With the 2025 UIL 5A Girls 3200m State Championship fast approaching, the field is stacked with returning talent and emerging contenders, each hoping to make their mark in a race that has grown faster and more competitive each year.

These UIL 5A championships are missing two key factos; Elizabeth Leachman (Boerne Champion) and Brady Solansky (Smithson Valley). The two went 1-2 at last fall's cross country state championships.

Leading the list of qualifiers is Lilly Koenig, a junior from Smithson Valley, who enters the state meet with the fastest seed time of 10:43.03. Koenig, who has consistently dropped time throughout the season, is poised for a breakout performance and could challenge the podium if the race unfolds tactically. She brings a blend of endurance and strength, and while she wasn't in last year's final, her improvement signals she's ready to contend.

Right behind her is Dana Rojas Vazquez, a senior from McAllen, with a seed time of 10:51.25. Rojas Vazquez has quietly been one of the most consistent distance runners in the region, and her strength over the second half of races makes her dangerous if the early pace is conservative. Close behind is recent Air Force commit, Reese Pena (Lubbock), also a senior, who brings a strong resume that includes a sixth-place finish at the 2024 state meet where she ran 10:55.97, just slightly slower than her 2025 qualifying mark of 10:52.89. Her experience on the state stage will be an advantage in what's expected to be a tactical and tightly packed race.

Belton's Olivia Brillhart comes in with a 10:55.68 seed time, looking to improve on her postseason track success from earlier meets this year. Bridget Bernal and Camryn Benson, both juniors from powerhouse Lucas Lovejoy, also figure heavily into the title mix. Bernal's 10:58.11 and Benson's 11:00.48 seed times suggest they've been training closely, and Benson in particular has championship experience-she placed third last year in 10:38.74. That performance makes her one of the most dangerous returning runners in the field.

Another returning finalist is Molly Garrison (Aledo), with an 11:08.52. She's looked sharp this spring and will need to improve her time to break into the top five, but her consistency suggests she can rise to the occasion. Eva Cragnolino from Austin LASA qualified in 11:09.84, and her steady rise in the competitive Central Texas region makes her a dark horse to watch. Rounding out the field is Morgan Nelsen, just a sophomore at Pflugerville Hendrickson, with a time of 11:13.15-still developing, but with the potential to gain valuable experience on the big stage.

While the 2025 field is talented, it still stands in the shadow of Elizabeth Leachman's unforgettable 2024 state record performance, where the Boerne Champion sophomore shattered the 5A record with a stunning 10:11.40. Her splits-consistently under 1:18 per lap and a blazing 1:11.3 final 400m-left the field far behind. With Leachman having since moved up to larger competitions or possibly a higher classification, the door is open for a new champion to emerge.

Also from last year's final, now-graduated Sara Morefield (10:35.64) and Sydni Wilkins (10:41.12) are gone, leaving returning medalist Camryn Benson as the top veteran. The 2025 edition of this race will likely see a more bunched front pack early, with athletes like Koenig, Pena, Rojas Vazquez, and Benson jostling for position and eyeing sub-10:45 territory. The question is whether anyone can replicate the kind of closing speed and domination that Leachman displayed-or whether this year's championship will come down to the final 100 meters in a thrilling tactical finish.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 3200m state final is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive distance races in recent years. With the class record of 8:54.47 set by Adam Burlison in 2023 still fresh in mind, this year's field features a deep pool of experienced upperclassmen and rising stars, many of whom have dipped well under the 9:30 barrier this season. Leading the charge is Boerne Champion's Charlie Houck, whose 9:09.71 at the Texas Relays stands as the fastest 5A time in the state this year and third overall at that prestigious meet. Houck, a senior with state experience and tactical range, will be looking to avenge his 9th-place finish in last year's state final, where he clocked 9:33.18. With maturity and momentum on his side, he enters as a clear favorite.

Right on Houck's heels is Miles Westbrook (El Paso) the Region 1 champion and 6th-place finisher at state last year. Westbrook has improved his season best to 9:20.52, run at the Fred Loya Invitational, and brings invaluable experience from last year's fast-paced state final where he ran 9:14.50. The El Paso senior has proven his toughness in championship settings and will likely try to push the pace early to break things open.

