser. Peiser will look to step in and provide an immediate impact on Union’s championship hopes. Union returns three seniors including Covington, Bett and Joel Wellum to lead this experienced team. All three have been award winning runners during their time at Union. Bett earned the TranSouth Runner of the Year award for the second time in his career and was named conference runner of the week twice last season. Two juniors Drake Ott and Logan Smith are back for their third seasons as runners for Union. Both contributed to Union’s team success in returning to the national meet last season. Caleb Creel and Kurgat return after successful freshman seasons last year. Kurgat was named conference runner of the week twice and was selected as the TranSouth Newcomer of the Year as a freshman. Union head coach Gary Johnson says, “We are looking forward to our final season in the TranSouth Conference and hope to go out with our conference winning streak in tact. Our team recognizes the challenge of winning multiple championships and want to complete our NAIA affiliation with a conference championship and a trip to the national championship meet. We don’t ever assume this will happen and look forward to the challenge of defending our crown against a quickly improving conference.” Johnson adds about the men’s program, “Our men’s team returns seven runners from the 2010 TranSouth championship team and will add Lucas Peiser, an Arkansas state high school cross country champion, to our squad. This group of guys is a special group to work with. I look forward to watching them as they try to achieve great things together and return to the NAIA national championship for our last time.”

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

Hannah Clardy 5-6 • Senior Hometown: Maumelle, Arkansas Previous School: Arkansas Baptist High School Birthday: March 17

Lady bulldog runners TranSouth Newcomer of the Year 2008 TranSouth Runner of the Year 2009 All-Conference 2008, 2009, 2010 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2009, 2010 NAIA Scholar Athlete 2010

Before Union. Clardy is coming off a season in which she captured her first state championship after two straight runner-up finishes. Clardy prepped at Arkansas Baptist High School where she graduated as valedictorian of her class.

Carissa Wilson

5-4 • Senior Hometown: Paducah, Kentucky Previous School: Paducah Tilghman High School Birthday: January 9

All-Conference 2009 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2009, 2010 NAIA Scholar Athlete 2010

Before Union. Wilson prepped at Paducah Tilghman High School, where she ran four seasons of both cross country and track. Wilson was a member of the State Championship team all four seasons of track, which earned her school eight straight state championship titles. During her sophomore season on the track team she won the regional title in the 2-mile race and was the Runner-up in the state 2-mile race. Wilson also holds the school record in the 2-mile race with a time of 12:14. Wilson excelled in the classroom as well, as she was the Salutatorian of her graduating class.

Lilli Harmon

5-3 • Junior Hometown: O’Fallon, Illinois Previous School: O’Fallon Township High School Birthday: May 30

All-Conference 2009, 2010 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2010

Before Union. Harmon ran cross country for three years and track for two at O’Fallon Township High School where she was a team captain her junior and senior years. She was a member of the National Honor Society and German National Honor Society.

Cally Howell 5-1 • Junior Hometown: Greer, South Carolina Previous School: Riverside High School Birthday: December 5

TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2010

Before Union. Howell was a four-year member of the Riverside (S.C.) High School cross country program, which qualified for the state meet three times, and was a two-year member of the basketball team. Howell was captain of her region championship cross country team in 2008. Howell has also competed in road races up to the half marathon distance, placing first in her age group in the half marathon. Howell is also a great student, a Beta Club member, and is very involved in church activities.

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

Allison Martin 5-6 • sophomore Hometown: Montrose, Colorado Previous School: Montrose High School Birthday: March 28

lady bulldog runners

TranSouth Newcomer of the Year 2010 TranSouth Runner of the Year 2010 All-Conference 2010

Before Union: Martin prepped at Montrose (Colo.) High School for her two years, after attending Russellville (Ala.) High School for her freshman and sophomore seasons. Martin ran cross country and track during her time at Montrose. She helped lead her cross country team to a sixth place finish in the Colorado state tournament in 2010. Her track teams posted an eighth place finish in 2010 and an 18th place finish in 2009 in the 4x800M relays. As an individual, Martin posted a 12th place finish in the state tournament 1-mile race. She was the Southwestern League Champion in the 1-mile and league runner-up in the 800M. She finished 27th in the state cross country meet. Martin was also successful in the classroom. She earned the Presidential Academic Excellence Award all four years, was the Christian Students United secretary for two years, and won the Montrose Spanish Award in 2010, the Career Intern Award in 2010 and the Drawing Award in 2009.

