Warhorses maintain strong pace at Reynolds

Owen cross country team takes second place in Rocket Chase Race

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 1, 2022

Owen senior Elijah Jones crosses the finish line, Aug. 27, taking first place in the 5,000 meter run in the WNC Cross Country Carnival. Jones picked up his second straight victory in the Rocket Chase Race, on Aug. 31. Photo courtesy of Maggie Jones

A strong start to the 2022 cross country season continued for the Warhorses, Aug. 31, as they traveled to Reynolds for the Second Annual Rocket Chase Race. 

Led by another first place showing from senior Elijah Jones, the Owen boys team finished second among eight teams in the meet. 

Jones, who completed the two-mile run in 10:12.5, was one of three Warhorses to finish in the top 10. Senior Tad Sloan-Westmoreland finished eighth, with a time of 11:04.5, followed closely by fellow senior Jaheem Ohara, who needed 11:06.3 to cross the finish line. 

The Owen Warhorses continued their strong start to the 2022 cross country season, Aug. 31, with a second place finish in the Rocket Chase Race at Reynolds High School. Photo courtesy of Maggie Jones

Three more Owen distance runners, Leo Parmenter, Harding Kinnaird and Eli Lewkowicz, finished in the top 20, as the Warhorses raced to second place, behind T.C. Roberson. 

The meet marked the second straight victory for Jones, who on Aug. 27, posted a time of 16:24.2 in the 5,000 meters run to open the season in the WNC Cross Country Carnival. The reigning Western Highlands Conference Most Outstanding Runner of the Year led the Warhorse cross country team to their third consecutive conference title and a third place finish in the NCHSAA 2A West Regionals last year.

Owen will head to Kernersville, Friday, Sept. 9, to compete in the Friday Night Lights Cross Country Festival at the Ivey Redmond Sports Complex.