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Southlake Carroll Lady Dragons Deliver Breakthrough Podium Performance at Historic Chile Pepper Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 3, 2026

 

Lady Dragons Storm to Third in Massive 108-Team Field; JV Boys Showcase Remarkable Depth Against 137 Teams

 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Southlake Carroll High School’s varsity girls delivered a tremendous breakthrough at the 39th Annual Chile Pepper Festival today, surging to third place out of a massive 108-team field with 318 points and a season-best 18:44 team average. The podium finish marked the Lady Dragons’ strongest team performance of the season and a major statement as championship season arrived. Abigail Perez set the tone in 17:54.8, and Carroll backed that front-running performance with a powerful scoring pack. The JV boys provided another powerful measure of the program’s depth, placing 20th in a massive 137-team field while competing against varsity lineups, with Ryan Kovach leading Carroll in 15:54.2.

Head Coach Justin Leonard stated “Our girls put together their most complete race of the season, and I’m proud of the way they competed for each other. Abigail set the tone up front, and the pack behind her stepped up to earn a podium finish against a tremendous field. Our JV boys also showed the depth of our program by finishing in the top 20 against varsity competition. This is the momentum we want heading into championship season, but we know there’s more work to do. Now our focus turns to preparing for District.”

Girls’ 5K — Tremendous Effort Puts Lady Dragons on the Podium in Fayetteville

The Lady Dragons produced the kind of breakthrough race that can redefine a season. In an enormous 108-team field, Carroll rose all the way to third place with 318 points and a season-best 18:44 team average, an outstanding podium finish against one of the deepest fields the team had faced. Senior Abigail Perez led the charge in 17:54.8, Senior Grace McIlvain followed in 18:37.0, and the scoring five of Perez, McIlvain, Landry Lambert, Megan Bergman and Nora Farden combined for 1:33:44. From the front of the lineup through the fifth scorer, Carroll delivered its most complete team race of the season when the stage was at its biggest.

The strength of the performance extended deep into the lineup. Lambert ran 19:01.2, Bergman finished in 19:03.9 and Farden closed the scoring five in 19:07.1. Quinn Salstrand followed in 19:24.0, giving Carroll six total runners under 19:25. That combination of front-end strength and a tightly packed group behind Perez gave the Lady Dragons the depth needed to climb onto the podium in a field of 108 teams.

Third place represented far more than another strong invitational finish. It was a tremendous step forward for the Lady Dragons, a season-best team performance delivered at exactly the right time, entering championship season. Carroll left Fayetteville with a podium finish, a new season-best average and unmistakable momentum heading into the championship phase of the season.

Boys’ 5K — JV Dragons Showcase Remarkable Depth Against 137-Team Varsity Field

Carroll’s JV boys delivered an impressive demonstration of the program’s depth, placing 20th in a massive 137-team field while racing against varsity competition. The significance was in who Carroll sent to the line: a JV lineup that still finished among the top 20 teams in an enormous varsity field. Ryan Kovach led the Dragons with a 15:54.2 performance, giving the JV group a strong front-running effort on a stage filled with varsity lineups.

What made the result especially impressive was the depth behind Carroll’s varsity seven. Behind Ryan Kovach’s 15:54.2, Aadi Ghanchi ran 16:20.1, Gia-Bao To finished in 16:25.0 and Nathan Calvert followed in 16:37.7. Jack Swadish ran 16:41.2, Nolan Nelson finished in 16:48.3 and Yates Eddins completed the seven in 17:48.8. For a JV group to compete that successfully in a field of that size against varsity teams underscored the remarkable depth Carroll carries into championship season which they will need to tap into when this record breaking class of 2027 graduates.

Next Up: October 15 Showdown at Bob Jones Park

Everything now points to October 15. Carroll returns home to Bob Jones Park in Southlake for a District 4-6A showdown that opens the postseason for both programs. The Lady Dragons arrive with their strongest momentum of the season after a tremendous third-place finish among 108 teams at Chile Pepper and a season-best 18:44 team average. That breakthrough performance showed just how high Carroll’s ceiling can be as the stakes rise. For the boys, the pursuit of an eighth straight state title begins through the fastest district in the country, as they come off the victory at the 2026 Woodbridge Invitational. Keller and Byron Nelson await. On October 15, the road to November runs through Southlake.

