Dragon Boys XC Wins 6th Straight State Championship

The Southlake Carroll boys cross country team won its sixth consecutive 6A state title Friday morning, at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, defeating runner-up Austin Vandegrift by a mere 4 points, 49 to 53. Last year, the boys defeated the same team by 20 points, showing how competitive the cross country seasons have become. The win is not only the Dragons’ sixth straight state championship but also the 15th consecutive year the boys have finished either first or second at the state meet.

In the varsity boys’ race, junior Caden Leonard won his second consecutive individual state title with a time of 14:50. Senior Blake Bullard finished eighth in 15:15, followed by fellow senior Griffon Cords (11, 15:24), freshman Kai Gutierrez (27, 15:45), senior Alex Severson (43, 15:56), sophomore Jaxon Glenn (48, 16:00) and senior Michael Fuller (78, 16:20). 

“We are incredibly proud of our runners and their performances at the state meet and throughout the season,” Southlake Carroll Head Coach Justin Leonard said.  “Winning a state championship is a significant achievement, reflecting the dedication and hard work of our athletes. Securing six championships in a row is truly remarkable.”

Meanwhile, the girls squad who finished sixth in this year’s race kept their state meet qualifying streak alive with 28 straight years. 

The girls' team was paced by senior Sarayu Veluri  who finished 34th overall with a time of 18:49. Sophomore Abigail Perez was next (52, 19:06), followed by senior Elizabeth Smits (61, 19:11), freshman Quinn Salstrand (71, 19:19), sophomore Grace McIlvain (75, 19:24). Junior Luna Gutierrez (81, 19:32) and senior Gabriella Tesoriero (91, 19:46) rounded out the Dragons’ final two runners

“We also commend our girls for their outstanding grit and determination,” said Leonard. “A heartfelt thank you to all our past and current runners, teachers, administrators, the City of Southlake, and our supportive parents for the vital roles they play in our success.”