News

Dragon XC Places 4th and Senior Caden Leonard places 3rd in Nation

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 20:12:19 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2025

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

Senior Caden Leonard Places 3^rd in Nation and Leads Boys 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 boys 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 boys 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 teams effort was not only due to his courageous and inspirational leadership up front with a 3^rd 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 (12^th, 15:22) and another breakout race by future blue chip star Junior Jaxon Glenn (63^rd, 16:06). Gutierrez dropped from 33^rd place at the 1k split to a shocking 12^th place finish catching 21 racers on the way and finishing as the 3^rd fastest 10^th 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 (81^st, 16:15), a Senior miler to watch, and Junior Claudio Auns (127^th, 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 (102^nd, 16:26) and Evan ODonnell (140^th, 16:47). The depth of this team is one for the ages as their 137 points placed them 4^th nationally yet their average team time of 1:19.15 had them outrunning 3^rd place Lincroft. The body of work for Coach Justin Leonards 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 teams ever in 2025.

Head Coach Justin Leonard said, Im so proud of this team and what they were able to accomplish this season. This years 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 wouldnt be possible without them.

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

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

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:49:20 Z

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 XCs 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. Im 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 ODonnell finished in 15:59 and 16:09 respectively. In the other races, Rising Stars and Open, several runners on both the boys 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 boys 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 Leonards 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

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

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 16:30:52 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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 4^th 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 Leonards 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 24^th place and Junior Claudio Auns in 36^th 15:47. Rounding out the state champion squad were Senior Michael Fuller (56^th, 15:52), Junior Grant Norgart (49^th, 15:54) and Junior Evan ODonnell (68^th, 16:06).

Head Coach Justin Leonard said, Every year brings new challenges, fresh competition, and rising expectationsyet 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 its up to the underclassmen to carry that tradition forward and continue what this incredible group has built.

The Lady Dragons placed 5^th 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 (17^th, 18:15). Rounding out the top five were Junior Megan Bergman (37^th, 18:36), Junior Grace McIilain (47^th, 18:45), Junior Abilgail Perez (52^nd, 18:50) and Junior Quinn Salstrand (83^rd, 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.

Dragon XC Teams Blaze at Regionals Qualifying for State Meet

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:36:39 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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 girls 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. Were 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.

Dragon XC Dominates in the Fastest District in the Nation

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:01:31 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2025

Dragon XC Dominates in the Fastest

District in the Nation

Records set by Leonard and Boys Team

SOUTHLAKE, Texas The Southlake Carroll boys and girls cross country teams competed at District 4-6A cross country championships at Bob Jones Park on Thursday morning. Heralded as the fastest district in the country, the event did not disappoint. Star senior Caden Leonard set both the meet and course record in a blazing 14:29 while the boys team set the school record with a top 5 average of 14:52 placing them in the conversation for a national title. They won the district title and set themselves as one of the best teams in school history. Not to be outdone, the lady Dragons had a remarkable 18:07 team average for their top 5 narrowly missing the district title placing 2^nd overall. Luna Gutierrez set the tone early and finished in a blazing 17:29. The improvements over this season set them as a top contender moving into the championship meets in October.

Head Coach Justin Leonard stated that, We are really proud of the way all four of our teams came out and competed today at District. We pride ourselves on being able to compete and perform when it matters most. Im excited to see where this year takes us and really appreciate this years senior class for all of their leadership and guidance to the underclassmen.

In the varsity boys race, All American senior Caden Leonard was back in action and led the team to a district title and one of the top performances of the year. The team had a 1-7 spread of just over a minute and a 1-5 time of 74:20 which is an all time school record on this course. Leonard set the tone yet sophomore star Kai Gutierrez 2^nd place (14:37) and senior Michale Fuller (14:48) closed hard passing 3 runners in the last 200 meters to give the Dragons a 1-3 finish. Caudio Auns (15:11), Grant Norgart(15:14), Jaxon Glenn (15:17), and Evan ODonnell(15:35) rounded out the varsity competitors. Tradition means everything to Southlake Carroll as they won their 16^th straight district title in dramatic fashion.

In the girls competition, the team time of 90:38 was exceptional as breakout races by senior Luna Gutierrez (2^nd, 17:29) and junior Megan Bergman (7^th, 17:51) set the tone. Closely following their teammates were Abigail Perez (10^th, 18:00), Grace McIivain (11^th, 18:01), and Nora Fraden (25^th, 19:14). The lady Dragons came in 2^nd place to a solid Byron Nelson team and are set for a rematch at UIL Regionals in less than two weeks.

In the final JV race of the season, Dragon boys had a near perfect 19 points. A 1-2-4-5-7 finish is rare in the sport yet the depth of the team was on full display. Carroll was led to the district title by promising freshman Cameron Perez (15:59) and talented junior Jack Swadish (2^nd, 16:09). That 1-2 finish was followed by sophomore Adhavan Palanivelrajan (4^th, 16:19), senior Gavin Folkerts (5^th, 16:21) and senior Graysen Schick (7^th, 16:21).