 

 

 

 

Southlake Carroll – Chile Pepper Festival Individual Results

 

Carroll Varsity Girls Finishers (5K)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Abigail Perez (Senior)

21st

17:54.8

2

Grace McIlvain (Senior)

50th

18:37.0

3

Landry Lambert (Senior)

77th

19:01.2

4

Megan Bergman (Senior)

81st

19:03.9

5

Nora Farden (Sophomore)

89th

19:07.1

6

Quinn Salstrand (Senior)

120th

19:24.0

Carroll JV Boys Finishers (Varsity 5K Race)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Ryan Kovach (Junior)

90th

15:54.2

2

Aadi Ghanchi (Sophomore)

160th

16:20.1

3

Gia-Bao To (Freshman)

182nd

16:25.0

4

Nathan Calvert (Senior)

233rd

16:37.7

5

Jack Swadish (Senior)

251st

16:41.2

6

Nolan Nelson (Sophomore)

290th

16:48.3

7

Yates Eddins (Junior)

585th

17:48.8
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Southlake Carroll Dragon XC Wins First‑Ever Woodbridge Sweepstakes Title; Kai Gutierrez Takes Historic 2nd Overall Finish with Fastest Carroll Mark Ever

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 19, 2026

 

Boys Capture First‑Ever Woodbridge Sweepstakes Title; Girls Place 23rd With 531 Points Against Elite National Field

 

Irvine, CA – On a cool California evening under the lights at the historic Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, the Southlake Carroll Dragons delivered one of the strongest national statements of the 2026 season. Racing in the prestigious Sweepstakes Division, the Dragons, ranked #2 in the nation, stormed to the team title, defeating several nationally ranked programs including Herriman, San Clemente, Coeur d’Alene, and Crater, four of the most respected distance programs in the country. The overall team time and strategic race implemented cemented the win for the boys.

This marks the first time in school history that Southlake Carroll has won the Woodbridge Invitational Sweepstakes race, placing the Dragons’ place among nation’s all time elite squads. Carroll XC is considered one of the most storied and successful programs in the nation, yet this may be one of the most talented teams Coach Leonard has ever assembled. With this momentum, the boys now turn their focus toward seeking an unprecedented eighth straight Texas UIL 6A state championship, a streak unmatched in state history. The girls, meanwhile, aim to return to the national stage in Portland after a two‑year hiatus, a goal that has fueled their training and unified their mission throughout the season. Three Lady Dragons broke the 18 minute barrier yet they hope to shore up their depth when championship season comes.

Coach Leanard stated “This was a special night for our program and an incredible accomplishment for our boys. Winning our first Woodbridge Sweepstakes title against a field of this caliber speaks to their talent, preparation, and belief in one another. They competed fearlessly, stayed committed to our race plan, and ran for something bigger than themselves. I am also proud of the way our girls put themselves in the race and competed against one of the strongest fields in the nation. We learned a great deal from this experience, and both teams understand that there is still a lot of work ahead as we prepare for the championship portion of our season.”

 

Boys’ Sweepstakes 5K — A National Statement

The Dragons wasted no time asserting themselves on the national stage. Senior Claudio Auns surged to the front immediately, leading the entire field through the first half mile and setting a blistering tone for the race. The Carroll front pack rocketed through that opening mile below  4:40, lighting the course on fire with top tier competition in tow. Behind Auns, Kai Gutierrez and Jaxon Glenn locked into the lead group, giving Carroll three athletes in the front pack as the race settled into rhythm. At mile one, four Dragons were in the top 30.

