Warhorses leg out top finish in Western Highlands Conference

Elijah Jones named “most outstanding” conference runner

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 11, 2022

Juniors Elijah Jones, left, and Jaheem Ohara were among five Warhorses to earn gold medals in the Western Highlands Conference Championship on May 4. Jones was also named the conference’s Most Outstanding Runner of 2022. Photo courtesy of Maggie Jones

As the Owen track and field team set out for Newland, May 4, the athletes embarked on a 50-plus-mile road trip up winding roads that ended nearly 1,200 feet higher than where it began. But, when they stepped off the bus at Avery County High School, they had to climb a little higher. 

By the time they came back down the mountain, the Warhorses were 2022 Western Highlands Conference Champions for the second year in a row. 

Seven teams gathered for the conference meet, where the Warhorses topped the leaderboard in 10 events. Junior Elijah Jones, who was named WHC Most Outstanding Runner of the Year, earned gold medals in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs, and finished second in the 800 meter race. 

Junior Jaheem Ohara, who finished first in the 800 meter run, with a time of 2:03.57, was one of five Warhorses to earn a gold medal in an individual event. Freshman Davis Kendall also found success on the track, where he finished first in the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Junior Kameron Moore legged out another first place finish for Owen in the 100 meter dash, as Warhorse teams posted top finishes in the 4x200, 4x400 and 4x800 relay races. 

In the field events, the Warhorses were represented in another strong performance from Charlie Hurt. The senior topped the conference with a discus throw of 156 feet 11 inches, and finished second in the shot put with a distance of 41 feet 1 inch. 

Peyton Draper, Lilly Cody, Piper Better and Emily Kleive celebrate Owen’s top finish in the Western Highlands Conference Championship 4x800 relay with Ashley Currie, right, who finished second 200 meter dash and third in the 100 meter dash. Photo courtesy of Maggie Jones

While the Warhorses posted 182 points to capture the conference title, the Warlasies scored 92 in a third place finish. Sophomore Nevaeh Perkins captured the top spot in the 400 meter dash, with a time of 1:04.59, and the Warlassies grabbed another gold medal in the 4x800 meter relay. 

Athletes representing both teams will represent Owen in the NCHSAA 2A West Regional Championship at East Burke High School, Saturday, May 13.