Annual
Local Sports
 on April 23, 2026
NU thrower Ethan Miller competes at the Virg Rankin Invitational. Miller finished fourth in discus and seventh in shot put. (Gazette photo by Tim Miller)

Annual Virg Rankin Invitational honors legacy of NU teacher and track coach

By By Bob Putman, Richwood Gazette 

 

Jonathan Alder made a clean sweep on Friday in winning both the girls and boys meets in the Virg Rankin Invitational at North Union. The Pioneers totaled 160.5 points in the boys meet with North Union finishing second (126) and Fairbanks in fourth (105.5). Alder edged out Buckeye Valley in the girls meet. The Lady Pioneers collected 148 points while Buckeye Valley finished with 138.5 points. Fairbanks was fourth (97) and North Union was fifth (59.5).

The meet is held each year to honor Virgil Rankin, who for decades was a teacher and track coach at North Union. Rankin passed away earlier this year and before the start of the running events a video tribute was presented mentioning his contributions and remembrances from former North Union athlete…

Read this entire article as it appeared in print in our eEdition

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