Two new Yellow Jackets have joined the hive.

Union County High School welcomes Chip Bailey as defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach, and Brian Smith as a wide receivers coach who will work with the passing game.

“We are very fortunate to have them,” said head coach David Lipsey. “They are good role models for our kids.”

Smith

Smith is a 1991 graduate of Clemson and played on the Tigers' offensive line. He coached the offensive line at Greer from 1991-92 and was offensive coordinator for the other Yellow Jackets in 1993-94. Greer won the 3A state title in ‘94.

He was head coach and athletic director at Strom Thurmond from 1995-99. The team played for state in ‘95 and ‘96.

Smith was head coach and athletic director at Riverside in 2000-01. He was the head coach at North Greenville College in 2002-03 and the team played in the ‘03 Victory Bowl. He was head coach at Seneca in 2004-07.

“I'm excited about being in Union,” he said. “This is a good group of kids and they work hard. We're outworking most people in the state.”

Smith said the offense is improving a lot in passing leagues.

“We still have a long way to go, but we're seeing improvement in our passing game and in running routes.”

Bailey

Bailey is a graduate of Broome High School and Wofford College. He coached Spartanburg's C Team and defensive line in 2000. From 2001-06, he coached at North Greenville College - five years as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, and a year as defensive line coach and defensive coordinator. That last year, North Greenville went 10-2.

In 2007, Bailey coached defensive backs at a 4A school - Caprock - in Amarillo, Texas.

“It's good being back in the Upstate,” he said. “It's a special place for me and I appreciate it more after being away.

“I appreciate the opportunity to join this program. Union is rich in football tradition and we hope to add to that tradition by winning more championships.”

Bailey said the defense will use a 3-4 base and is using schemes the Jackets are not used to running.

“They're working hard and picking it up quickly,” he said. “The passing leagues have been good for us.

“The kids are receptive and working hard. We have good young players and some rising 10th-graders that will help us on defense. They're great to work with, have good ability and are learning.”

Weights

Another addition to the Jackets is strength coach Dane Nelson. All coaches have commented how hard the team has been working in the weight room under Nelson.

The max-out dates for the summer weight program are July 30-31.

Passing leagues

Union County was at the Presbyterian College passing league on Monday. The Jackets went 4-4 against some good competition that included Byrnes, Daniel, Butler (N.C.) and Greenbriar (Ga.).

UCHS got a last minute opportunity to attend the FCA Camp at USC Upstate today. The team will take on good competition, including Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Newberry, Camden, Spring Valley and Irmo.

The Jackets host York at 5 p.m. Thursday in a passing league.