JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University Bulldogs are ready for the 2026 season with both new and familiar faces.

The squad is led by former Union cross-country athlete Tristan Kelly, who begins his first season as head coach.

The 2026 roster features 10 returners and three newcomers: Anderson Mathias, Jude Sparkman, and Jonathan Lewis.

Mathias begins his collegiate career with the Bulldogs. Sparkman joins Union from Glacier High School in Kalispell, Mont., where he earned all-state cross-country honors and recorded a personal-best 5K time of 16:04. Lewis joins Union from South Gibson County High School in Medina, Tenn., where he competed in cross-country, track and soccer.

Returners Aaron Fynaardt and Luke Winkleman, along with Lewis, were named GSC Runners to Watch entering the 2026 season. Fynaardt was named GSC Runner of the Week four times and earned First Team All-GSC and First Team All-South Region honors last season. He finished eighth at the GSC Championship and helped Union record its best conference finish in program history.

Following the 2025 season, Union was ranked fifth in the GSC preseason poll, with Lee University ranked 1.

Union will begin its season at the Memphis Twilight Invitational, with the men's race scheduled to start at 10 p.m.

To stay up to date with the team, visit uuathletics.com and follow @UUAthletics on social media. Follow @UUAthleticsXC on Instagram and X.

-UNION-