Phegley to lead Bulldog harriers

DUGGER -- Union (Dugger) High School boys cross country head coach Clarence Johnson is not sure on the exact number of participants he will have on his squad this season, but knows for sure who his top runner will be. All-conference runner Jake Phegley will once again lead the Bulldog harriers for the third straight season.

"Jake has been our top runner for the past two seasons and I would imagine that he will fill that role again this season," Johnson said.

Phegley earned all conference honors in both the Tri-River and Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conferences last season. The now junior, finished sixth in the TRC and seventh in the SWIAC. He also just narrowly missed making his first trip to the regional, with a 19th place effort at the ever tough Terre Haute Sectional -- the top 15 advance on to the regional.

The top Bulldog was the only runner to make an all-conference team last season, something Johnson is hoping to change this season.

"Hopefully we can place a couple more kids on the all-conference teams this year," he said. "It would also be nice to get someone out of the sectional as well."

Sophomore Tyler Talpas could be another one of Johnson's top runners this year as well.

"Tyler showed some promise last year, so hopefully he can improve on his times from a year ago," the head coach said.

Other team members Johnson knows for sure that he will have are senior John Delph, junior Brandon McCammon, sophomore Michael Abrams and freshman Zac Birdsong.

Abrams was also a member of the team last season as freshman.

Johnson said a successful season for his team would be to be competitive and improve individual times.

"We would like to make a good showing in meets throughout the season and improve the kids times as the season progresses," he said. "We would also like to make a good showing at both conference meets."

The Bulldogs will open their season Thursday, Aug. 27 at Sullivan.

Union (Dugger)

Boys Cross County Roster

Coach: Clarence Johnson (second season).