Another major contender is Ethan Carranza (Killeen Ellison), whose season best of 9:27.01 belies his regional win and competitive grit. Carranza surged late in his Region 2 final, outlasting other state qualifiers, and could be a factor if the race becomes tactical. Similarly, Tyler Morefield (Lucas Lovejoy)-9:25.61 SB and Andrew Malan from Frisco Lebanon Trail (9:28.04 SB) round out a solid front pack of contenders with proven postseason credentials. Morefield, in particular, placed 7th at the elite Jesuit-Sheaner Relays, showing he can run against deep fields.

One of the biggest potential surprises could be Grapevine junior Andrew DeYoung, who has quietly posted a 9:25.15 - good enough for fifth in the state among qualifiers. DeYoung is peaking at the right time, having won his area meet and placing well in regionals. If the leaders falter late, he may be in position to steal a podium spot.

Also not to be overlooked is Friendswood's Aiden Fitzgerald, who placed 4th at last year's state meet as a sophomore in 9:12.57 and returns with championship pedigree. While his season best of 9:31.41 isn't eye-popping on paper, Fitzgerald has proven himself on the state's biggest stage and should not be discounted.

Boerne's Aaron Garcia, Georgetown's Zachary Mangum, have hovered near the 9:25-9:30 range and bring enough closing speed to challenge for a top-5 finish depending on how the race unfolds.

In what promises to be a strategic and tightly packed race, the pace will be crucial. If someone like Houck or Westbrook decides to make it honest from the gun, we could see times in the low 9:00s and perhaps even a flirtation with sub-9 if weather and competition align. With returning state finalists, breakout juniors, and a deep field of runners separated by mere seconds, this year's 3200m final has all the makings of a classic.

As the 2025 UIL 5A State Track & Field Championships approach, the girls 4x100 meter relay promises to be one of the most electrifying events of the meet. With eight powerhouse teams qualifying through the gauntlet of district, area, and regional competition, all eyes are on the clock as contenders aim to challenge the eight year old and long-standing state record of 45.09 set by McKinney North in 2017.

At the top of the seeding list is new UIL 5A Iowa Colony who is in their first season after moving up from 4A; they've clocked an impressive 46.11 to win Region 3. The quartet of Symone Williams (So.), Ashtyn Lewis (Jr.), Hannah Young (Sr.), and Adriana Murry (Sr.) brings a blend of youth and experience, with their anchor Murry delivering a strong finishing leg. Iowa Colony's consistency throughout the season, including their 46.11 at regionals, signals they are peaking at the right time.

Just behind them, fellow Region 3-5A member Fort Bend Marshall enters with a nearly identical 46.14 qualifying time. Their squad-featuring standout freshman Phoenix Glover and veteran anchor Dior Williams-ran their season-best 46.05 at the Area 21/22 meet. Known for their sprint tradition, Fort Bend Marshall is no stranger to the pressure of the state finals and will be motivated after a 5th-place finish in 2024.

McKinney North, the school that holds the 5A state record, is back in the finals with a strong lineup led by Ryhan Balous and Corinne Watson. Their time of 46.70 earned them a spot out of Area 09/10, but they've run faster this season-posting 46.18 at their area meet. With championship pedigree and senior leadership, don't count them out.

Red Oak qualified with a 46.84 at Region 2, but their best of 46.15 suggests there's more in the tank. The relay is anchored by a young stud sprinter Zahria Bernard and features a dynamic mix of freshmen and seniors. With clean exchanges, they are a legitimate podium threat.

Another contender with momentum is Fort Worth Wyatt, who placed second in last year's state finals with a 46.37. They return anchor Nia Trammell and bring a season-best 47.06 into the meet. With big-meet experience and a solid regional performance, Wyatt could shake up the order.

Denton Ryan rounds out the sub-47 second qualifiers with a 47.09. Their top time of 47.03 came in a strong regional final performance. Seniors Joy Jones and Kailyn Head will look to guide their younger teammates through a fast field.

Mansfield Timberview also makes their return to the state meet, qualifying with a 47.17. Though slightly off their 2024 state mark of 46.61, they have consistently posted strong times and have a high ceiling with veterans like Skye Fields and Tahja Mims.

