The Scramble for States: Indoor Track 6A Qualification and Successes

The state-bound Watauga boys 4x800m relay team poses for a photo after hitting a season best time at the Tryon International Indoor Track. From left to right: Levi Anderson (12), Brian Newmark (11), Sean Rea (9), and Grady Gates (11). Photo Credits: Isaac James 

Isaac James, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

With the transition from 4 to 8 divisions in North Carolina High School sports, the journey to state championships has become more accessible to your average team and its participants. As part of the 6A division, Watauga High School has seen huge success this year across its various sports programs. Joining this trend of success is the Watauga Indoor Track team, with multiple relays and individual qualifiers making the journey to Winston-Salem on February 12, 2026. In each event and relay, athletes/teams with the top 12 marks in their respective division make the cut for the Indoor Track state meet. While many hit a time or mark early-season that kept them in the top 12, others, especially the 4x800m relay team, had a unique journey on the way to getting to states. 

“The hardest part about getting to states was getting the entire team together,” said Junior Brian Newmark. “We have 6 guys on distance varsity, but until the 2nd-to-last meet, we didn't know who was going to be on the team.”

Throughout the season, the Watauga 4x800 underwent various changes in personnel. Each meet was like an experiment to see which team would finally be the ones to make states. When they were finally able to build the ideal squad, though, the team flourished. 

“I think the 4x800 team's biggest strength is how we are constantly cheering each other on,” said Newmark. “Even when one of the legs has just run or is about to run, all we are focused on is cheering each other on.” 

Heading into state championships, the still-improving Watauga boys 4x800 is looking to climb up the rankings and beat their seeded placement. 

“Our goal is to show the other teams what Watauga can do,” said Newmark. “Currently, we are ranked 12 out of 12, and we aren't that far from the teams in front of us. I think we can go beat those teams and even get up close to the front.”

While the 4x800 team went through a few trials and tribulations to get to states, plenty of athletes had a more straightforward path to qualification. Sophomore distance runner Cali Townsend qualified in an impressive six events, even making the cut in sprint events. Opting to run in the 4x400, 4x800, 1000m, and 1600m, Townsend is a favorite to podium both as a team member and an individual in each of these events. 

“I am so blessed for the opportunity to be in the running for a title this year,” said Townsend. “There are so many girls who barely miss the standard to qualify, and sometimes I think it’s easy to forget the value of getting to qualify just in itself.” 

Coming off the Watauga girls’ triumphant cross country state title, Townsend and the entire girls team were aware of the newfound expectations on their shoulders.  Leading into the meet, the Watauga girls team were ranked as high as number 1 in the 6A division. On the day, they met those expectations, becoming state champions and continuing their huge string of successes. 

The boys team also notched a 10th place finish with great performances all around. The 4x800 team continued on the momentum of their qualification success by setting an 8 second season best and finishing 8th overall. 

“I think it shows just how far we can go,” said Newmark. “When we qualified for states [in the 4x800] we ran a 8:43 and one week later at states we ran a 8:35. If we can PR by 8 seconds in just a week, then I can't wait to see what we do later. For the team, I'm stoked we got 10th. We only had 9 guys and we scored 21 points. So I'm really proud of us”.

A common theme among those who competed at states was a feeling of pride: pride in representing Watauga, pride in their abilities, and pride in the accomplishment of making it to the big stage. 

“My biggest takeaway is that I ran with the fastest people in our state,” said Newmark. “The best part was just being there. This being my first time at states, I got to see things from a new view and it was amazing”