HomeHigh SchoolPioneer Women's XC team near perfect in NWC conference meet

Pioneer Women’s XC team near perfect in NWC conference meet

October 16, 2024

Annabelle Stewart finishes the Senior Girls race No. 1 among the 49 entrants in Clash of the Classes, Aug. 17, 2024. Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

By David Rogers. LENOIR, N.C. — With a 1-2-3 sweep and eight of the top 10 finishing spots, Watauga’s women’s cross country team dominated the 3A/4A Northwestern Conference championships on Oct. 16 on the Lenoir Aquatic & Fitness Center course.

The 5,000-meter course saw Pioneers from all four classes in the top five, including senior Annabelle Stewart (No. 1, 18.26.14), freshman Cali Townsend (No. 2, 18:29.61), junior Janie Beach-Verhay (No. 3, 19:11.13) and sophomore Lainey Johnston (No. 5, 21:12.00).

The Pioneers had 11 runners in the top 15 and 16 in the top 25.