Dragon Cross Country and Leonard Family Cement Historic National Run in 2025 at NXN
Senior Caden Leonard Places 3rd in Nation and Leads Boy’s 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 boy’s 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 boy’s 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 team’s effort was not only due to his courageous and inspirational leadership up front with a 3rd 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 (12th, 15:22) and another breakout race by future blue chip star Junior Jaxon Glenn (63rd, 16:06). Gutierrez dropped from 33rd place at the 1k split to a shocking 12th place finish catching 21 racers on the way and finishing as the 3rd fastest 10th 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 (81st, 16:15), a Senior miler to watch, and Junior Claudio Auns (127th, 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 (102nd, 16:26) and Evan O’Donnell (140th, 16:47). The depth of this team is one for the ages as their 137 points placed them 4th nationally yet their average team time of 1:19.15 had them outrunning 3rd place Lincroft. The body of work for Coach Justin Leonard’s 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 team’s ever in 2025.
Head Coach Justin Leonard said, “I’m so proud of this team and what they were able to accomplish this season. This year’s 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 wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Next up for the Dragon distance team is the North Texas Winter 1600 at the Southlake Carroll 9/10TH Grade Campus on January 10, 2026: Lonestar Running Co