Ashlee Stewart 5-7 • Sophomore Hometown: Madison, Alabama Previous School: Bob Jones High School Birthday: May 30

All-Conference 2010

Before Union: Stewart prepped at Bob Jones (Ala.) High School where she ran cross country and track for head coach Robin Gaines. Stewart helped lead her cross country team to runner-up finishes in the 2008 and 2009 Alabama state championships. She was named the team’s Most Outstanding Runner for 2008 and 2009 as well. Stewart holds her school’s record in track for the 4x8 event. She won the AllMetro Title in cross country and track in all four years of high school (2006-09). Stewart was the leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and also was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

Audrey hazlehurst

5-5 • Freshman Hometown: Jackson, Tennessee Previous School: University School of Jackson Birthday: November 24 Before Union: Hazlehurst prepped at the University School of Jackson where she ran cross country and track. Hazlehurst helped lead her cross country team to a state runner-up finish in 2009. She also helped lead her track team to the 4x800 meter relay state title in 2009. Hazlehurst was named the Jackson Sun Runner of the Year four times in high school. She was also a three-time all-state runner after finishing runner-up in the state individual standings three years. Hazlehurst runs a 5K time of 18:40.

whitney sweet 5-4 • Freshman Hometown: Roswell, Georgia Previous School: Roswell High School Birthday: November 21

Before Union: Sweet prepped at Roswell (Ga.) High School where she ran cross country and track. Sweet helped lead her cross country team to the Fulton County Title in 2009. She was also a state qualifier as a sophomore, junior and senior. Sweet earned Most Improved Award as a sophomore and junior, captain and Most Valuable Player as a senior in cross country. Her track awards included the Spirit Award as a freshman and the Coaches Award as a sophomore. Sweet runs a 5K time of 19:43. She also holds her high school’s track record in the 4x800. Sweet was a four-year member of the Beta Club. Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

Alex Bett

5-9 • Senior Hometown: Kapsabet, Kenya Previous School: Lelmokwo High School Birthday: December 9

bulldog runners

TranSouth Runner of the Year 2009, 2010 All-Conference 2008, 2009, 2010 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2009

Before Union. Bett prepped at Lelmokwo High School in Kenya.

Zach Covington 5-11 • Senior Hometown: Saltillo, Mississippi Previous School: Saltillo High School Birthday: April 9

All-Conference 2008, 2009, 2010 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2009, 2010

Before Union. Covington prepped at Saltillo High School where he ran cross country and track for five years. Covington also played soccer for four seasons. As a freshman, he was named Rookie of the Year in cross country as well as earning All-State honors. During both his junior and senior seasons of cross country, as well as track, Covington was named MVP and was a state champion. Covington also excelled off the field, as he graduated with honors. Covington now joins his older brother Seth, who also runs cross country for Union.

Joel Wellum

5-10 • Senior Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky Previous School: Portland Christian High School Birthday: April 26

All-Conference 2008 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2009, 2010 NAIA Scholar Athlete 2010

Before Union. Wellum prepped at Portland Christian High School where ran four seasons of cross country and track. Wellum was a member of the Regional Championship cross country team in 2004. In cross country, Wellum was named to the All-State first team his junior and senior years, as well as Academic All-State. Wellum also earned First Team All-State and Academic All-State during his junior and senior seasons of track.

Drake Ott

5-5 • Junior Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama Previous School: Oak Mountain High School Birthday: April 29

All-Conference 2009 TranSouth Scholar Athlete 2010

Before Union. Drake prepped at Oak Mountain High School where he was a four sport athlete. In addition to cross country, Drake ran track, both outdoor and indoor, while also playing two seasons of soccer. He placed 4th in the 2008 and 2009 Mercedes Marathon, age 16-19 division. Drake has participated in numerous races during his high school career ranging from 5K up to marathon distances. Drake earned a commendation for community service three times while also posting a 3.7 GPA in the classroom.

