Union County cross country teams do not have enough runners to score as a team (boys or girls), but they continue to compete and improve as the season rolls on.

At last Saturday’s Rushville Invitational, two Patriots were among 117 male runners and three Lady Patriots  competed in a field of 74 runners who finished the 5,000 meter races.

“We will have one more boy joining us next Saturday at Union City,” UC coach Phil Cox said. “He was a late starter and needs 10 practices before he can compete.”

All three Lady Patriots posted improved times on the Rushville course. 

Marissa Young took off 10 seconds, Johannah Nelson improved by 17 seconds, and Haley Alcorn improved by 30 seconds from last weekend.

Young’s 23:16 put her in the 13th spot. Nelson was the 23rd finisher in 24:26. Alcorn placed 39th in 27:03. 

“Jack Hodgkin continues to nurse an ankle injury, he was given the task of pacing Landon Klingman to reach his goal time,” Cox said. “And they did it perfectly.”   

The Hodgkin, Klingman duo ran the course in 25:00 and 25:02, respectively.

“Rushville was a great accomplishment for all that participated,” Cox said.

Union County, Monroe Central and Winchester will compete in a 3-way meet on September 7 at the Randolph Southern Invitational Sept. 10 and the Union County Invitational Sept. 13.

Rushville Classic Invitational Boys Division I team placings...Northeastern 26, Blue River Valley 93, Cowan 94, Muncie Burris 101, Hagerstown 134, Rising Sun 160, Centerville 164, Lincoln 201, Scecina 221, South Ripley 244, North Decatur 300, Jac-Cen-Del 338.
UC Boys placings, times...Jack Hodgkin 25:00,  Landon Klingman, 25:02.

Rushville Classic Invitational Girls Division i team placings...Centerville 37, Blue River Valley 68, Northeastern 95, Rising Sun 116, Muncie Burris 132, North Decatur 137, South Ripley 141, Jac-Cen-Del 169.
Girls times...Marissa Young 13th, 23:16; Johannah Nelson, 23rd, 24:26; Haley Alcorn 39th, 27:03.