Raising the Banner High Owen High ’ s Dynasty Team
By Benjamin Rickert , Communications Department
Imagine for a moment what it would require for a team to win ninety consecutive basketball games- the time and commitment- week after week , and year after year . For seven years . It ’ s almost unthinkable because those who did it still hold a place in the history books . This legendary accomplishment is why the “ Dynasty Team ” girls of Charles D . Owen High School who played between 1964 and 1970 will never be forgotten .
In the 60s , tireless fans packed the gymnasium . Sarah Horne , whose name is etched into Owen ’ s athletic Hall of Fame , says there was usually only standing room available . “ At the time , we were so naive ,” she recalls . “ We didn ’ t know we were setting records .”
The banner was presented after the Owen High vs Enka High basketball game .
Still , years after their historic reign , the Warlassies had a score to settle . Back when the undefeated team played , Title IX was yet to create equal access to sports for women , meaning that while there was a local county tournament for the girls , there was no state championship to win and no banner to display above their court . Coach Bill Rucker would arrange games with distant teams to give the girls a fresh challenge .
“ A lot of big-girl-athletes passed through here back then ,” observes Horne , “ and I feel their numbers should be hanging there .”
On November 30th of 2016 , Owen set the record straight under the leadership of Principal Meg Turner . While the school typically only hangs championship banners in their gym , an exception was made for the Dynasty Team . Between games , and in front of fans from across the region , the former teammates walked onto the court to be greeted by current players , and were presented with a new banner that will hang high , marking their incredible feat for future generations .
Roy Williams , basketball coach at the University of North Carolina , as well as Brad Johnson , the winning quarterback of Super Bowl XXXVII , both are graduates of Owen and wrote letters of approval which were read aloud to the women .
“ My daughter and two sons also played basketball here , “ says teammate Susan Blankenship Gardener , who graduated in ‘ 71 and describes herself as a rough , defensive player , “ so it ’ s incredible to come back and be recognized .”
For women , Horne says , “ This is a step forward .”
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Current Warlassies players greet teammates from the 1964-1970 teams .
The Dynasty Team ’ s banner reads “ 90 Consecutive Wins ”.