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

bulldog runners

Logan Smith

6-4 • Junior Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Previous School: South-Doyle High School Birthday: August 27 Before Union. Smith prepped at South-Doyle High School. He was a two-sport athlete what at South-Doyle, running track and cross country for four years. During his senior season, Smith place 16 in the Knoxville city championship, while posting a 23rd place finish in the TSSAA region championship. While at South-Doyle, Smith was able to get to know and train with 2004 and 2008 Olympian Anthony Famiglietti. He was selected as team captain in both track and cross country as a junior and senior. In the classroom, Smith was chosen as one of two students as South-Doyle’s Scholastic Excellence Award. He also received the Key to Success award.

Caleb Creel

6-6 • Sophomore Hometown: Greer, South Carolina Previous School: James F. Byrnes High School Birthday: September 11

Before Union: Creel prepped at Byrnes (S.C.) High School where he ran cross country and track. As a senior, Creel was a cross country state qualifier, team MVP and all-county. His 5K time was 16:55. Off the course, Creel was the Valedictorian of his class and was a member of both the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

Edwin Kurgat

5-8 • Sophomore Hometown: Eldoret, Kenya Previous School: Central Methodist University Birthday: May 9

TranSouth Newcomer of the Year 2010 All-Conference 2010

Before Union: Kurgat transferred to Union from Central Methodist (Mo.) were he ran one season of track. He was an NAIA National Track qualifier in the 5,000 meters event in the spring of 2010. Kurgat prepped at Kurgung Boys High School in Kenya.

Lucas Peiser

5-11 • Freshman Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas Previous School: Shiloh Christian School Birthday: December 22 Before Union. Peiser prepped at Shiloh Christian School in Arkansas where he ran cross country and track for four seasons. He helped lead his cross country team to state titles in 2007 and 2009. In 2008 and 2010, his teams finished as state runner-ups. Peiser’s 2010 track team also posted a second place finish in the state. Peiser was named all-state four times, participated in the All-Star Meet four times and was a cross country state champion in 2010. In track, Peiser earned all-state and participated in the Meet of Champions. Peiser was the class Valedictorian, a member of the National Honor Society and was a Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist. Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

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lady bulldog records & honors

Union Women’s Cross Country Meet Records 1. 18:13 - Sylvia Bundotich, NAIA Nationals, Wisconsin (2007) 2. 18:31 - Jill Konkol, Memphis Twilight (2006) 3. 18:42 - Sylvia Bundotich, NAIA Region XI, Percy Warner Nashville (2007) 4. 18:46 - Jill Konkol, NAIA Region XI, Louisville (2006) 5. 18:51 - Allison Martin, Memphis Twilight (2010) 6. 18:53 - Allison Martin, Union Invitational (2010) 7. 18:56 - Allison Martin, Commodore Classic (2010) 8. 18:57 - Sylvia Bundotich, Southeast Classic, Percy Warner Nashville (2007) 9. 19:02 - Lydia Bond, Memphis Twilight (2006) 10. 19:13 - Lydia Bond, NAIA Region XI, Louisville (2006) 11. 19:18 - Candace Cross, NAIA Nation XI, Louisville (2005) 12. 19:19 - Allison Martin, TranSouth Conference @ Union (2010) 13. 19:20 - Allison Martin, NAIA Qualifier in Nashville @ Percey Warner (2010) 14. 19:21 - Rachel Winford, Memphis Twilight (2006) 15. 19:24 - Jill Konkol, NAIA Nationals, Louisville (2006)

Union Women’s Year-by-Year Results

Season

TranSouth Finish

2010

1st Place

NAIA Region Finish

NAIA National Qualifiers

2009

1st Place

2008

1st Place

region format stopped after 2007

Team - 27th Place

2007

1st Place

Team - 28th Place

2006

1st Place

Team - 26th Place

2005

1st Place

3rd Place

Candace Cross (95th)

2004

1st Place

2nd Place

Janelle Royer Campbell (121st)

2003

1st Place

2nd Place

Janelle Royer (97th), Jill Konkol (98th)

2002

3rd Place

4th Place

Janelle Royer (109th)