Gutierrez’s move after the mile marker was decisive. He pressed the pace and broke away from the chase pack, ultimately finishing 2nd overall in 13:40 with an even 4:33 mile pace securing the highest individual finish ever recorded by a Dragon at the Woodbridge Sweepstakes race. Jaxon Glenn, United States Military Academy commit, delivered a breakthrough performance, placing 43rd overall in 14:22 to finish 2nd on the team, marking a major step forward for the senior. Senior Grant Norgart followed in 45th with a composed 14:24, while senior Claudio Auns stormed to a 54th place in 14:29. Senior Adhavan Palanivelrajan delivered a strong 14:32 to secure the fifth scoring position with a 61st‑place finish, and senior Evan O’Donnell added a 14:41 for 80th. Rounding out the team, Sophomore Cameron Perez ended in a 124th‑place finish.

With Gutierrez (2nd), Glenn (43rd), Norgart (45th), Auns (54th), and Palanivelrajan (61st), the Dragons produced a 41‑second team spread and a combined 1–5 time that ranks as the third‑fastest ever recorded on this course in the 45‑year history of the meet. Their cohesion, combined with aggressive early positioning, powered Southlake Carroll to 140 points, securing the first‑ever Woodbridge Sweepstakes team title in school history and defeating one of the deepest national fields of the season.

Girls’ Sweepstakes 5K — 23rd Place Against Elite National Field

The Lady Dragons approached the Woodbridge stage with equal determination, delivering one of their strongest collective efforts of the season. Senior Abigail Perez opened her season with a major breakthrough, placing 61st overall in 17:06 and providing a much‑awaited season debut that immediately boosted the team’s scoring strength. Her performance set the tone for a strong Carroll showing. They put it all on the line sitting in 11th place at the mile mark yet the depth of the field then began to take shape.

Senior Grace McIlvain followed closely, placing 88th overall in 17:26. Senior Landry Lambert added a 140th‑place finish in 17:54, while sophomore Nora Farden delivered an 18:10 performance for 158th. Junior KC Dukes closed out the scoring five with an 18:23 finish for 175th, helping secure a 23rd‑place team finish with 531 points against one of the strongest national fields of the season.

The Lady Dragons’ blend of senior leadership and rising underclass talent continues to define their 2026 campaign and strengthens their push to return to the national championship course in Portland.

 

Next Up

The Dragons return home to prepare for the Byron Nelson Invitational on Saturday, September 26th, where both junior varsity squads will continue sharpening race rhythm and building toward the championship phase of the season. The varsity teams are back in action at another national caliber meet, the Arkansas Chili Pepper Festival in Fayetteville on October 3rd.

 

Southlake Carroll – Woodbridge Invitational Sweepstakes Results

Top Boys Finishers (Sweepstakes 5K)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Kai Gutierrez (Junior)

2nd

13:40

2

Jaxon Glenn (Senior)

43rd

14:22

3

Grant Norgart (Senior)

45th

14:24

4

Claudio Auns (Senior)

54th

14:29

5

Adhavan Palanivelrajan (Senior)

61st

14:32

6

Evan O’Donnell (Senior)

80th

14:41

7

Cameron Perez (Sophomore)

124th

14:57

 

 

Top Girls Finishers (Sweepstakes 5K)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Abigail Perez (Senior)

61st

17:06

2

Grace McIlvain (Senior)

88th

17:26

3

Landry Lambert (Senior)

140th

17:54

4

Nora Farden (Sophomore)

158th

18:10

5

KC Dukes (Junior)

175th

18:23

6

Megan Bergman (Senior)

195th

18:32

7

Quinn Salstrand (Senior)

201st

18:34
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Southlake Carroll Dragon XC Competes at Ray Braswell Invitational With Junior Varsity Squads

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 17, 2026

 

Junior Varsity Teams Display Depth of Talent as Boys Win With 36 Points; Lady Dragons Place 6th With 165 at North Lakes Park; Sophomore Aadi Ghanchi Leads the Way

Denton, TX – The Southlake Carroll Dragon Cross Country program split forces this week as the Junior Varsity squad traveled to North Lakes Park in Denton for the annual Ray Braswell Invitational, while the Varsity team departed for Irvine, California to take on the best programs in the nation at the historic Woodbridge Invitational. Led by junior Kai Gutierrez, ranked top 20 nationally, and supported by a front pack that has propelled the Dragons to a #2 national team ranking, the Varsity group will face elite competition on one of the fastest courses in the country. The Lady Dragons, ranked top five in Texas in UIL 6A, also look to gain valuable experience at the national meet.

