Southlake Carroll Dragon XC Delivers Major Statement Win at Exclusive Southlake Elite 5K Invitational

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September 5, 2026

Boys Dominate with Gutierrez Setting the Tone; Lady Dragons Battle to 4th in Loaded Multi‑State Field in Season’s First 5K Rust‑Buster

Southlake, TX – On a warm September morning at Bob Jones Park, the Southlake Carroll Dragon Cross Country program once again reminded the prep distance world why it sits atop the national conversation. In an exclusive, invite‑only elite meet featuring powerhouse programs from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, both the Dragons and Lady Dragons toed the line for their first 5K race of the season — the annual rust‑buster that traditionally reveals early‑season fitness and sets the tone for the fall. This year’s Southlake Elite 5K Invitational was restricted to invited, nationally recognized teams, creating one of the most competitive early‑season meets in the region. Programs from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas brought elite front‑runners and deep rosters, making Carroll’s performances, especially the boys’ dominant win, even more impressive.

The Dragons, the nation’s #2 ranked boys team, delivered a commanding performance, scoring a mere 36 points and showcasing a front pack already being talked about as one of the most formidable in the United States. The Senior class are showing the fruits of years of commitment and labor as they placed 5 classmates in the top 6 of the team all in the top 14 of the elite section of the 5k. Not to be outdone, after a scorched earth early lead by Claudio Auns, Junior Kai Gutierrez again took the lead and dominated the field. The Lady Dragons, facing one of the strongest early‑season fields in the South, fought with trademark grit to secure a 4th‑place finish, despite missing star senior Abigail Perez. Senior Grace McIlvain continued her streak of top tier races with an impressive 18:30.

“This was a great early-season test against an outstanding field. Our boys showed the strength of their experience and commitment, while our girls competed with tremendous toughness despite not being at full strength. We still have plenty of work ahead, but this performance showed that both teams have the potential to accomplish something special this season.” — Head Coach Justin Leonard

Boys’ Varsity Elite 5K — A National Statement in the Season’s First 5K

The Dragons’ front pack — Kai Gutierrez, Claudio Auns, Evan O’Donnell, and Jaxon Glenn — is widely regarded as one of the most elite quartets in the nation, and their 1‑6‑7‑9 finish only strengthened the case. For a first 5K rust‑buster, the performance was nothing short of exceptional.

Junior Kai Gutierrez hammered home the individual title in 14:47, while seniors Auns, O’Donnell, and Glenn formed a scoring wall that few teams in America could hope to crack. Senior Adhavan Palanivelrajan and Senior Grant Norgart closed out the scoring with 13th and 14th place finishes, giving Carroll a top‑five spread of just 37 seconds.

Several Carroll athletes delivered all‑time personal records in the full 5K — a clear sign that the summer miles, the culture, and the expectations of Dragon XC continue to produce historic results. With Junior Alban D’Souza awaiting his season debut and several young athletes starting to reap the benefits of the Carroll training and competition, we may see even more record setting performances by the team this fall.

Girls’ Varsity Elite 5K — Grit, Growth, and a Top‑Four Finish Without Their Star Senior

The Lady Dragons placed 4th with 111 points, led by senior Grace McIlvain, who finished 11th overall in 18:30. Carroll’s scoring pack — McIlvain, Dukes, Farden, Lambert, and Salstrand — delivered a tight spread and demonstrated the blend of senior leadership and emerging underclass talent that will define this group throughout the fall.

And importantly, the Lady Dragons achieved this result without star senior Abigail Perez, a  decorated middle‑distance athlete in her own right. For a first 5K rust‑buster, the team responded with toughness and maturity — a testament to the depth and competitive fire of this year’s roster. For an average team time of 19:02, the girls look to make some noise in district and the region in 6 weeks at the championship window of the season.

The Dragons return to action on Thursday September 12^th at the Braswell Invitational (Ray Braswell Invitational (Meet is Full) 2026 - Meet Information) at North Lakes Park in Denton while the top 7 athletes from each team will make the trip out to the historic Woodbridge Invitational in Irvine, CA on September 19^th (45th Annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic - Meet Info - Cross Country Meet). With momentum building and depth emerging across both squads, Dragon XC looks poised for another fantastic season.