2001

2nd Place

2000

3rd Place

1999

2nd Place

Team - 29th Place Hannah Clardy (183rd)

Michelle Hardee

Women’s Cross Country Honor Roll NAIA National Qualifiers (Team) 2006 (25th) 2007 (28th) 2008 (27th) 2010 (29th) NAIA National Qualifiers (Individuals) Michelle Hardee - 2001 Janelle Royer - 2002, 2003, 2004 Jill Konkol - 2003 Candace Cross - 2005 Hannah Clardy - 2009 NAIA All-Americans Sylvia Bundotich - 2007 NAIA Scholar Athletes Michelle Hardee - 2001 Jill Konkol - 2005, 2006 Rachel Winford - 2005, 2006 Lydia Bond - 2007, 2008 Kayla Hauss - 2009, 2010 Carrie Moore - 2009 Hannah Clardy - 2010 Carissa Wilson - 2010 TranSouth All-Conference Alexis Abney - 1999 Michelle Hardee - 2001 Janelle Royer Campbell- 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Allison Liberto - 2001 Kate Graham - 2002, 2003, 2004 Ruth Schroeder - 2003, 2004 Rachel Cazalas - 2004 Jill Konkol - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Rachel Winford - 2005, 2006

Candace Cross - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Sylvia Bundotich - 2007 Charley Moss - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Erika Schatterly - 2006, 2007. 2008 Lydia Bond - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Danielle Partain - 2008 Kayla Hauss - 2007, 2008, 2009 Carrie Moore - 2009 Carissa Wilson - 2009 Lilli Harmon - 2009, 2010 Hannah Clardy - 2008, 2009, 2010 Allison Martin - 2010 Ashlee Stewart - 2010 TranSouth Conference Runner of the Year Janelle Royer Campbell- 2003, 2004 Candace Cross - 2005 Jill Konkol - 2006 Sylvia Bundotich - 2007 Lydia Bond - 2008 Hannah Clardy - 2009 Allison Martin - 2010 TranSouth Conference Newcomer of the Year Jill Konkol - 2003 Candace Cross - 2004 Charley Moss - 2005 Sylvia Bundotich - 2007 Hannah Clardy - 2008 Carrie Moore - 2009 Allison Martin - 2010

NAIA Region XI Individual Champion (NAIA eliminated region format after 2007 season) Jill Konkol - 2006 NAIA All-Region 1st Team Michelle Hardee - 2001 Janelle Royer Campbell- 2002, 2003, 2004 Jill Konkol - 2003, 2006 Candace Cross - 2005 Lydia Bond - 2006, 2007 Sylvia Bundotich - 2007 NAIA All-Region 2nd Team Janelle Royer - 2001 Allison Liberto - 2001 Kate Graham - 2002, 2004 Ruth Schroeder - 2004 Jill Konkol - 2004 Candace Cross - 2004, 2006, 2007 Rachel Winford - 2005, 2006 Kayla Hauss - 2007 NAIA Region XI Coach of the Year Gary Johnson - 2004, 2006, 2007

TranSouth Coach of the Year Gary Johnson - 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

UNION UNIVERSITY

bulldog records & honors

Union Men’s Cross Country Meet Records 1. 24:10 - Henry Rop, Memphis Twilight (2007) 2. 24:48 - Henry Rop, NAIA Nationals, Wisconsin (2007) 3. 24:59 - Henry Rop, Southeast Classic, Percy Warner Nashville (2007) 4. 25:03 - Edwin Kurgat, Memphis Twilight (2010) 5. 25:12 - Henry Rop, NAIA Region XI, Percy Warner Nashville (2007) 6. 25:14 - Henry Rop, Commodore Classic, Percy Warner Nashville (2007) 7. 25:21 - Douglas Martin, NAIA Nationals, Wisconsin (2007) 8. 25:23 - Alex Bett, Union Invitational (2010) 9. 25:29 - Alex Bett, Memphis Twilight (2010) 10. 25:30 - Phillip Thompson, Memphis Twilight (2006) 11. 25:31 - Edwin Kurgat, Union Invitational (2010) 12. 25:34 - Douglas Martin, Memphis Twilight (2006) 13. 25:37 - John Fox, NAIA Region XI, Louisville (2006) 14. 25:40 - John Fox, Memphis Twilight (2006) 15. 25:48 - Edwin Kurgat, Commodore Classic (2010) 15. 25:48 - Alex Bett, Southeast Classic, Louisville (2009)