With the Varsity group competing out of state, the Braswell Invitational offered a prime opportunity for Carroll’s emerging athletes to showcase the depth that continues to define the program. The Dragons were dominant, winning the boys’ team title with 36 points against a field of 34 varsity teams, while the Lady Dragons earned a strong 6th‑place finish with 165 points. To beat any Varsity level competition is tremendous, but to win an invitational with almost 3 dozen local teams is unprecedented.

Thursday’s race highlighted the rising talent within the program, as sophomore Aadi Ghanchi, freshman Gia‑Bao To, and sophomore Nolan Nelson led a group of underclassmen who continue to stack impressive 5K personal bests. On the girls’ side, multiple athletes delivered season‑best marks, including several breaking the 20‑minute barrier.

“I could not be prouder of the way our runners competed today. Winning a varsity-level invitational against 34 teams with our junior varsity boys speaks volumes about the depth of our program and the work these athletes put in every day. Our girls also competed extremely well, with several personal and season-best performances. This meet gave our younger runners an opportunity to step forward, and they proved that the future of Carroll Cross Country is very bright,” said Head Coach Justin Leonard.

 

Boys’ Varsity 5K — Dragons Dominate a 34‑Team Field

The Dragons delivered one of the most commanding Junior Varsity victories in recent program history, overwhelming a field of 34 teams with a 36‑point performance. Carroll’s front pack surged to the lead early and never relinquished control, producing a 2–3–8–10–13 scoring spread that no other program could match. The group’s 16:11 team average and tight 21‑second spread underscored both the discipline and depth that continue to define the Dragons’ developmental tiers. At the mile mark well under 5 minutes, Dargons held 3 of the top 6 spots and never let the field back into contention.

Sophomore Aadi Ghanchi set the tone with a powerful runner‑up finish in 16:01 missing the win by a mere 3 seconds, followed closely by freshman Gia‑Bao To in 3rd at 16:04. Sophomore Nolan Nelson added a top‑10 finish in 16:15, while junior Ryan Kovach and senior Nathan Calvert locked down the scoring positions with 11th‑ and 14th‑place efforts. Many of these marks place the boys in the top 50 all time at Carroll for their grade level and give hope that the tradition will be protected in the years to come.

Senior Jack Swadish placed in a valiant 22nd place with a strong showing as the team’s sixth man, while his brother, sophomore Cole Swadish, was part of a pack of four runners in the JV section to break 18 minutes. They dominated the JV field with a low score of 34. Joining him in the sub‑18 group were sophomore Ashwin Sathy, junior Pritam Kunreddy, and sophomore Nolan Chitwood, further demonstrating the depth and momentum building within the program.

Girls’ Varsity 5K — Emerging Talent Steps Forward

The Lady Dragons’ Varsity squad delivered a competitive showing against a deep field, placing 6th overall with 165 points. Sophomore Kiley Craven led the team with a strong 19th‑place finish in 19:53, followed closely by junior Megan Saban in 21st at 19:54. Senior Gwendolyn Asher continued her steady progression, placing 27th in 20:19, while freshman Lauren Batten added a 43rd‑place finish in 20:54. Sophomore Sophie Mahendra completed the scoring five in 54th with a time of 21:25. Carroll’s depth was further demonstrated by sophomore Lucy Soto and freshman Layla Stark, who finished 62nd and 64th, respectively, helping secure a team average of 20:29 and a tight 1:32 spread.

 

 

 

Next Up

The Dragon varsity team competes on Saturday night at Woodbridge, and the full program reunites next week at the Byron Nelson Invitational on Saturday, September 26th: Byron Nelson Invitational 2026 - Meet Information. Both squads will continue sharpening race rhythm and building toward the championship phase of the season in October.

