Recap of Redskins '08-09

The Union Redskins athletics 2008-2009 academic year didn't get off to the start that everyone was hoping for.

On the gridiron the Redskins lost to the Broken Arrow Tigers in the opening game of the season 24-9 for the first time since 1989. The loss snapped a 22 consecutive game win streak.

However Kirk Fridrich and his squad didn't waste time as they went on a 13 game win streak and rolling to the Class 6A state title where the Redskins defeated arch-rival Jenks 34-20. Runningback Jeremy Smith led the way by rushing for 242 yards and three touchdowns.

In Cross Country the Redskin boys held the top two spots with Steven Baker finishing first and teammate Taylor Monaghan placing second at the Class 6A State Title Race.

On the court the Volleyball Redskins made the state semi-finals in Class 6A but lost to Edmond Santa Fe to finish with a record 25-7.

In basketball the Lady Redskins looked to defend their state title but came up short losing in the semifinals to Del City to finish the season 23-2. For the guys it was a run to the state semifinals where eventual winner Putnam City ended the Redskins season at 18-7.

In swimming the girls finished second behind archrival Jenks while the boys finished in fifth in the 6A state title meet.

For the Redskins on the mat it was a new leader at the reigns as legendary coach Steve Dunlap took over and lead Union to the State Championship Title. While individual awards came to Josh Walker (103) and Joey Sheridan (171).

Spring rolled around and the baseball bats started swinging and for the Redskins it was late game heroics that pushed them to the state semi-finals but came up short to Edmond Santa Fe. A walk-off grand slam by Jacob Rice at Regionals over Sapulpa put Union into the state title game. The Redskins, coached by Shawn Newkirk, finished the season 27-10.

Along with the Spring season comes slow pitch softball and the Redskins made the state tournament but were beat by Westmoore ending the season with a record of 23-9.

On the soccer pitch the Lady Redskins lost a heartbreaker to cross town foe Broken Arrow in a shootout in the state quarterfinals 2-1. The loss ended Union's season with a record of 13-1. For the boys it was the same story a 2-1 shootout loss but in the state title game to Edmond Santa Fe. Coached by Cory Butler the Redskins finished the season 15-1.

In Tennis it was a State Championship in the Boys No.2 singles for Trevor Horstmann. The boys team finished second at the state title behind Putnam City North.

On the track it was a state title for the boys and a runners-up finish for the girls to wrap up the athletics season for the Union Redskins 2008-2009.