Southlake Carroll XC Captures District Title as Gutierrez and Perez Take Individual Crowns; Lady Dragons Finish Second

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2026

Kai Gutierrez Claims District Crown, Abigail Perez Produces Dramatic Comeback Victory, and Carroll's Depth Shines Across All Four Races in the Fastest District in the Nation

SOUTHLAKE, Texas – Championship season opened in impressive fashion for the Southlake Carroll High School cross country program as the Dragons captured the District 4-6A championship while the Lady Dragons narrowly missed a team title by just three points. Junior Kai Gutierrez and senior Abigail Perez earned individual championships, while Carroll's varsity and junior varsity squads produced dominant performances that showcased the depth and culture that have defined Dragon XC.

District 4-6A once again lived up to its reputation as one of the strongest and deepest districts in Texas, bringing together state and nationally relevant programs. Against that level of competition including the #25 team nationally in Keller High on the boys side and an always dominant Keller and Byron Nelson girls squads, Carroll opened the postseason with championship-caliber performances throughout the lineup.

The results were the culmination of months of preparation and disciplined hard work. Since late May, the Dragons and Lady Dragons have gathered before sunrise, balancing Texas heat, fatigue, and the demands of a rigorous academic schedule. That investment was visible throughout the meet as Carroll earned two individual champions, three team championships, and one narrow varsity runner-up finish while beginning the most important portion of the season.

Coach Leonard stated, “I’m proud of the way our athletes competed across all four races today. These performances reflect the work they’ve put in since late May and the way they push and support one another every day. Kai and Abigail showed tremendous poise and toughness to earn individual titles. Our boys executed well as a team, and our girls battled all the way to the finish in a very close championship race. Winning both JV titles also speaks to the depth of this program and the commitment of our runners. This is a strong start to championship season, and we’ll keep working to be better as we prepare for regionals.”

Boys’ Varsity 5K — Dragons Capture District Championship

The boys race unfolded strategically from the start, with roughly 15 to 20 runners still in contention near the midpoint of the race before the field gradually separated. On a  slightly longer course than usual, the performances throughout the field particularly impressive. Bob Jones is known for quick fast pace races yet today’s was meant for strategy, grit, and perseverance.

Junior Kai Gutierrez delivered a masterclass performance, winning the District title in 15:23.30 gliding through the last half mile. Senior Claudio Auns followed closely in second with a 15:27.40, while senior Evan O'Donnell and West Point commit senior Jaxon “Jax” Glenn finished sixth and seventh. Senior Grant Norgart added an eighth-place finish as Carroll placed five runners in the top ten and scored 24 points to defeat a powerful Keller squad.

For Gutierrez, the victory marked his first individual District championship and represented a passing of the torch at the front of the Carroll lineup from All American and now North Carolia Tarheal runner Caden Leonard. The previous three District 4-6A individual championships belonged Leonard, one of the most accomplished distance runners in Texas high school history. Gutierrez now becomes the latest Dragon to continue that tradition. The team championship represented the first step toward Carroll's primary objective: pursuit of an eighth consecutive UIL state team championship.

Girls’ Varsity 5K — Perez Rallies for Individual Crown

The Lady Dragons were led by one of the defining performances of the District Championships as senior Abigail Perez captured the individual title in 18:02.21.

Entering the final 400 meters in third place, Perez relied on the middle-distance speed that has established her as one of Texas' premier 800-meter and 1600-meter athletes, unleashing a powerful finishing kick to surge into the lead and secure the championship for her team. The victory capped a remarkable comeback over the closing stages of the race and produced a performance expected to rank among the top 50 girls' 5K performances nationally on MileSplit this season.

Senior Grace McIlvain finished a strong eighth in 18:40.10, while senior Megan Bergman placed ninth in 18:42.00. Seniors Landry Lambert and Quinn Salstrand, along with junior Kameron Dukes, completed the scoring lineup as Carroll finished second by only three points. The squad had one of their best overall team performances of the year.

The Lady Dragons scored 50 points to Keller's 47, with the outcome remaining undecided until the final scorers crossed the line. Despite the narrow margin, the performance represented another major step forward following the team's breakthrough podium finish at the Chile Pepper Festival and reinforced Carroll's position among Texas' strongest girls programs entering the remainder of championship season. They are peaking at the exact correct time.

Senior Grace McIlvain and senior Abigail Perez continue to provide leadership for a veteran group that has helped elevate the program while mentoring the next generation of Lady Dragons.

Boys’ JV 5K — Historic Depth on Display

The boys JV race provided one of the strongest demonstrations of depth in Carroll program history and reinforced why the Dragons continue to be one of the deepest programs in the country. It is not since 2022 on a JV team which had four future collegiate runners that the boys side had this many harriers of this level.

Junior Ryan Kovach captured the JV title in 16:30.80, followed immediately by sophomore Aadi Ghanchi in second and freshman Gia-Bao To in third. Sophomore Nolan Nelson closed hard in a fifth-place finish as Carroll produced a near-perfect team score. With it hard to compare with previous years due to minor course and condition variances, the obvious depth will protect the tradition for Coach Leonard.

Senior Nathan Calvert finished sixth and senior Jack Swadish placed seventh as Carroll claimed five of the first seven positions. These two have provided much leadership and mentorship to the rest of the JV boys all year investing in the programs future. In what is widely regarded as the fastest district in the region and arguably the nation, only one non-Carroll athlete prevented a complete sweep of the top five positions.

The Dragons scored just 17 points, improving upon last year's District-winning total of 19 points and producing one of the most dominant JV performances in recent program history. The performance highlighted the remarkable depth behind the varsity lineup and reinforced why Dragon XC remains one of the deepest programs in the country.

 Girls’ JV 5K — Future Lady Dragons Make a Statement

The growth of the Lady Dragons over the final weeks of the season was one of the most encouraging storylines of the championship meet.

Junior Megan Saban claimed the JV District championship in 20:06.20, leading a remarkable Carroll sweep of the first four places. Sophomore Kiley Craven finished second, freshman Karlie Cox placed third, and senior Gwendolyn Asher took fourth. These four ran as a pack from the gun and continued the green wave seen across all divisions on the day. Freshman Lauren Batten completed the scoring five in 11th place as Carroll secured the JV District championship with 21 points.

The dominant 1-2-3-4 finish showcased a wave of emerging talent positioned to make significant contributions to future Carroll cross country and track teams. Their emergence, combined with the leadership of the current varsity athletes, points to a bright future for the Lady Dragons.

Next Up: UIL Region I Championships at Mae Simmons Park

With District Championships complete, Carroll now turns its attention to the UIL Region 1 Cross Country Championships at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock on Monday, October 26, 2026. Region 1 serves as the qualifying meet for the UIL State Cross Country Championships. The 6A girls race begins at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 6A boys at 9:30 a.m. The boys continue their pursuit of an eighth consecutive state title, while both varsity teams look to carry their momentum deeper into the championship season.

Southlake Carroll – District 4-6A Individual Results

Carroll Varsity Boys (5K)

Carroll Varsity Girls (5K)

Carroll JV Boys (5K)

Carroll JV Girls (5K)

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 54^th 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 11^th 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 3^rd.

Southlake Carroll – Woodbridge Invitational Sweepstakes Results

Top Boys Finishers (Sweepstakes 5K)

Top Girls Finishers (Sweepstakes 5K)

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 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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