Union Men’s Year-by-Year Results Season

TranSouth Finish

2010

1st Place

NAIA Region Finish

NAIA National Qualifiers

2009

1st Place

2008

1st Place

region format stopped after 2007

Team - 27th Place

2007

1st Place

Team - 8th Place

2006

1st Place

2nd Place

Douglas Martin (44th), Phillip Thompson (134th), John Fox (DNP)

2005

1st Place

3rd Place

Phillip Thompson (149th), John Fox (DNP)

2004

1st Place

3rd Place

Phillip Thompson (179th), Chris Winter (240th)

2003

2nd Place

3rd Place

Chris Winter (176th), Cameron Groll (211th)

2002

2nd Place

6th Place

2001

2nd Place

Team - 28th Place Alex Bett (38th), Zach Covington (180th)

Men’s Cross Country Honor Roll NAIA National Qualifiers (Team) 2007 (8th Place) 2008 (27th Place) 2010 (28th Place) Highest NAIA National Ranking 6th - 2008 Preseason Poll NAIA National Qualifiers (Individuals) Chris Winter - 2003, 2004 Cameron Groll - 2003 Phillip Thompson - 2004, 2005, 2006 John Fox - 2005, 2006 Douglas Martin - 2006 Alex Bett - 2009 Zach Covington - 2009 NAIA All-Americans Henry Rop - 2007 Douglas Martin - 2007 NAIA Scholar Athletes John Fox - 2005, 2006 Douglas Martin - 2005, 2006, 2007 Phillip Thompson - 2006, 2007 Josh Abbotoy - 2007, 2008 Seth Covington - 2008, 2009 Joel Wellum - 2010

Douglas Martin - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Henry Rop - 2007 Nelphat Boit - 2007 Seth Covington - 2006, 2007, 2008 Joel Wellum - 2008 Drake Ott - 2009 Alex Bett - 2008, 2009, 2010 Zach Covington - 2008, 2009, 2010 Edwin Kurgat - 2010 TranSouth Conference Runner of the Year Phillip Thompson - 2004 John Fox - 2005, 2006 Henry Rop - 2007 Alex Bett - 2009, 2010 TranSouth Conference Newcomer of the Year Phillip Thompson - 2004 Henry Rop - 2007 Alex Bett - 2009 Edwin Kurgat - 2010 TranSouth Coach of the Year Gary Johnson - 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

NAIA Region XI Individual Champion Region format eliminated after 2007 season Henry Rop - 2007 NAIA All-Region 1st Team John Fox - 2005, 2006 Phillip Thompson - 2005 Douglas Martin - 2006, 2007 Henry Rop - 2007 Seth Covington - 2007 NAIA All-Region 2nd Team Chris Winter - 2003, 2004 Cameron Groll - 2003 Phillip Thompson - 2004, 2006, 2007 Douglas Martin - 2004, 2005 John Fox - 2004 Seth Covington - 2006 Clint Channell - 2006 Nelphat Boit - 2007 NAIA Region XI Coach of the Year Gary Johnson - 2006, 2007

TranSouth All-Conference Chris Winter - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Cameron Groll - 2001, 2003 Clint Channell - 2004, 2006 John Fox - 2004, 2005, 2006 Chris Arnold - 2005 Phillip Thompson - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Union University Cross Country Media Guide • www.uu.edu/athletics • 7 National Tournaments Appearances, 3 Region Titles, 15 TranSouth Titles

2011 Union University Cross Country

(L-to-R): Ashlee Stewart, Lilli Harman, Allison Martin, Whitney Sweet, Hannah Clardy, Cally Howell, Audrey Hazlehurst, Carissa Wilson, Gary Johnson (head coach).

(L-to-R): Alex Bett, Joel Wellum, Logan Smith, Lucas Peiser, Caleb Creel, Drake Ott, Zach Covington, Edwin Kurgat, Gary Johnson (head coach).