Southlake Carroll – Braswell Invitational Individual Results:

Top Boys Finishers (Varsity 5K)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Aadi Ghanchi (Sophomore)

2nd

16:01

2

Gia‑Bao To (Freshman)

3rd

16:04

3

Nolan Nelson (Sophomore)

9th

16:15

4

Ryan Kovach (Junior)

11th

16:16

5

Nathan Calvert (Senior)

14th

16:22

6

Jack Swadish (Senior)

22nd

16:49

Top Girls Finishers (Varsity 5K)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Kiley Craven (Sophomore)

19th

19:53

2

Megan Saban (Junior)

21st

19:54

3

Gwendolyn Asher (Senior)

27th

20:19

4

Lauren Batten (Freshman)

43rd

20:54

5

Sophie Mahendra (Sophomore)

54th

21:25

6

Lucy Soto (Sophomore)

62nd

21:36

7

Layla Stark (Freshman)

64th

21:37
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Southlake Carroll Dragon XC Delivers Major Statement Win at Exclusive Southlake Elite 5K Invitational

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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 12th 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 19th (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)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Kai Gutierrez (Junior)

1st

14:47.2

2

Claudio Auns (Senior)

6th

15:12.0

3

Evan O’Donnell (Senior)

7th

15:16.2

4

Jaxon “Jax” Glenn (Senior)

9th

15:17.8

5

Adhavan Palanivelrajan (Senior)

13th

15:24.0

6

Grant Norgart (Senior)

14th

15:27.7

7

Cameron Perez (Sophomore)

33rd

15:50.6

8

Nathan Calvert (Senior)

63rd

16:18.8

9

Aadi Ghanchi (Sophomore)

70th

16:29.2

10

Ryan Kovach (Junior)

71st

16:30.3

11

Gia‑Bo To (Freshman)

76th

16:36.1

12

Nolan Nelson (Sophomore)

79th

16:38.4

13

Jack Swadish (Senior)

84th

16:43.4

 

  

Top Girls Finishers (Elite 5K)

Team Rank

Athlete

Overall Place

Time

1

Grace McIlvain (Senior)

11th

18:30.5

2

Kameron Dukes (Junior)

22nd

19:02.5

3

Nora Farden (Sophomore)

25th

19:08.8

4

Landry Lambert (Senior)

28th

19:13.2

5

Quinn Salstrand (Senior)

29th

19:14.5

6

Megan Saban (Junior)

47th

19:47.4

7

Karlie Cox (Freshman)

48th

19:48.5

8

Kiley Craven (Sophomore)

50th

19:53.5

9

Lauren Batten (Freshman)

60th

20:14.6

10

Gwendolyn Asher (Senior)

64th

20:21.4

11

Evangeline Severson (Sophomore)

84th

21:37.4
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Kia Gutierrez Leads Nation's Number 2 Ranked Southlake Carroll Dragons Cross Country Team to Victory at Southlake 2 Mile Invitational,

Lady Dragons Finish a Strong 4th Place

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 29, 2026 

 Southlake, TX – The DyeStat preseason #2 ranked boys cross country team in the nation opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Saturday morning, as Southlake Carroll High School captured the team championship at the Southlake 2 Mile Invitational at Bob Jones Park. Coming off one of the most successful campaigns in Texas XC history, there consistent hard work and dedication to each other and the program over the summer is paying off immediately. The Dragons scored a mere 26 points and recorded the fastest team performance in program history on the Southlake 2 Mile course. The Lady Dragons battled through a talented field to earn a fourth-place finish. Grace McIlvain started her Senior season with the 6th fastest mark on this course by any Lady Dragon.

 Head Coach Juston Leonard stated, “I’m extremely proud of how our kids competed today. They put in a tremendous amount of work throughout the summer, and it was exciting to see that hard work begin to pay off in our first race of the season. Our boys came out and competed really well as a group, and our girls battled against a very talented field and showed a lot of toughness. More than anything, I’m proud of the way our kids continue to believe in each other and embrace the expectations of our program. This was a great first step, but we know it’s a long season and there is still a lot of work ahead of us. We’re excited to keep building from here.”