Representing the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen High School brings a 47.69 mark from Region 4. Their best time of 47.16 at the Steve Stark Relays shows their ability to perform under pressure. Katelyn Vaden and Sophia Flores will look to lead a cohesive unit in a tough field.

Comal Pieper rounds out the field with a 47.91 qualifying time but also clocked a season-best 47.17, indicating their potential to surprise. Led by Taniyah Adams and freshman anchor Shyla Boydstun, Pieper's mix of young talent and postseason experience could play spoiler.

As the finalists take the track in Austin, the field is deep and tightly packed. With five teams having run under 46.20 this season and another handful knocking on the door, the race may come down to the slimmest of margins-clean baton exchanges, strong starts, and composed finishes.

While the 2017 McKinney North record of 45.09 remains untouched for now, this year's finalists are inching ever closer. Could this be the year we see history rewritten?

As the 2025 UIL 5A Boys 4x100 Meter Relay State Championship approaches, all eyes are on Iowa Colony, the overwhelming favorite entering the meet. With a blistering season-best of 40.02 seconds, they not only hold the top time in Texas 5A but rank U.S. No. 2 nationally. This squad, anchored by senior standouts Derrick Hahn and Antoine Martin Jr., with juniors Jayden Warren and Jeremy Garner has made an explosive debut in 5A after capturing the 4A title just a year ago. Their Region 3-5A victory solidified their dominance, especially after former champion Fort Bend Marshall, the 2024 state winner, shockingly dropped the baton and failed to advance. That miscue opened the door wide for Iowa Colony to seize the mantle, and they've responded with unmatched consistency and power throughout the postseason.

Looking to challenge Iowa Colony is Mansfield Timberview, who brings the second-fastest qualifying time of 40.54 but clocked an even better 40.21 at the Area meet. Led by seniors Tyler Madison and Harvey Scott, Timberview's squad has championship experience and grit, finishing fifth at last year's finals. Their blend of upperclassman leadership and relay chemistry makes them a legitimate threat to Iowa Colony, especially if the frontrunners falter.

Also in the mix is Carrollton Smith, who has emerged as a surprise contender. With a season-best of 40.44 and a clean sweep through Area and Regionals, they are led by the senior duo of Lamond Allison and Allijah Harrison. Their youth-heavy supporting cast - featuring a sophomore and freshman - adds intrigue, showing that Smith is not just built for now but for the future. They could easily sneak onto the podium with a well-executed race.

McKinney North and Denton Ryan both enter with season-bests just under 41 seconds and have consistently hovered near the elite threshold. North's veteran-heavy lineup includes multiple seniors, including Brandon DeVun and Dakalon Tyler, bringing poise and depth. Denton Ryan's relay is headlined by seniors Byran Simmons and Julius Barron, and while they don't have the fastest seed time, their postseason improvement and competitive edge can't be overlooked - especially with their 40.85 performance in the regional final.

Bryan Rudder and Frisco Heritage round out the next tier of contenders. Rudder enters with a best of 41.30, led by Denim Preston and Jaquise Martin, while Heritage - with rising junior Ke'onte Ross and senior Cordial Vann - will aim to crack into the top five. Both teams will need near-perfect handoffs and explosive starts to keep pace with the frontrunners.

Meanwhile, Alamo Heights and Liberty Hill enter as underdogs. Heights qualified with a 42.08, but their 41.79 performance at the Area meet shows they're capable of more. Liberty Hill, while posting 42.15 at Regionals, also dipped under 42 in Area and will be hunting for a season-best effort on the biggest stage.

Despite a competitive field, the storyline is clear: Can anyone stop Iowa Colony? With Port Arthur Memorial's 2017 state record of 39.80 still standing, the question may not only be who wins - but whether we witness history. Given Iowa Colony's momentum and national standing, that mark could very well be in jeopardy.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 800-meter state final is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in recent memory -- then again, when hasn't the UIL 5A girls 800 meter race been good? It is featuring a loaded field of seasoned veterans and emerging underclassmen.

Headlining the event is Mia Perez (Smithson Valley), who owns the fastest seed time (2:09.24) and the top overall mark this season with a 2:09.02 from the Texas Distance Festival. Perez, who placed 6th in last year's final with a 2:13.55, has shown dramatic improvement in 2025 and will look to chase down the 5A state meet record of 2:06.21, set in 2022 by Kailey Littlefield.

