Spring sports senior profiles, an ongoing series

Devan Young, 17, has played baseball, basketball and golf for the Bears. He will not be continuing his sports career as he will be attending Mountain Empire Community College after high school.

Young is a volunteer at the Keokee Fire Department and cites his hobbies as playing video games as well as fishing and hanging out with friends.

Young says knowing his high school year is over is “somewhat bittersweet”.

“It all happened so fast. I feel like I didn’t get a true goodbye to Union High School,” Young said. “I’m still grateful for my time at Union. I made a lot of lifetime memories.”

Young is very sad at the thought that his senior baseball season has officially been cancelled.

“Baseball is a sport I’ve loved since I was 6 years old,” Young said. “I’ve played countless games and gone to countless tournaments. I’ve made memories with my teammates over the years that I will never forget. Going to state in little league was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. I’ll never forget my times playing baseball. It will be a part of my life forever.”

Union baseball’s Ethan Hall

Seventeen-year-old Ethan Hall played both football and baseball for the Bears. While he would love to continue his sports career in college, he says his education comes first. He will be attending Mountain Empire Community College and will major in engineering.

Hall says that knowing his school year is over is “bittersweet”. He also lists that he was truly hoping he would have some sort of senior baseball season.

To his teammates, Hall imparts a message of love.

“I know you will go on to do many great things. All of you have been my friends throughout the past couple years and I love each and everyone of you,” Hall said.

Union baseball’s Cole Mullins

Cole Mullins has spent the majority of his 18 years playing sports. But, once he got to high school, he decided to devote his time to his favorite sport: baseball.

Mullins has chosen not to continue his sports career in college. He will be attending Mountain Empire Community College in the power lineman program.

Mullins had worked hard in the off-season and was very optimistic for the Bears this season.

“I put in many extra hours for this upcoming season,” Mullins said. “It’s just disappointing because I had high hopes for our team this year because we work so hard everyday at practice.”

Mullins hopes everyone is putting safety first.

“I hate that this virus has caused problems for everyone,” Mullins said. “I hope everyone is doing the right thing and staying safe.”

To his teammates, Mullins talked of living in the moment as well as praising would-be second-year coach, David Wyrick.

Union baseball’s Devan Young

“I hope they never take the game for granted because it can be taken away from you at anytime,” Mullins said. “They also need to listen to coach Wyrick about everything. He’s one of the best coaches this area has ever had. If you just put in the work, it will always pay off.”

Union track’s Mason Polier

Mason Polier, 18, is a four-sport star athlete for the Bears as he plays football, wrestles and participates in indoor and outdoor track. He will be continuing his football career in the fall with UVA Wise where he will be double majoring in exercise science and sports management.

Polier was upset when his senior year ended early, but tried not to worry about it.

“Knowing that my senior year has came to an end is disappointing, but at the same time there is nothing I can do about it,” Polier said.

Losing his senior track season was another disappointment for the state champion Polier.

“I was looking forward to competing this year in track and field and was hoping to compete for a state championship as a team and in my individual events,” Polier said.

Polier leaves a message of nostalgia and luck to his teammates.

“I’m going to miss competing with you guys and spending time with you,” Polier said. “I wish the best of luck to you for the rest of your career and look forward to seeing what you accomplish in life.”