In the girls JV race, the ladies placed 2^nd as well. Sophomore Kameron Dukes crossed the line first in 18:35 to take the title, the 3^rd of the day for the team. Junior Quinn Salstrand finished second in 18:56. The next three scoring Dragons ran as a tight pack made up of senior Sophie Garland (12^th, 19:53), junior Gwendolyn Asher (13^th, 19:56), and sophomore Megan Saban (14^th, 19:57).

The Dragons now advance to the Region 1-6A meet in Lubbock on October 21^st. As both varsity teams look to qualify for the state meet, the boys will be aiming for their 8^th consecutive regional championship. For more information on the 2025 XC UIL Regional Meet, link here: UIL 1A-6A Region 1 Championship 2025 - Meet Information

Southlake Carroll Cross Country Runners Blaze at Nike South Invitational

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:05:22 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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&Ms Dale Watts XC Course.

Coach Leonard stated, Were 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. Todays race at Nike South served as a glorified practicegiving 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 ODonnell (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 Juniors 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 womens 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

Dragon Cross Country Hosts Top Talent at Southlake 5K Invitational

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:00:00 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2025

Dragon Cross Country Hosts Top Talent at

Southlake 5K Invitational

Southlake, TX A magnet for the top harriers in the region, the Southlake 5K Invitational at Bob Jones Park on Saturday September 6^th did not disappoint. On the boys side, the meet attracted 9-time Arkansas state champion Bentonville High and local powerhouse, CCCAT 9^th ranked Flower Mound High School. On the ladies side, DyeStat nationally ranked #13 Rogers (Arkansas) and defending Texas state champion Flower Mound High School came to town to take on the Dragons.

Though the Carroll boys rested many of their varsity team including nationally ranked Caden Leonard and Kia Gutierrez, breakout Senior Micheal Fuller (7^th, 15:21) lead the team to an impressive 23 second 1-5 spread for 2^nd place behind Bentonville High in the Elite Boys Race. Junior Jaxon Glenn (16^th, 15:28), Junior Grant Norgart (26^th, 15:39), Junior Adhaven Palanivelrajan (32^nd, 15:42), and Junior Claudio Auns (38^th, 15:44) rounded out the scoring five. The remaining top seven posted impressive marks with Junior Evan ODonnell (16:02) and Senior Gavin Folkerts (16:13) making big moves to close out the race.

The Dragon ladies had a 3rd place finish just mere points away from 2024 state champion Flower Mound High School. Lead by Senior superstar Luna Gutierrez (7^th, 18:05), the women also delivered a stellar 1-5 time spread of 43 seconds which is key to team achievements in cross country. Senior Lilah Gornell (18^th, 18:36) had one of the standout performances of the day followed by teammates Junior Abigail Perez (21^st, 18:39), Junior Megan Bergman (23^rd, 18:42) and Junior Grace McIlivain (33^rd, 18:48).

Carroll Head Coach Justin Leonard noted, We are very proud of the way our athletes competed today. For several of our varsity runners, this was their first 5K of the season, providing a valuable benchmark to gauge their progress. For some of our younger runners, it marked their second 5K, an important step in their development and in gaining race experience. We are encouraged by the direction of the program and confident that we will be prepared for championship season.

In the boys open 5k race, Senior Dylan Torres scorched the home course in 16:16 for 5^th place followed by standout Freshman Cameron Perez (7^th, 16:21). Sophomore Reed Dodson (9^th, 16:23) is showing good form leading the next pack including Sophomore Hasan Rauf (13^th, 16:27) and Sophomore Ryan Kovach (20^th, 16:34). The Dragons took 2^nd place overall.

In the girls varsity open race, Sophomore Eberle Goode (20^th, 20:27) led the way for the Dragons as they took 5^th overall. Junior Gwendolyn Asher (26^th, 20:37), Annalise Bell (28^th, 20:39), Freshman Sophie Mahendra (20:51), and Sophomore Megan Saban (20:57) rounded out the top 5.

While the varsity Dragons distance crews has next week off, they will be heading to compete against stiff competition at the Nike South Invitational (Nike South 2025 - Meet Information) at Texas A&M on Friday September 19^th. Others will compete in Denton at the Braswell Invitational (Braswell Little D Invitational FULL 2025 - Meet Information) on Thursday September 18^th.

Dragons Harriers Compete at Marcus Coach T Invitational

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:00:00 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2025

Dragons Harriers Compete at Marcus Coach T Invitational

Denton, TX With the top Southlake Carroll varsity runners taking the weekend off from competition to prepare the massive home opener at Bob Jones Park next week, the Dragons sent their JV teams to North Lakes Park in Denton for the Marcus Coach T Invitational on Saturday morning.

