Union County Runners Excel at TCEC Jaguar Jungle Run

MURPHY, N.C. — Union County High School’s cross country teams showcased their talent at the TCEC Jaguar Jungle Run on Aug. 23, 2025, capturing first place in the boys’ 5,000-meter race and a solid second place in the girls’ event. Hosted by Tri-County Early College in Murphy, the meet featured strong competition from regional teams, with Union County’s runners demonstrating depth and determination.

The boys’ team dominated the 5,000-meter race, scoring 34 points to outpace Robbinsville’s 42 points. Senior Holden Payne led with a third-place finish in 18:12.9, trailing Hiwassee Dam’s Oscar Page (17:07.1) by just over a minute. Junior Oliver Hillman followed in fifth (18:31.8), and junior Andrew Nushtayev placed seventh (18:58.2). Sophomores Noah James Payne (19:36.1, ninth) and Cole Brown (19:43.9, 10th) completed the scoring, while Cody Dupuis (19:52.5, 11th) and Ander Faulkner (20:21.6, 13th) contributed to the team’s depth. Ten Union County runners finished in the top 25, highlighting their strong pack-running strategy.

In the girls’ 5,000-meter race, Union County earned second place with 48 points, behind Cherokee’s leading 22 points. Senior Lola Hunter paced the team, taking second in 21:39.0, 30 seconds off Cherokee’s Dvdaya Swimmer (21:08.3). Sophomore Macy Payne (24:28.1, 10th) and senior Avery Hussion (24:35.6, 11th) bolstered the score, with sophomores Kate Barrett (26:54.0, 13th) and Neva Brott (27:32.9, 14th) rounding out the top five. Seven Union County girls placed in the top 25, including senior Averie Tanner (28:01.5, 15th) and freshman Kate Hoffman (28:04.5, 16th).

Union County Middle School also showed promise in the 2-mile races. The boys’ team placed fourth with 86 points, led by sixth-grader Miles Sturgeon (13:58.6, 10th) and eighth-grader Bentley Burgess (14:07.5, 12th). The girls’ team also took fourth with 91 points, with seventh-grader Leilah Flaim (16:21.2, 11th) and eighth-grader Tessa Schurter (17:45.3, 16th) leading the way.

Union County’s strong showing across both high school and middle school races sets a positive tone for the 2025 season, with the Panthers poised for success in upcoming meets.