 In the varsity elite boys race, Junior Kai Gutierrez successfully defended his Southlake 2 Mile title by winning the individual championship in 9:17.1. That is two straight golds for Gutierrez leading his teammates to another top of the podium performance. The Dragons, who entered the season ranked No. 2 nationally in the DyeStat preseason rankings, placed five runners in the top ten and delivered the fastest team performance ever recorded by a Carroll squad on the this famous course. The accomplishment was made even more impressive after a massive pileup at the starting line which ensnared several Dragons, forcing them to recover from deep in the field. At approximately the half-mile mark, both Gutierrez and Claudio Auns were running in the 60th to 70th place range before launching remarkable comeback efforts. Gutierrez stormed through the field to claim the individual title, while Auns surged all the way to 13th place. Three Carroll runners recorded negative splits over the second half of the race despite the early setback. Despite the adversity, Adhavan Palanivelrajan finished third in 9:26.2, followed by Evan O'Donnell in fourth (9:26.4), Jaxon Glenn in eighth (9:31.9), and Grant Norgart in tenth (9:32.5). The packed audience saw massive personal records from top to bottom for the boys team. Carroll's top five combined for a 47:15 team time, averaged 9:27 per runner, and were separated by only 16 seconds. 

 The performance showcased the depth of Carroll's young talent. Sophomores Cameron Perez (9:40.8), Aadi Ghanchi (9:54.6), and Nolan Nelson (10:06.1) recorded three of the six fastest sophomore times in Southlake Carroll history at Bob Jones Park for the full 2 mile course. In the varsity open division, freshman Gia-Bo To ran the third-fastest freshman time ever recorded by a Dragon while Sophomore Nolan Chitwood, Senior Drew Collett, and Sophomore Cole Swadish all broke the 10:40 mark. Coach Leonard has a tradition of success up and down his rosters yet this depth may outshine any in history.

 In the varsity elite girls race, Senior Grace McIlvain paced the Lady Dragons with an outstanding 11th-place finish in 11:14.5. After her breakout junior track season that established her as one of the nation's top middle-distance runners, McIlvain carried that momentum into cross country and led Carroll against one of the stronger early-season fields in north Texas. Landry Lambert finished 29th (11:41.7), Quinn Salstrand 30th (11:43.3), Kameron Dukes 37th (11:47.8), and Nora Farden 48th (11:55.0). The Lady Dragons finished fourth overall with 137 points and a top-five average of 11:41. The result was particularly impressive considering senior superstar Abigail Perez rested during the season opener. When Perez joins her teammates this group of girls will make some noise in UIL 6A and in the southern region.

 The Dragons return to action next Saturday at the Southlake 5K at Bob Jones Park in Southlake, with racing beginning at 6:45 a.m.: Southlake 5k XC - Meet Info - Cross Country Meet The meet will feature many of the top programs from across the South traveling to the DFW area. Come cheer them on. 

 

Southlake Carroll Top Finishers (Elite Race)


 Top Boys Finishers

Team Rank 

Athlete 

Overall Place 

Time 

1 

Kai Gutierrez 

1st 

9:17.1 

2 

Adhavan Palanivelrajan 

3rd 

9:26.2 

3 

Evan O'Donnell 

4th 

9:26.4 

4 

Jaxon Glenn 

8th 

9:31.9 

5 

Grant Norgart 

10th 

9:32.5 

6 

Claudio Auns 

13th 

9:36.8 

7 

Cameron Perez 

21st 

9:40.8 

8 

Lucas Pham 

30th 

9:50.7 

9 

Aadi Ghanchi 

35th 

9:54.6 

10 

Nathan Calvert 

37th 

9:56.5 

 

Top Girls Finishers

Team Rank 

Athlete 

Overall Place 

Time 

1 

Grace McIlvain 

11th 

11:14.5 

2 

Landry Lambert 

29th 

11:41.7 

3 

Quinn Salstrand 

30th 

11:43.3 

4 

Kameron Dukes 

37th 

11:47.8 

5 

Nora Farden 

48th 

11:55.0 

6 

Evangeline Severson 

63rd 

12:14.6 

7 

Karlie Cox 

65th 

12:16.1 

8 

Megan Saban 

66th 

12:19.0 
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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 12th 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 4th in the nation in Portland, Oregan last December.

