Owen to honor first responders for 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Stampede on the Stairs and Military & First Responders Appreciation game set for Friday

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 8, 2021

Two events in Warhorses Stadium, scheduled for Sept. 10, will honor first responders and members of the military on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Photo courtesy of David Fiest

A pair of events at Owen High School, Friday, Sept. 10, will honor first responders on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. 

The tributes will begin at 6:30 a.m., in Warhorse Stadium, with Stampede on the Stairs, continuing with Military & First Responders Appreciation Night, which will honor “local heroes” during the 7:30 p.m. football game against North Henderson.

Multiple teams, consisting of faculty, administrators, coaches and athletes will climb 2,071 steps on the stairs in the stadium, in recognition of the first responders who ascended 110 flights of stairs in the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center. Each team will consist of three or four members, requiring 45 trips up the bleachers to complete the challenge.

Warhorse football players will track the number of trips each team makes up the steps, while firefighters with the Black Mountain and Swannanoa Fire Departments participate in full gear, nearby. 

“We want to show our appreciation for all our first responders,” said Owen Athletic Director Brook King. “Not just for the ones here now, but for those who lost their lives that day.”

A moment of silence will be observed falling the staircase challenge, and the winning team will lower the flag to half-mast. 

The evening event will recognize local first responders and military members in front of the home fans in Warhorse Stadium. During the event, organizers will hold a fundraiser benefiting the family of Garrett Presnell, the Black Mountain firefighter who passed away, Aug. 31, after a battle with COVID-19.