Running with the Warhorses

Owen High School football coaches and players host young athletes

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 31, 2021

The present day met the future on the field at Warhorse Stadium, July 30, when Owen High School players and coaches hosted the Swannanoa Valley’s youngest athletes for an evening of fun, food and competition.

It was all part of Owen Youth Football Night, an event designed to strengthen the bond between the school and local youth football program.

The event featured a registration table for Owen Warhorse Youth Football and Cheerleading, a local nonprofit league that competes against others throughout the region. Owen High School head football coach, Brint Russell, welcomed each participant as they arrived.

Russell, his coaching staff and players led drills for each age group, from rising kindergartners to eighth graders. Young players were provided instruction on the fundamentals of the game, including passing, punting, kicking, blocking and tackling.

A cheerleading clinic was led by Owen High School cheer coach, Taylee Newhouse.

Free hot dogs were provided for everyone who attended the event, which ended with a punt, pass, kick competition for three age groups. The winners received a Warhorses football helmet.

Bryson Turner was the winner of the kindergarten through second-grade competition, while Noah Lytle took the top spot in the third-grade through fifth-grade event. Andy Brock took the top spot in the sixth-grade through eighth-grade competition.

A photo gallery of Owen Youth Football Night can be found below.