Owen distance runner on the trail of a state title

Craig Webb sets sights on bringing first individual cross country championship to the Swannanoa Valley

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 13, 2025

Owen senior cross country runner Craig Webb trains for the postseason, as he closes in his goals to set a school record in the 5,000 meter run and win an individual state championships. Photo by Fred McCormick

Craig Webb maintains a steady gait while finishing his cool-down run along the track inside Warhorse Stadium, Oct. 8. While it is an unseasonably warm afternoon, the Owen senior looks as though he could easily tally a few more miles.

At this point in the season, as he closes in on his goal to bring the first individual cross country state championship to the Swannanoa Valley, he is focused on pushing the pace.

Webb entered the season as the program’s top runner, according to head coach Bob Sadlemire.

“Last year, he did very well, including coming in second in the 3,200 meter race at the state championship meet, which was a big deal,” he said. "He was also on our 4X800 meter relay team, which did very well.”

Webb posted the second-best time in Owen cross country history, Oct. 4, with a 15:46.60 in the 5,000 meter race at the Great American XC Festival in Cary.

“He may get that record before the season is over,” Sadlemire said. “I project he’ll win the conference, regionals and the state meet. As of right now, he’s ranked about 30 seconds ahead of the next fastest runner.”

Webb started the cross country season with a personal record of 9:31.20 in the 3,000 meter run, claiming the top spot in the 5th Annual Rocket Chase Race. He went on to win two of three 5,000 meter races in late September and early October.

He credits the strength of the Owen cross country program, which finished third in the NCAA 2A Cross Country State Championship meet each of the last two seasons, for offering a challenging environment that motivated him on the trails.

“There’s always been someone to push me, even in tough workouts and runs,” Webb said.

Entering his final season for the Warhorse distance team, the runner set his sights on a pair of goals.

“I want to win a state title, and as this season has progressed, I came to realize I’m in a position to possibly set a school record, so I’m also focused on reaching that,” he said.

As the Warhorses head to Hendersonville, where they will compete at 3:10 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Western Highlands Conference Championship, Webb is balancing training and remaining healthy.

“Nobody in our school’s history has ever won the individual cross country state championship,” Sadlemire said. “Craig is really set up to do that, and I really think he has a legitimate chance to set the 5,000 meter record here.”

Those goals complement each other, according to Webb.

“As long as I keep improving and lowering my time, I put myself in a better position to hopefully win a state championship and set the school record,” he said. “They key is to stay healthy and keep working.”