Right on her heels is Hailey Johnson (Lake Creek), a returning bronze medalist from last year (2:10.29). Johnson clocked 2:09.95 earlier this season at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational and has consistently performed under pressure. Known for her tactical awareness and finishing strength, Johnson could be the one to break the tape if the pace goes tactical early.

Faith Murphy (Austin Anderson), another senior with championship experience, holds a season best of 2:10.98-matching her regional finish-and has proven consistency across the board. However, Savanah Moya, just a sophomore from New Braunfels, might be the dark horse in the field. Her breakthrough 2:10.64 performance at district positioned her ahead of several seniors, making her the top underclasswoman and a serious podium threat.

Smithson Valley will have two entries in the final with junior Lilly Koenig joining Perez. Koenig posted a season best of 2:11.24 and has quietly been one of the most consistent 800m runners in Region IV. With strategic pacing and team support, the Koenig-Perez duo could work together to control the race from the front.

Also in contention is Sierra Cornell (Amarillo), who tied with Kathryn Evans (Burleson) for a season best of 2:13.36, both qualifying through Region I. While neither athlete has cracked into the low-2:12 range this year, their experience and grit could be crucial in a tightly packed race.

Rounding out the field are Kallie Huck (Prosper Walnut Grove) and Samantha Ivey (Frisco Wakeland). Huck (2:15.90) and Ivey (2:16.61) may be the underdogs on paper, but in a tactical state final, late-race strength and positioning can flip the script-especially given the blistering opening laps often seen in 5A finals.

Last year's top two finishers-Kailey Littlefield and Conde De Frankenberg-ran 2:08.19 and 2:07.10, respectively, setting a high standard. With three girls already under 2:11 this season and many others knocking on the door, this year's championship could produce a finish in the 2:07-2:08 range, especially if conditions are favorable.

Will a new star emerge, or will the veterans defend their dominance? One thing is certain-the 2025 5A Girls 800m final is set to be a thrilling clash of speed, tactics, and heart.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 800m state final is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in recent memory, with a deep field of athletes aiming to challenge the long-standing class record of 1:49.41, set by Derrick Small of Dickinson in 1995. With last year's champion Cooper Lutkenhaus (who ran 1:49.84 in 2024) now competing in 6A, the door is wide open for a new titleholder to emerge in a packed field led by senior Caden Gary (Lucas Lovejoy).

Gary enters the state meet as the favorite, holding the fastest seed and season-best time of 1:51.37, achieved at the UIL Region 2 Championships. Gary has consistently dominated the 800m scene this spring, showing a rare combination of strength and tactical poise. With his eyes possibly set on breaking the state record, he'll likely aim to push the pace from the gun. Right on his heels is Jayden Washington (Red Oak), an 11th grader who clocked 1:52.99 at the same regional meet. Washington brings top-end speed and racing savvy, and his upward trajectory this season suggests he could be a serious threat to challenge Gary down the homestretch.

Another strong contender is Colby Huntress (Austin Anderson), whose 1:53.58 winning effort at the Region 3 meet showcases his ability to perform under pressure. His tactical racing and late kick could make him dangerous in a sit-and-kick scenario. Close behind is Ian Hill (Iowa Colony), running 1:54.21 at Region 3, showing solid progression throughout the season. 

El Paso Burges brings experience and firepower with Malin Arnoldusen, whose season best of 1:53.97 came early at the district meet. Caleb Dehart (Boerne Champion) - 1:54.29 and Eduardo Estrada (Mansfield Summit) -1:54.27 have also posted impressive marks this season. Estrada, notably, placed 6th in last year's final, giving him the rare advantage of state meet experience in a high-pressure setting.

Rounding out the field are Jacksen Ahlman (McAllen) and Dylan Grzywinski (Frisco Wakeland), both having cracked into the 1:55-low range this season and capable of upsetting the podium with a strong race. With nine finalists all running under 1:56, this field boasts the most depth the event has seen in years.

With the state record in play and no defending champion in the field, the 2025 5A boys 800m final promises to be a thrilling mix of strategy, speed, and guts. The big question: can anyone dip under 1:50 and etch their name next to Derrick Small in the history books?

