Athletics

The Lady Bruins are Tennis State Champions

At halftime during the November 12 football game, the Lady Bruins tennis team received their State Championship rings. Way to go Lady Bruins!

Golf Regional Champions

In September, the boys golf team finished second in the region and advanced to compete in the state championship. At the regional championship, John Gregory Wilson finished fourth (71) overall and John Alex Campbell finished fifth (73). In October, at the state championship, John Gregory Wilson finished in seventh place.

The girls golf team took first place in the regional championships. At the state championship, sophomore Claire Henson placed second in the Division II, Class A girls individual title, after a seven-hole playoff.

English All Time Goal Scorer in School History

In the fall, USJ’s Morgan English not only surpassed a total of 150 goals for her high school career, but now holds the all-time school record for the Lady Bruins for career goals scored. She has reached the milestone in just her junior season.

English etched her name in the history books alongside some of the best to ever put on a USJ uniform, passing the previous goal scoring record set at 149 by Honeye Heydari. English came on to the local high school girls soccer scene a few years ago as an eighth grader, quickly establishing herself as an elite player, eventually leading to two All-State selections, and last year’s District MVP award.

“It means a lot for sure, the players that have come through and kind of hit those marks over the years are phenomenal players and they’re some of the ones I look up to the most,” said English. “I absolutely love the game, and you just got to do what you love. When I come out here, I absolutely love it, and it drives me to keep getting better.”

Lady Bruins Bring Home Soccer State Championship

On October 29, the Lady Bruins soccer team beat Battle Ground Academy 1-0 at CHI Memorial Stadium in Chattanooga. This win secured the DII-A girls soccer championship for the Lady Bruins and ended the two-year reign from the Lady Wildcats.

The last time the Lady Bruins held the state championship title was in 2011.

“It is a wonderful achievement, and I think the players deserve all the credit,” said USJ coach Paul Conway.

The game was in a deadlock until Morgan English put the Lady Bruins up a goal at the half. USJ keeper Lilly Kate Varino made several saves to preserve her clean sheet. She finished with nine saves and her 11th shutout of the season.

“She was key. You do not win state titles without big performances from big players. There was a moment in the second half where she was in a one-on-one situation, and we just believed she was going to make the save and she did. ... really pleased for her — she absolutely had a great performance,” Conway said.

East-West All-Star Classic

(photo: Angela Spencer)

Sports Plus West Tennessee All-Star Game

Top senior football players from West Tennessee competed in a classic North vs. South match-up. The 10th annual All-Star game was held December 10, at USJ. Steele Haynes and Gabe Williams were chosen to play in the game.

(photo: Blaine Kellar) (photo: Blaine Kellar)

Steele Haynes Recognized for Athletic Excellence on the Gridiron

Steele Haynes was selected as the 2021 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football DII-A award winner. Haynes was also named the D-II A West Region Player of the Year. Haynes finished the season with 1,615 yards rushing with 10.6 yards per carry and 201.8 yards per game. He had 152 carries and 29 touchdowns.

Nearly 90 of Tennessee’s best senior football players and more than a dozen coaches were named to participate in this year’s East-West All-Star Classic. The event, sponsored by the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association (T.A.C.A.), was Friday, December 10 at Fortera Stadium on the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. Ben Pledger and Joshua Jones from USJ were selected to participate. Pledger was named Offensive MVP. Ben completed a 48-yard field goal in the first half of the game, breaking the EastWest All-Star record for longest field goal.

Athletes Signing with Colleges

Congratulations to seniors Joshua Jones and Ben Pledger for signing to play football in college. Josh will play with the Cumberland University Phoenix, and Ben will play with the Mississippi College Choctaws.

USJ Students Chosen for All State Teams Selected by Tennessee Sports Writers Association

In January, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) recognized exceptional athletes across the state in various sports.

USJ Juniors Lilly Kate Varino, Stella Spencer, Betha Pucek, and Morgan English were selected to the TSWA All-State Soccer Team.

USJ Sophomore Claire Henson was named to the TSWA All-State Golf Team.

USJ Senior Steele Haynes (Offense RB), Senior Josh Jones (Defense DL), and Senior Ben Pledger (Defense P) were selected to the TWSA All-State Football Team.

Blue Suede Championship

In January, the Middle School Girls Basketball team earned first place at the Blue Suede Championship. The Middle School Boys Basketball team placed third. Congratulations, Bruins!