Dragons Win Boys & Girls Regional Championships

Sophomore Caden Leonard claims boys’ individual title

Lubbock, TX – The Southlake Carroll boys’ and girls’ cross country teams each won Region 1-6A cross country championships at Mae Simmons Park Tuesday morning. It is the sixth consecutive regional title for the boys, while the girls avenged last year’s second-place performance to finish atop the medal stand. Both Dragon teams qualified for the state meet.

It marks the 27^th consecutive year the girls have qualified for the state meet, and the 14^th straight year for the boys. The boys have won four consecutive state titles.

“I’m really proud of our young men and women,” Head Coach Justin Leonard said. “This is always such a tough region, and our runners rose to the challenge. The boys are excited to have the opportunity to defend their state championship again, and the girls are looking forward to competing for a state title of their own.”

Sophomore Caden Leonard won the individual boys’ title, crossing the finish line in 15:12. Senior Jude Alvarez finished 10^th in 15:31, followed by junior Blake Bullard (13^th, 15:41), senior Zach Troutman (16^th, 15:46) and senior Ryan Van De Berghe (24^th, 16:06). Juniors Alex Severson (36^th, 16:15) and Griffin Cords (40^th, 16:18) rounded out the Dragon runners.

In the girls’ race, senior Alexandra Walsh finished third overall with a time of 17:52, followed by junior Elizabeth Smits in fourth, with a time of 18:13. Sophomore Vanessa Vezga finished 17^th in 18:46, followed by senior Charlotte Martin (20^th, 18:50) and junior Sarayu Veluri (25^th, 19:03). Seniors Sylvia Schwedler (28^th, 19:06) and Julia Gassett (40^th, 19:29) were the Dragons’ final two finishers.

The 6A state championship meet will be held in Round Rock on Saturday, Nov. 4.