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 100 Meter Hurdles state championship promises an explosive showdown featuring a stacked lineup of experienced seniors and rising underclass talent. With Tonea Marshall's 2016 class record of 13.30 still standing tall, this year's field features athletes inching closer to that elite mark, none more so than top seed Laila Payne (Houston Carnegie Vanguard). Payne enters the final with a blazing season-best time of 13.41, recorded during the regional rounds. After placing 6th in last year's final with a 14.26, Payne has made massive strides in 2025 and now stands as the clear favorite to contend for gold and potentially take down the record if conditions are right.

Right behind her is Zoe Williams (Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill), who returns after finishing 7th in last year's final. Williams comes into the meet with a season best of 13.67, showing significant improvement and now posing a legitimate threat to Payne. Her consistency and experience on the big stage will be key as she looks to close the gap and possibly steal the title in the final meters.

Dior Williams (Fort Bend Marshall) has also emerged as a serious contender this season, running 13.79, placing her third among qualifiers. Known for her aggressive starts and ability to maintain speed through the final hurdles, she's a strong podium candidate in a race that will likely be decided by hundredths of a second. Dariana Luna (McAllen) also returns from last year's final (8th place in 2024), but with a much-improved time of 13.90, making her another strong contender to move up the ranks this time around.

Kailyn Head (Denton Ryan) is back after placing 2nd in the 2024 final with a 14.09. She brings a season best of 14.11, proving that she continues to perform at a high level. Her championship experience and poise under pressure will be critical in this highly competitive field. Tied at 14.30, Shyla Boydstun, a freshman from Comal Pieper, and Reagan Williams (Mansfield Timberview) represent the youth movement in this race. Boydstun, in particular, is turning heads as a freshman phenom-making the final in her first year at the varsity level.

Rounding out the field are Teah Walker (McKinney North), who clocked 14.32, and Ainsley Horn (Crandall), who enters with a season best of 14.57. While they sit just outside the top tier of times, both athletes are capable of capitalizing on mistakes or wind-legal improvements to make a surprise push into the top five.

With last year's champion Kaylah Braxton (Frisco Heritage) graduated and no returning medalist in the top three, this year's race is wide open. The path to gold will demand both flawless technique and elite top-end speed. If the wind cooperates and the nerves stay in check, Tonea Marshall's legendary 13.30 could finally face a serious threat on Saturday.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 110 Meter Hurdles State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive hurdle races in recent years. With Tony Brown's longstanding class record of 13.40, set in 2013 for Beaumont Ozen, still intact, all eyes will be on Ja'Shaun Lloyd (Corsicana), who leads the qualifiers with a season-best of 13.28 (+3.4)-the fastest time in the entire 5A classification this year. Lloyd, the 2024 state runner-up (13.85), returns more explosive and refined, and his blistering regional mark shows he's not only aiming for gold but is also in striking distance of the state meet record, wind-permitting.

Right behind him is Jaden Flores, a junior from Montgomery Lake Creek, who clocked a 13.80 (+3.0) wind-aided performance at regionals. Flores, though slightly younger than most of the field, has shown poise and raw speed all season and could play the spoiler if Lloyd slips. Meanwhile, Temoc Zamora (Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial) has steadily improved throughout the season, hitting a top mark of 13.74 in district competition. Zamora was 6th in last year's final (14.39), but his 2025 form suggests he could leap several spots higher this time.

Fort Bend Marshall's Jamison Lewis adds more depth to the field with a season best of 13.86 (+2.3). A powerful starter, Lewis has consistently hovered in the sub-14 territory and is well-positioned to make the podium. Tied closely in seed time at 14.19 are Zadian Gentry (Anna) and James Brown (Burleson Centennial). Brown's school has a history of strong hurdle performances, and both athletes will be looking to crack into the top five on Saturday.

The youth in the field comes from Xaiden Dozier, a sophomore from Georgetown East View, who ran 14.11 this season and could be one of the most exciting underclassmen in the 5A ranks. While not yet a title contender, his state meet debut will be a valuable experience and could surprise if the field tightens late. There is also Kyron Brown (Amarillo Palo Duro) a sophomore and San Antonio Alamo Height's Max Bacon who will race it out on Friday.

