UIL 2A Boys
Chances To Win Individual Title
The 2A boys race will be pretty exciting.
Marco Cunningham was runner-up last year and is the top returners. The Waco Meyer senior won Region 2 with his 16:35 performance. Francis Patanpatan (Hawley) was second with a 16:38 run, Michael Flores (Itasca) was third in 17:00, and Nolan Schreiber (Windthorst) was right behind him in 17:01.
Region 1-2A was the Plains boys showing off once again. Sawyer Hamilton (Plains) won in 16:51 followed by teammates Jeremiah Gonzales (Plains) - 16:54 and Christian Sanchez (Plains) 17:01. Hamilton and Gonzales placed seventh and eighth at the 2023 state meet.
Andres Landaverde (Corrigan-Camden) is the second best returner from 2023 and he won Region 3 with a 16:23 run. That topped runner-up Victor Bravo (Waskom) -16.36, Caddel Keeling (Centerville) - 16:45, Raul Munoz (New Summerfield) - 16:52, and Adrian Ramirez (Tenaha) - 16:52.
Region 2-4A top runners were champion Shane Stawar (Port Aransas) - 17.26 and runner-up Matthew Schwandner (Brackettville Brackett) - 17.31.
This comes down to whether Cunningham can find his 2023 rhythm or not. If he does, he could run away with this race. Otherwise, look for the Plains crew to challenge with Landaverde, Patanpatan, and Bravo to lead a strong chase pack.
Chances To Win Team Title
Plains looks to be in a good place to defend their state title. The No. 1 ranked 1A boys tam ran 17:20 with a 1:06 gap.
Eldorado, the No. 7 ranked team was second at Region 1 at 18:28 with a 37-second spread, Sonora was third in 18:30 with a 2:11 gap, and Sunray went 18:29 with a 2:09.
The No. 3 ranked Windthorst team won Region 2 with a 17:53 average and a 2:03 spread, sixth ranked Waco Meyer went 18:11 with a 2:56 spread, Collinsville was at 18:41 and 1:27, with Haskell getting the final qualifying spot at 18:48 and 1:49.
Region 3 champs and No. 2 ranked New Summerfield ran 17:23 with a 1:05 spread, No. 8 ranked Tenaha ran 17:52 and 1:52, Riesel ran a 18:02 average with a 1:15 spread, and Corrigan-Camden went 18:59 and 3:33.
The Region 4 qualifying teams were Mason going 18:34 and 1:23 to beat No. 4 ranked Port Aransas who ran a 18:44 average with a 2:14 spread. Agua Dulce ran 19:14 and a 2:31 spread, with San Antonio Stacey going for a 19:32 average with a 2:39 spread.
Plains is the favorite to win again. Windthorst, Tenaha, New Summerfield will give chase.