By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Finishing more than two minutes ahead of your nearest competition in a 5,000 Meters Run is one way for making a case that you are the force to be reckoned with — and that is just what Watauga sophomore Cali Townsend did on Sept. 30, in the 2025 Northwestern Conference Pre-Conference XC Meet, hosted by the Pioneers.
Townsend negotiated her home course in 18:46.55, a time that would have put her No. 7 in the men’s division.
As a team, the Pioneers dominated, including the top six finishers before Freedom freshman Leighton Beck crossed the line at No. 7 (22:40.27) and Alexander Central senior Hope Cox scratched the chalk at No. 8 (22:41.69).
Watauga senior Janie Beach-Verhay was No. 2 (20:54.17), freshman Josie Mayo No. 3 (20:54.46), sophomore Lily Kimbrough No. 4 (21:07.64), junior Lainey Johnston No. 5 (21:07.94), and sophomore Nora Price No. 6 (21:08.42).
The six Watauga top finishers on the day were the only runners to cross the line in under 22 minutes. Given the top five, Watauga recorded the lowest possible team score (15 points), followed by Freedom (No. 2, 59 points) and Alexander Central (No. 3, 68 points)
Sixty-seven (67) athletes competed in the women’s division race, including 37 from Watauga.
MEET RESULTS