 At the August 8th 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 8th straight state UIL championship and record 18th 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 2nd 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 29th 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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December 6, 2025

 

Dragon Cross Country and Leonard Family Cement Historic National Run in 2025 at NXN

 Senior Caden Leonard Places 3rd in Nation and Leads Boy’s XC Team to a Top 4 Finish 

 

Portland, Oregon – Though the rain paused long enough for the Nike Cross Country National Championship (NXN) race to commence this wet and cold December morning, the muddy course conditions had the Southlake Carroll boy’s harriers face the toughest challenge and the fastest competition on the season at the storied Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Oregon. This event is loaded with future Division 1 collegiate and future Olympic level talent in the distances. Our local boy’s did not disappoint. To capstone his record setting career, All American and University of North Carolina bound Caden Leonard podiumed yet again and was steps away from the win. His valiant effort had him take the lead twice in the final mile proving he is one of the best ever in Texas distance running history.

The boys team’s effort was not only due to his courageous and inspirational leadership up front with a 3rd place finish (15:03) on a wet and muddy course but also underscored by astounding performances by superstar Sophomore and now All American Kai Gutierrez (12th, 15:22) and another breakout race by future blue chip star Junior Jaxon Glenn (63rd, 16:06). Gutierrez dropped from 33rd place at the 1k split to a shocking 12th place finish catching 21 racers on the way and finishing as the 3rd fastest 10th grader on the day. Glenn stepped up to aid the team score by beating young men who bested him earlier in the season, peaking at the perfect time to support his teammates.

With universities well aware of the top three front runners, the Dragons who rounded out the top 7 truly have national level resumes stacking up themselves too. Middle distance track juggernaut Michael Fuller (81st, 16:15), a Senior miler to watch, and Junior Claudio Auns (127th, 16:38) who has the top 10 800-meter mark in school history while a Sophomore (1:56) both displayed the range and leadership necessary for a team to compete at NXN. Also stepping up on this 2025 Dragon XC team challenge the best in the nation were breakout Juniors Grant Norgart (102nd, 16:26) and Evan O’Donnell (140th, 16:47). The depth of this team is one for the ages as their 137 points placed them 4th nationally yet their average team time of 1:19.15 had them outrunning 3rd place Lincroft. The body of work for Coach Justin Leonard’s 2025 Dragons’ resume, led by his son Caden, speaks for itself and may be one of the best in a long and storied history of the Southlake Carroll distance program. Coach Leonard has set the record with 17 total appearances at NXN and looks forward to increase this total with a deep stable of young talented underclassmen watching one of his best assembled team’s ever in 2025.

Head Coach Justin Leonard said, “I’m so proud of this team and what they were able to accomplish this season. This year’s group stepped up in a big way and represented not only our program, but the entire state of Texas with pride. Finishing as the fourth-best high school team in the nation is an incredible accomplishment, and having two All-American individual finishers makes it even more special. I also want to thank our parents for entrusting me with their kids and supporting them as they grow, work, and chase their dreams. This journey wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Next up for the Dragon distance team is the North Texas Winter 1600 at the Southlake Carroll 9/10TH Grade Campus on January 10, 2026: Lonestar Running Co

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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 17th 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 6th 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 (37th), 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 7th among the best in the South. Junior Megan Bergman (41st, 18:36), Junior Grace McIilain (84th, 19:05), Junior Abilgail Perez (113th, 19:23) and Junior Quinn Salstrand (124th, 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 4th place finish last year with Caden Leonard’s valiant 3rd 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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November 1, 2025

 

Caden Leonard for the Three-peat, Dragons for seventh straight Texas state title!