Southlake Carroll – Elite Race Individual Results

Top Boys Finishers (Elite 5K)

Top Girls Finishers (Elite 5K)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 9, 2026

                                                                                                   Southlake Carroll High School

Cross Country Season Outlook:

Dragon Harriers Seek to Maintain Historic Winning Streak

Southlake, TX – Hundreds of north Texas miles covered before sunrise this summer is how the Dragon and Lady Dragon Cross Country athletes and coaches spent their 2026 summer preparing for the upcoming season. The young men and women of Southlake Carroll High School are set to defend the tradition of one of the most heralded distance programs in the nation. Despite the loss of the most decorated high school athletes in Texas history to graduation on the men’s side with Caden Leonard heading off to the University of North Carolina and one of the best Lady Dragons in school history Luna Gutierrez also on her way to Emory University, both teams still continue to look tremendous.  

 The boys are led by Junior Kai Gutierrez (8:56 in the 3200m) who placed 12^th at Nike Cross Country Nationals as a mere sophomore as well as breakout superstar Seniors Claudio Auns (1:52 in the 800m, 4:14 in the 1600m) and Jaxon Glenn (1:55 in the 800m and 4:18 in the 1600m). This year’s senior class may be the strongest Carroll has ever assembled but will not be outdone by a competitive Junior and Sophomore group of runners. The team returns a full five performers from the 2025 varsity group which placed 4^th in the nation in Portland, Oregan last December.

 At the August 8^th Southlake 1600m time trial this talent was on full display: North Texas 1600 - Aug 8, 2026 | NTX Timing. The depth proved that the DyeStat summer national rankings of #2 in the United States prep level may be more accurate then some believe: DyeStat XC RANKINGS - News - Mid-Summer Boys Top 10 XC Rankings 2026. The top five boys averaged a jaw-dropping 4:20 with Caludio Auns setting the tone with a win at 4:14 while the top ten averaged 4:28 despite Kai Gutierrez not competing this week. This stands as the fastest early season start in program history due to the excellent performances of Senior Jaxon Glenn (4:19), Adhaven Palanivelrajan (4:22), Senior Evan O’Donnell (4:22), Senior Grant Norgart (4:26), Junior Alban D’Souza (4:27), Nathan Calvert (4:27) and Yates Eddins (4:27). These boys along with a handful of sophomores will be seeking their 8^th straight state UIL championship and record 18^th qualification for NXN.

 “We’re really excited about the way our runners competed yesterday at the Southlake 1600. The results showed the depth of our team and reflected the work they’ve put in throughout the summer. We’re excited about what this group can accomplish this season and can’t wait to be a part of the journey with them.” Head Coach Justin Leonard said.

 On the Lady Dragon side, the team anticipates huge leadership from three seniors who set the tone in the 2026 track season. Senior Grace Mcilvain moved from a promising competitor to a national caliber superstar breaking the school record in the 800 meters at 2:10 and flying to just a hair away from breaking the taunting 5 minute mile barrier in her junior campaign. Right with her all track season was her running mate Abigail Perez whose leg speed propelled her to marks of sub 11 minutes in the 3200m, the sub 5 minute mile and a very competitive 800m under 2:20. Also of note is a girl with another strong pedigree in Megan Bergman who is also a sub 11 two miler. These three ladies are at the helm of a strong senior class that also includes Quinn Salstand and Landry Lambert as potential scorers. Right on their heels will be the two sophomore athletes, Evangeline Severson and Nora Farden who both opened up the XC season with mid 5 minute marks in the 1600m. The Lady Dragons placed 2^nd in district last year to powerhouse Byron Nelson High but look to not just podium but win it all in 2026.

