Meet Our Team: Cross Country and Bass Fishing

"I am very blessed to be able to be a part of what is happening here at USC Union," said Chayney Whelchel, Head Cross Country Coach. Chayney is from Mountville, SC and graduated from Erskine College with a bachelor's in physical education in May 2025. 

Before Chayney was running, she was dancing. She competed in dance from ages 2-14. She went on to run track and cross country in high school and college and returned to competitive dance and sideline dance her senior year. 

This is Chayney's first year of coaching! "Even though I have only been here a short time, my favorite memory from USC Union so far is meeting all of the other coaches and being able to be a part of a great staff," she said. 

A fun fact about Chayney is that she loves lifted trucks, having two herself, and enjoys working on them in her free time. 

"One of my favorite bible verses that I try to base all of my work ethic and compassion for others on is Colossians 3:23-24; 'And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ,'" said Chayney when asked about her goals for her first season. "It is a great reminder for me to do my very best at whatever job comes my way, and I cannot wait to put all of that passion into my team in the fall of 2026!"

Cameron Coone, USC Union's Head Bass Fishing Coach, has been fishing "since he has been old enough to hold a fishing rod." He is from Jonesville, SC, where he played baseball and football at Jonesville High School. We went on to graduate from Presbyterian College in 2011 with a bachelor's in history and minor in Southern Studies. 

Cameron has two favorite USC Union memories - watching Tanner Hadden and Caleb Hudson win the Lunkers Division in the College Bass Series and seeing USC Union get ranked nationally in the Top 25 for the School of the Year race for the first time.

Cameron is also the Director of the USC Union Laurens Location in Clinton. When he is not working, Cameron enjoys golfing, spending time with his two daughters, and has recently started competing in carp fishing tournaments during the off season of college bass tournaments. 

"At USC Union, our goal every season is simple: compete with integrity, grow as anglers, and proudly represent our university at the highest level—both on and off the water," said Cameron. "This past year, our anglers not only proved themselves in competition, but also in the classroom—earning a remarkable 3.69 team GPA in the spring. That balance of academic and athletic excellence is what sets our program apart. As we head into a new season, we're focused on chasing big finishes, building on last year's success, and making our community proud every time we put on the USC Union jersey. Thank you for supporting us—we're just getting started."