We are extremely proud of the way our athletes competed today at the Marcus Invite. While our varsity squad did not race, the meet provided an excellent opportunity for our junior varsity runners to compete against varsity-level competition. That experience is invaluable and will serve them well as the season progresses. We look forward to returning to action next weekend at our home event, the Southlake Carroll XC Invite., Head Coach Justin Leonard said.

In the varsity elite girls race, sophomore Megan Saban led the Dragons with a time of 20:34, followed closely by fellow sophomore Eberle Goode (20:39). Junior runners Annalise Bell (21:32) and Gwendolyn Asher (21:51) also stepped up to compete with some of the top local talent.

On the boys side, the elite race saw the Dragon JV team lace up against some of the best runners in Texas. Sophomore Hasan Rauf (16:35) and freshman Cameron Perez (16:44) took full advantage of the opportunity. Rounding out the scoring five on the day were sophomore Ryan Kovach (16:55), junior Jack Swadish (17:19) and senior Dylan Torres (17:22).

In the varsity open races, freshman Sophie Mahendra was the top Dragon runner in the girls competition, crossing the finish line in 22:10. She was followed with a neck and neck finish by junior Isabella Galvis and freshman Lucy Soto (23:03 & 23:06).

The boys were led by sophomore Reed Dodson (16:58), followed by Pritam Kunreddy (17:57) and freshman Jacob Rurka (18:02)

The Dragons return to action on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6:50am at Bob Jones Park for the annual Southlake Carroll 5k which historically has been a magnet for the top runners in the region. For more details on the meet, visit: Southlake 5K XC Invite (Meet is FULL) 2025 - Meet Information

Kai Gutierrez Leads Dragon Boys to Victory in XC Opener at Southlake 2 Mile Invitational

SouthlakeCarrollXC — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:00:00 Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 23, 2025

Kai Gutierrez Leads Dragon Boys to Victory in XC Opener at Southlake 2 Mile Invitational

Lady Dragons Take 2^nd Place

Southlake, TX After a summer dedicated to early morning training sessions and building on the success of the 2025 track and field campaign, the Southlake Carroll cross country program opened their season at the Southlake 2 Mile Invitational at Bob Jones Park on Saturday morning. The boys team began its quest for a seventh consecutive state title with a dominating victory in an almost perfect score of 18 points despite having a handful of talented Dragons not racing on the day. Likewise, the girls team, led by senior Lilah Gornells 8^th place, finished in a strong second place with several top athletes not competing on the day.

Head Coach Juston Leonard stated, Were really proud of how our team opened the season today. The athletes showed great energy, effort, and teamwork in the 2-mile opener, and this race set a strong foundation for the rest of our cross country season.

In the varsity elite boys race, sophomore Kai Gutierrrez took home the gold in a blazing 9:08, leading Carroll to a 27-point victory over second-place Byron Nelson. Senior Michael Fuller had a remarkable season opener at 9:20 in 2^nd place, followed by juniors Jaxon Glenn (4th, 9:32), Adhaven Palanivelrajan (5th, 9:40) and Claudio Auns (6th, 9:42).

In the varsity elite girls race, senior Lilah Gornell (8^th, 11:33) lead the way, for a team that is seeking its 4^th straight national championship bid. A solid pack of Dragons lead by Junior Grace McIlvains 16th place finish (12:02) included breakout freshman Nora Farden (17^th, 12:02) and senior Haley Badgett (18^th, 12:14). The competitive girls race saw the team place 2^nd to Byron Nelson.

In the varsity open race, the Dragons again took home the victory with the talented sophomore Hasan Rauf and freshman Cameron Perez both finishing at 10:16 in 4^th and 5^th place. Sophomore Ryan Kovach completed the course in the top 10 as well (8^th, 10:22). In the girls varsity open race, sophomore Megan Saban finished in 6^th leading the team to 4^th place in a crowded field.

In the JV races, the boys came through with another victory while the ladys finished 3^rd. Three boys crossed the finish line in the top 10 lead by freshman Jacob Ruka (6^th, 11:10), sophomore Yates Eddins (9^th, 11:14), and senior Rayan Behjoo (11:15)

The Dragons return to action next Saturday August 30^th, running in the Coach T Invitational at North Lakes Park in Denton.

PAGE 2 Southlake Carroll Individual Results for Varsity Elite Races

Boys Elite Varsity Results

1 Kai Gutierrez 9:08

2 Michael Fuller 9:20

4 Jaxon Glenn 9:32

5 Adhaven Palanivelrajan 9:40

6 Claudio Auns 9:42

8 Grant Norgart 9:43

11 Gavin Folkerts 9:48

15 Evan ODonnell 9:57

23 Grayson Schick 10:12

53 Reed Dodson 10:48

Girls Elite Varsity Results

8 Lilah Gornell 11:33

16 Grace McIlvain 11:48

17 Nora Farden 12:02

18 Haley Badget 12:14

26 Landry Lambert 12:33

30 Eberle Goode 12:48