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

LATEST NEWS
In Retrospect
Community
In Retrospect
100 YEARS AGO From April 22, 1926 The new Masonic Temple at LaRue, will be dedicated May 2. The ceremony will be in charge of Most Worshipful Grand Ma...
April 23, 2026
Sheriff’s Report
Community
Sheriff’s Report
From Union County Sheriff’s Office reports: Therese M. Smith, 28, of Columbus, was cited for failure to control following an injury crash. At 7:43 a.m...
April 23, 2026
Police Beat
Community
Police Beat
From Richwood Division of Police reports: An officer responded to the 300 block of East Blagrove Street at 9 p.m., April 12, for a reported theft. In ...
April 23, 2026
A balanced breakfast
Local News
A balanced breakfast
The good news is breakfast for students at North Union will be free of charge next year, but the bad news is lunch prices will rise by a quarter. Duri...
April 23, 2026