As the spring track season nears its final stretch, junior Owen James is preparing for one last big performance on one of the biggest stages of the year. With the state championship meet on the horizon, James has been a key competitor for the varsity track and field team in the shot put, where he holds an impressive personal record of 52 feet, 0 inches (15.85 meters). That mark has put him among the top performers in his event across the region.

In addition to his role as a thrower, James is also a starter on the varsity football team, where he plays a critical role anchoring the offensive line. He is one of the top ranked offensive lineman in his class. His combination of size, strength, and relentless work ethic has made him a force in both sports over the past two seasons. But this year hasn’t come without its share of adversity. James has been working his way back from an early injury that kept him off the field for several weeks and took away valuable practice time during a critical point in the spring season.

“My injury has definitely held me back this season,” James said. “It’s not so much the pain or discomfort but the lack of reps and practice I’ve had that’s really inhibited me.”

Despite that setback, James has remained a consistent and determined presence for the track team. Even while managing his recovery and dealing with limited training opportunities, he has continued to compete at a high level and push himself to improve. With the state meet quickly approaching, James is doing everything he can to ensure he is both physically and mentally ready to perform at his absolute best.

“I’ve really been trying to focus on getting good sleep and recovery these past weeks to try to be at my best,” he said. “I’ve also started to take a bit of a load off of my legs with less outside of track workouts.”

That added focus on rest, nutrition, and proper recovery is a reflection of the maturity James brings to competition. Even as a junior, he is already thinking ahead to his final year of high school athletics, preparing himself to compete at a high level both in the shot put ring and on the football field in the fall.

“I’m really focused on next football season and being fully healthy,” James said. “Going into next track season I might be having surgery again, so I’m not completely sure if I’ll be competing or not.”

Although some uncertainty remains about what his senior track season might look like, James has already left a meaningful mark on the program. Much of his growth has come thanks to the support of coaches and older teammates, including former standout Christian Jones, who helped guide him through his early development as a thrower.

“It was really nice to have Christian on last year’s team and to be able to take advice from him,” James said. “Coach Maloley and Coach Hill are also great influences that I’m very grateful to have.”

With that kind of support system, James has continued to grow and develop in both sports. He has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches for his leadership, positive attitude, and willingness to battle through difficult circumstances, all while continuing to build on his skills as an athlete and competitor.

As the state meet approaches, James is looking to finish the season strong and make the most of every opportunity he gets in the ring. Whether or not he finishes on the podium, he has already shown what it means to compete with grit, discipline, and resilience throughout an up-and-down season.

And while the future may hold more physical challenges, including the possibility of another surgery, James is focused on what he can control right now. That means trusting his coaches, putting in the daily work, and taking full advantage of every throw he gets as the season winds down.

As the season wraps up and the final meet approaches, James remains locked in on competing with intensity and representing his school and teammates with pride. His perseverance through injury and his commitment to growth have made him a standout not only in the ring and on the football field, but in the eyes of his teammates, coaches, and peers. With one more meet ahead, he is aiming to finish his junior year on a high note, and no matter what the results say, his impact on the program and his example of toughness are already leaving a legacy that will carry into next year.