 North Texas and the DFW region is considered to be one of the epicenters of all prep distance running in the United States so this season will be quite competitive on both sides yet if Coach Leonard’s resume tells us anything it is to never bet against Dragon XC. Your next chance to cheer on these hard working young athletes will be on August 29^th at the annual Southlake Carroll XC 2 Mile Invitational at Bob Jones Park at 6:45am: Southlake 2-Mile XC - Meet Info - Cross Country Meet

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November 24, 2025

Dragon XC Continue Historic Record Breaking Season, Lady Dragons Finish Strong at

Nike Cross Country Regionals

 Senior Caden Leonard dominates boys’ individual

title in a course record 14:37

College Station, TX – The Southlake Carroll boys’ won yet another Nike Cross Regional championship qualifying for the NXN meet for a national record 17^th time. The NXR meet hosts the top talent from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Not only did this unparalleled team of young men set their mark in school and state history with a dominant win and 1-5 average time of 15:17, they also had two athletes, Senior Caden Leonard and Sophomore Kai Gutierrez break 15 minutes on the famous Dale Watts Cross Country Course at Texas A&M University in College Station. Only seven high school runners in history have broken that barrier. With Carroll XC’s storied running program, having a team that rivals any past varsity set of boys is quite a statement yet this is a team for the ages. On the girls side, several athletes finished their seasons by stepping up to the best in the South. Luna Gutierrez had a top 40 finish (39th) with a blazing 18:34 to close out her wonderful cross country career as a Lady Dragon before she heads off to Emory University.

Head Coach Justin Leonard said, “We are extremely proud of the way all of our Dragons competed today at the Nike South Regional meet. I’m especially proud of our Open Race and Rising Star runners for the resilience they showed. We know they will soon be called upon to fill the voids in the varsity team and continue the tradition. Our boys came together today with a huge performance and clinched their ticket to Nationals for the 17th time! This program continues to rise because of the work, character, and belief of every athlete who puts on the uniform.”

Senior and University of North Carolina commit Caden Leonard won the individual boys’ title for the 2nd year in a row, breaking the course record in an astonishing 14:37. An incredible tactician, he did not take command of the race until the final homestretch with less than 600 meters to go, lowering the course record by 15 seconds. Crossing the finish line in 14:54 was star Sophomore Kai Gutierrez in 6^th place. The boys team was strong from top to bottom as Coach Leonard prepared them well for post season top notch competition. The next three scoring runners are shaping up to have targets on their own backs as they are peaking at the perfect time with Junior Jaxon Glenn in 15:33 (37^th), Senior Michael Fuller 15:39 (42nd) and Junior Claudio Auns 15:40 (44th) rounding out the top five. Junior Grant Norgart and Junior Evan O’Donnell finished in 15:59 and 16:09 respectively. In the other races, Rising Stars and Open, several runners on both the boy’s and girls side closed out the years displaying the depth of talent and dedication making the future of the program just as strong.

In the girls’ race, Senior Luna Gutierrez set the pace with a team place of 7^th among the best in the South. Junior Megan Bergman (41^st, 18:36), Junior Grace McIilain (84^th, 19:05), Junior Abilgail Perez (113^th, 19:23) and Junior Quinn Salstrand (124^th, 19:31). The Lady Dragons completed a gritty season and will likely have universities eyeing  this talented pool of girls to bring their talents to the next level.

The next meet for the boy’s team will be Nike Cross Country National Championships will be held December 6, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. The team will look to improve upon their 4^th place finish last year with Caden Leonard’s valiant 3^rd place. To watch the meet or learn more, link here to cheer on the Dragons: NikeCrossNationals.com - Nike Cross Nationals Official Site - NXN

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October 21, 2025

Dragon XC Teams Blaze at Regionals Qualifying for State Meet

Senior Caden Leonard claims boys’ individual title

Lubbock, TX – The Southlake Carroll boys’ won and girls’ cross country team place 2^nd at Region 1-6A cross country championships in Lubbock Tuesday morning. It is the 8th consecutive regional title for the boys in a shockingly fast 1-5 average of 15:33. Caden Leonard lead the way for the boys with Luna Gutierrez setting the standard for the Lady Dragons The girl’s team qualified for the state meet for the 28^th straight year with their 2^nd place finish.

Head Coach Justin Leonard said, “We are so proud of the way our Dragons performed today at the Region 1-6A meet in Lubbock! It takes a true team effort, dedication, and heart to punch your ticket on such a challenging course. Every runner contributed, and their hard work all season long truly showed today. We’re excited and ready to compete at the state meet on Nov. 1!”

