Dragon Boys XC Cruises To Victory In Season Opener

Lady Dragons place 2nd at the Southlake 2 Mile Invitational

The Carroll boy’s and girl’s cross-country teams ended their 2024 season in Portland, Oregon each as one of the nation’s top 30 teams at the prestigious Nike Nationals. The event marked the 16th time each team was represented and the unprecedented 32nd time overall for Head Coach Justin Leonard.  This week, the 2025 season started much closer to home at Bob Jones Park as the Dragon’s hosted more than 40 teams at the Southlake 2 Mile Invitational on Saturday, August 23rd.

The boys’ team began its quest for a seventh consecutive state title with an almost perfect score of 18 points despite senior and Nike Elite runner Caden Leonard not lacing up. Likewise, the girls’ team, led by senior Lilah Gornell’s 8th place, finished in a strong second place with several top runners including Abigail Perez and Luna Gutierrez not competing.

Head Coach Justin Leonard stated, “We’re 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 finished in first with a time of 9:08, leading Carroll to a 27-point victory over second-place Byron Nelson. Senior Michael Fuller finished in 2nd place at 9:20, 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 (8th, 11:33) led the way, for a team that is seeking its fourth straight appearance at Nike Nationals. A solid pack of Dragons followed suit with junior Grace McIlvain’s 16th place finish (12:02) and  those of breakout freshman Nora Farden (17th, 12:02) and senior Haley Badgett (18th, 12:14). The competitive girls race saw the team place 2nd 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 4th and 5th place. Sophomore Ryan Kovach completed the course in the top 10 as well (8th, 10:22). In the girls’ varsity open race, sophomore Megan Saban finished in sixth leading the team to fourth place in a crowded field.

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

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

Southlake Carroll 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 O’Donnell                      9:57

23        Grayson Schick                      10:12

53        Reed Dodson                         10:48

Southlake Carroll 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