Warlassies gallop to third in West Regional meet

Owen cross country team heads to NCHSAA 3A Cross Country State Championship

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 30, 2025

The Owen Warlassies, following a third place finish in the 2025 NCHSAA 3A Cross Country West Regional meet, head to Kernersville, Oct. 31, for the state championship. Photo by Fred McCormick

A flurry of Warlassies, led by sophomore Carlee Grace Stewart’s eighth place position, were among the first 25 runners to cross the finish line, Oct. 25, as qualifying teams faced off in the 2025 NCHSAA 3A Cross Country West Regional meet.

The third-place finish for Owen, which will head to the Ivey B. Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville to compete in the state championship meet at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31, represents a successful youth movement for the resurging program.

Stewart, with a time of 21:26.4, earned recognition on the all-regional team in her first season as a distance runner. She was followed by senior Jordan Robertson, whose 22:42.4 earned 16th, and sophomore Adella Strull, in 18th, with a time of 22:53.7. Sophomore Evelyn Brown followed, just over a minute later, to grab the 23rd position. Sophomore Willow Glenn Stewart, the sister of Carlee Grace, rounded out the Warlassies’ top five in 30th, followed closely by fellow sophomore Indigo Word.

The performance was the reigning Western Highlands Conference champion team’s best in regional competition “in a while,” according to Warlassies head coach Kate Dost, in her 13th season at the helm of the program.

“We were predicted to finish third, based on the tines we ran this season, up to that point,” she said. “But, it was still quite an accomplishment, because five of our seven runners had a hacking cough. We knew the top six would make it to state, so the fact that we rose to that occasion is something to proud of.”

With only two seniors — Robertson and Ryann Rodriguez — on the roster, five of Owen’s top six regional runners were sophomores.

“This group came in last year, and nobody was doing flashy times,” Dost said. “But, they were eager, bought into the program and continue to be willing to work hard.”

The addition of the Stewart sisters, who joined the team last August, brought key pieces to the young core of athletes.

“I played volleyball last year, but I felt like I was better at running, so I wanted to try cross country,” Carlee Grace said. “I had friends on the team, and all the people are great. Coach Dost has really helped me, so I found out I really love cross country.”

Jordan Robertson is one of two seniors on the Owen cross country team, which finished third, Oct. 25, in the NCHSAA 3A Cross Country West Regional meet. Photo by Fred McCormick

The sophomore’s personal record in the regional meet improved on her previous best time by more than a minute and 30 seconds. Her goal for the 5,000-meter championship is to complete the course in under 21 minutes.

“It’s a big goal, but it gives me something to push for,” Carlee Grace said. “That’s what we’ve been doing all season—pushing ourselves.”

While the state meet can seem intimidating for young athletes, Dost is encouraging her runners to focus on their development in the sport.

“We’re not in a position to win state, because it’s not like a bunch of these girls are just going to magically run 19-minute races,” she said. “So, that takes the pressure off. I want them to go out there, take risks when they’re comfortable, and aim for a spot in the top 10.”

Robertson, a co-captain in her third season with the Warlassies, has embraced the infusion of youthful energy within the program.

“It’s like having a bunch of little sisters, who also teach you things,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed the mentorship aspect with a lot of them. We’ve grown so much, as a team this season.”

As she prepares for the state championship meet, following a personal best in regional competition, Robertson is eager to experience the moment with her team.

“I’m really looking forward to having one last race with this group of girls that has become like a family to me,” she said. “I want us to do something we can be proud of.”