Looking back at the 2024 final, Malik Esquerra of Killeen Shoemaker won in 13.72, with Lloyd taking 2nd at 13.85. With Esquerra graduated, the path to the top is now clear for Lloyd, but the challengers behind him are closing in fast. The 110 hurdles is always one of the most unpredictable races, where a single clipped barrier can rewrite the script-and with so many athletes near or under the 14-second mark, execution will be everything.

If conditions are favorable and the athletes bring their peak form, Tony Brown's 13.40 record may finally meet a worthy challenger. The state title and the legacy of a decade-old record hang in the balance.

The stage is set for a blistering showdown in the UIL 5A Girls 100 Meter Dash, with Red Oak's Zahria Bernard, a freshman phenom, leading the charge. Bernard enters the state meet with the fastest time in the field - 11.42 (+1.5), clocked at the Region 2 finals, and she's already making waves as one of the most electric young sprinters in Texas. While the 5A state meet record of 11.16, set by Victoria Jordan in 2008, may still be a stretch, Bernard is running times that few freshmen have touched at this level.

Challenging Bernard is Ryhan Balous, a seasoned senior from McKinney North, who returns after finishing runner-up at the 2024 state meet in 11.63. Balous improved her mark to 11.51 this season - also run at Region 2 - and will be hungry for a gold medal to cap off her high school career. Her consistency and big-race experience give her an edge among the more youthful challengers.

Another top threat is Kennedy Branch (Melissa). The junior clocked 11.56 at regionals, securing her place as the No. 3 seed and showing great form at the right time. She's closely followed by Daisha Shular (Seguin), who enters with a seed time of 11.51, though her best recorded time from the season is slightly slower. Shular placed eighth in last year's final (12.00), and her return shows she's primed to improve.

Laila Payne (Carnegie Vanguard) is also in the medal conversation, having posted an 11.58 to win her regional title. While slightly off her season-best wind legal of 11.90, the senior has proven she can rise to the occasion. She is also doubling in the short rest from the 100H. Camryn Wilson (Liberty Hill) and Micah Tucker (Burleson Centennial) round out the field with strong mid-11 times, including Tucker's 11.74 mark at regionals. Wilson looks to pick up winning ways where her sister Autumn enjoyed TAPPS success.

Madison Hopkins (Georgetown East View) and Jaylah Harris (Fort Worth Arlington Heights) will look to play spoiler. While Harris has the slowest season best of the field at 12.19, she's a veteran racer and could capitalize if others falter under pressure.

With just over two-tenths of a second separating the top five runners, the 2025 final is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested races in recent years. Keep an eye on the wind reading as well - it could be a key factor in pushing someone toward that long-standing 11.16 state record. Regardless of the outcome, this year's field blends emerging stars and experienced seniors, promising fireworks at Mike A. Myers Stadium.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 100 Meter Dash is set to deliver one of the most competitive sprints in recent state history, as eight elite sprinters converge in Austin to chase both the gold and a shot at a two-decade-old record. Leading the field is junior Justin Stewart (Fort Worth Arlington Heights), the only athlete in the field to crack 10.30 this season with a blistering 10.25 (+1.6) at the Region I Championships. Stewart enters not only as the top seed but as the only sprinter in this final whose time flirts with the 5A state meet record of 10.15, set by Brendan Christian in 2002-a record that has stood the test of generations.

Right behind Stewart, Allen Gant (Lubbock Coronado) comes in with an equally impressive resume. His 10.37 (+1.6) regional performance ties the second-fastest wind-legal mark among qualifiers, positioning him as a serious threat. Not to be overlooked is Jayden Warren (Iowa Colony), whose 10.36 seed time ranks him second on paper. However, his top wind-legal time this season stands at 10.57, which could make the difference in a tightly packed final; he was third last year in the 4A state meet race.

Iowa Colony will be the only school with two representatives in this race, thanks to senior Derrick Hahn, who enters with a 10.42 seed but has a wind-legal best of 10.97-among the slowest of the group. Still, his regional runner-up finish proves he can rise to the moment. Also keep an eye on Zion Isaiah Raheem Williams, a sophomore from Carrollton Smith, who posted a 10.44 (+1.5) to win Region II. At just a 10th grader, his poise under pressure and natural speed mark him as one of the brightest young sprinting stars in Texas.