Senior and All American runner Caden Leonard won the individual boys’ title for the 3^rd year in a row, crossing the finish line in 15:03 followed closely by star Sophomore Kai Gutierrez at 15:13 in 3^rd place. These two are shaping up to be one of the top 1-2 punches in the nation in 2025. Stepping up significantly was Junior Jaxon Glenn with a strong 9^th place (15:32).  Senior Michael Fuller (17^th, 15:51) and Junior Claudio Auns (26^th, 16:04) rounded out the Dragon scoring runners. Next, they will seek their 7^th straight Texas State 6A Championship in Waco on November 1^st. The top 5 team average at the regional meet rivals the best ever for a high school boys team on the Mae Simmons Park course.

In the girls’ race, Senior Luna Gutierrez continued her remarkable season with a fast 18:20 on this challenging course and a 9^th place finish. Rounding out the top five were Junior Megan Bergman (20^th, 18:43), Junior Grace McIilain (27^th, 18:54), Junior Abilgail Perez (39^th, 19:24) and Junior Quinn Salstrand (46^th, 19:34). Only behind nationally ranked Flower Mound, the 2^nd place finish signs their ticket to Waco. These ladies held the line for the deep winning tradition for the Dragons with a top five including only a single senior athlete.

The 6A state championship meet will be held in Round Rock on Saturday, Nov. 1^st. For more information, link to the meet here: UIL Cross Country State Championship 2025 - Meet Information. This will be the next step in the championship season for the Dragon XC Team.

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September 19, 2025

Southlake Carroll Cross Country Highlight the Heralded Nike South Invitational: Jaxon Glenn and Luna Guttierez Lead the Way

College Station, TX – With close to the full varsity lineup laced up for the Dragons this week both boys and girls varsity challenges nationally ranked competition at the iconic Nike South Invitational at Texas A&M’s Dale Watt’s XC Course.

Coach Leonard stated, “We’re proud of how our teams competed this weekend at the Braswell and Nike South Invites! Splitting into two meets gave many of our runners valuable varsity experience that will pay off during championship season. Today’s race at Nike South served as a glorified practice—giving us the chance to learn the course and prepare for when it really counts in November.”

On the boys’ side, star Junior Jaxon Glenn led the squad placing 14^th overall in 15:37 on the moderately challenging course for the Varsity Elite Race. Senior Michael Fuller (15:52) was close behind in 21^st place followed by Claudio Auns (26^th ,15:58), Grant Norgart (44^th ,16:16),, Evan O’Donnell (63^rd ,16:31),, and Gavin Folkerts (88^th ,16:46). The team again had a tight 54 second 1-5 spread missing out on 2^nd place by a hair. The 3^rd place for a varsity team missing several harriers showed the strength and depth of the talent on the roster this year.

For the ladies’ Varsity Elite side, Senior star Luna Gutierrez (18:28) set the standard for the Dragons with a 22^nd finish in an elite field of runners. The team finished in 6^th place with Junior’s Megan Bergman (36^th, 18:57), Grace McIlivain (39^th, 19:01), and Abigail Perez (52^nd, 19:24), and Senior Lilah Gornell (66^th, 19:41) rounded out the top five. These runners will face the same course and similar competition in November for the Nike South Regional Championships to seek their 4^th straight nationals qualification.

In the boys’ Varsity 5k race, the young men placed a respectable 4^th in a stacked field. A solid showing by Junior Jack Swadish (23^rd, 17:10) set the pace for the Carroll boys. He was followed closely by Hasan Rauf (27^th, 17:13) and Dylan Torres (33^rd, 17:17). There counterparts on the women’s side saw Landry Lambert (31^st, 20:46), Megan Saban (54^th, 21:21) and Gwendolyn Asher (56^th, 21:22) perform admirably gaining solid experience as the team head into championship competition in October.

The Dragons distance crews will compete at the Jesuit XC Classic next week in Oak Park at the Prestonwood Polo Fields. For more information on the upcoming meet, link here: Jesuit XC Classic (MEET IS FULL) 2025 - Meet Information