Warhorses race to third straight conference championship

Owen track & field hauls hardware back to the Swannanoa Valley

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 5, 2023

The Warhorses are Western Highlands Conference Track & Field Champions for the straight year, following a May 3 victory in Valdese. Photo by Fred McCormick

All seven schools in the Western Highlands Conference met in Valdese, May 3, to crown a champion.

For the third consecutive year, the Warhorses were up to the challenge. 

Owen took first place in 11 events, while 14 individual athletes and four relay teams registered top finishes. The Warhorses totaled 199 points, outpacing Mountain Heritage, which finished with 143, and Avery (125.5). 

A pair of seniors each collected two individual gold medals, as Elijah Jones won the 1,600 and 3,200 meter events while Kameron Moore dashed to victories in the 100 and 200 meter races. 

Seniors Jaheem O’Hara and Tad Sloan-Westmoreland, respectively, were the first two runners across the finish line in the 800 meter run.

Sophomore Davis Kendall placed first in the 400 meter dash, as junior Trevae Woodyard topped the leaderboard in the 300 meter hurdles. 

The Warlassies tallied 98 points in the meet, finishing fifth, while junior Peyton Draper took first place in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs. 

Owen will head to Arden, Friday, May 5, to participate in a meet hosted by Christ School, before the NCHSAA 2A West Regional Meet, Saturday, May 13, at East Burke.