Southlake Carroll Cross Country Dominates, Sets Records at UIL State Meet

 

Round Rock, TX – The Southlake Carroll High School boys’ cross country team won its seventh consecutive UIL 6A Texas state title Saturday morning at Old Settlers Park, defeating runner-up Austin Vandegrift High School by 27 points. Early morning training sessions before the sun comes up, endless sacrifice and self-discipline for the sake of teammates, and pure grit resulted in a statement performance which will be talked about for years. Both Coach Justin Leornard and his All-American son Caden Leonard have cemented the legacy of Dragon Cross Country in Texas athletics history. The boys’ team set the longest consecutive “large school division” winning streak with the 2025 title while Caden broke the individual state meet winning streak at three in a row. The senior dominated the field with one kilometer to go to show that he is in championship season form leading one of the most talented and well-trained teams in school history. The Lady Dragons placed a strong fifth with some of the fastest teams in the nation.  Luna Gutierrez capped off her stellar state meet career with a quick 18:15 (17th) finish. Several of the girls had their best performances of the season just in time for NXR.

Not to be outdone by the superstar Senior Caden Leonard, Sophomore Kai Gutierez raced to one of the fastest Dragon times ever on the course at Round Rock with another sub 15 finish for 4th place (14:57). This historic team win sets the school and XC coaching staff as the standard in the storied Texas running history books which includes many national champions and Olympians. The boys’ 1-5 spread was 70 seconds due in part to Leonard’s lightening fast victory but their team time goes down in the record books as well at 15:23. With improving competition over the years, the boys team just keeps getting better and with only two seniors on varsity, the Dragon legacy looks to remain strong for years to come. Of note beyond Leonard and Guttierez’ exceptional day, was Junior Jaxon Glenn who stepped up to a blazing 15:39 in 24th place and Junior Claudio Auns in 36th 15:47. Rounding out the state champion squad were Senior Michael Fuller (56th, 15:52), Junior Grant Norgart (49th, 15:54) and Junior Evan O’Donnell (68th, 16:06).

Head Coach Justin Leonard said, “Every year brings new challenges, fresh competition, and rising expectations—yet this group met them head-on. Capturing a seventh state title in a row reflects not just talent, but a culture built on hard work, teamwork, and belief. Now it’s up to the underclassmen to carry that tradition forward and continue what this incredible group has built.”

The Lady Dragons placed 5th overall which is quite notable with the level of running talent on the girls side this year. Two of the teams in the top four are nationally ranked. Senior leader Luna Gutierrez set the standard yet again (17th, 18:15). Rounding out the top five were Junior Megan Bergman (37th, 18:36), Junior Grace McIilain (47th, 18:45), Junior Abilgail Perez (52nd, 18:50) and Junior Quinn Salstrand (83rd, 19:18). The  girls’ look to build upon this top 5 finish at Nike XC Regionals in less than a month to try to gain a birth at the national championships in Portland, Oregon.

Next up for both squads is the Nike XC South Regional meet at College Station on November 24, 2025. The Dragons and Lady Dragons will face the top runners from throughout the South at the challenging Watts Cross Country Course. For more information, link to the meet here: NXR South Regional. This will be the next step in the championship season for the Dragon Cross Country Team.

 

 


 

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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 2nd 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 28th straight year with their 2nd 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 3rd year in a row, crossing the finish line in 15:03 followed closely by star Sophomore Kai Gutierrez at 15:13 in 3rd 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 9th place (15:32).  Senior Michael Fuller (17th, 15:51) and Junior Claudio Auns (26th, 16:04) rounded out the Dragon scoring runners. Next, they will seek their 7th straight Texas State 6A Championship in Waco on November 1st. 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 9th place finish. Rounding out the top five were Junior Megan Bergman (20th, 18:43), Junior Grace McIilain (27th, 18:54), Junior Abilgail Perez (39th, 19:24) and Junior Quinn Salstrand (46th, 19:34). Only behind nationally ranked Flower Mound, the 2nd 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. 1st. 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.