Sophomore Kaegan Morton (Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill) is another young standout with a season-best 10.75 (+1.7). While he's a long shot for the win, his youth suggests that this may be a valuable stepping stone for future seasons. Senior Jayson Williams (Frisco Emerson)-10.55 +1.5 rounds out the top-tier veterans, coming off a second-place regional finish. The field is closed by Liam Magee (Smithson Valley) and Blake Bader (Alamo Heights), who enter with times of 10.75 and 10.86, respectively.

In 2024, the 5A 100m final was tightly contested, with the winning time in the mid-10.3s range-indicating just how fast this 2025 field has become. With six athletes boasting wind-legal times under 10.60, this year's race is not only deeper, but faster across the board.

While Stewart is the clear favorite on paper, the field is too deep to overlook. The state record may remain safe for another year, but if conditions are right, and if Stewart or Gant get out cleanly, Brendan Christian's 10.15 could be under serious threat for the first time in over 20 years.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 4x200 Meter Relay State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and electrifying events of the meet. Headlining the field is Red Oak, the top qualifier with a blistering season-best time of 1:36.14, the fastest mark in Texas 5A this year and only hundredths of a second off the all-time 5A state record of 1:36.15 set by McKinney North in 2017. Red Oak's deep and versatile squad-anchored by veterans Morgan Morris, Jada Edwards, and Mackenzie Garner, and supported by rising freshman talent Zahria Bernard-has not only the speed but also the experience to challenge the record and claim the title.

Hot on their heels is Fort Bend Marshall, who enters with a season best of 1:37.61, and a near-identical seed time to Red Oak (1:38.05). Led by senior sprinters Jasmine Harris and Dior Williams, with impressive freshmen like Phoenix Glover and Megan Thomas, Marshall brings a strong blend of experience and youthful explosiveness. They were runners-up in 2024 and will look to climb to the top step of the podium this year.

McKinney North, despite a DQ in last year's final, has returned with a vengeance. They clocked 1:37.98 to win Region 2 and are poised for redemption. With senior leaders like Corinne Watson and Ryhan Balous, and a strong supporting cast including Khassidy Solomon and Kemsinachi Anukam, they have the talent to push for the podium and potentially reclaim their former dominance seen in their 2017 record-setting run.

Corsicana is another formidable finalist with a best time of 1:38.46. Their relay is built around a mix of underclassman speed and senior leadership, highlighted by Jazmine Newsome and rising freshman Jaelyn Watson. Lake Creek (1:38.79) and McAllen (1:39.03) round out a tightly packed top six, with both programs peaking at the right time. McAllen's consistency and return to the state meet show growth from last year's 8th place finish.

El Paso Chapin Comal Pieper, and Amarillo complete the final field of qualifiers, each bringing valuable state-level experience. Chapin's best of 1:39.11 and Pieper's 1:40.86, and 1:43.07 best from Amarillo show they've battled through tough regional competition and are ready for the big stage in Austin.

Notably missing from this year's final are 2024 state champion Lancaster (is now in 6A) and third-place Bryan Rudder, both of whom failed to qualify despite posting top-tier times earlier in the season. Their absence opens the door for new teams to climb the podium, making this one of the most wide-open 5A relays in recent memory.

With six teams under 1:39 this season and several boasting nationally-ranked marks, the 2025 5A girls 4x200 final promises to be a battle of precision, power, and poise. Will Red Oak break the elusive 5A state record? Can McKinney North find redemption after last year's DQ? Or will a dark horse like Corsicana or Lake Creek steal the spotlight? The answer will come on the track in Austin.

One of the most highly anticipated events of the 2025 UIL State Track and Field Championships is the Boys 5A 4x200-meter relay, set to take place at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. This year's field is arguably the deepest and fastest in recent memory, headlined by Iowa Colony, whose blistering time of 1:22.49 at the Region 3 meet not only makes them the top seed but also ranks No. 2 all-time in U.S. high school history. The quartet of Derrick Hahn, Antoine Martin Jr., Jeremy Garner, and Jayden Warren has been nothing short of electric, and they enter Austin with the favorite tag-and a real shot at challenging the longstanding state and national records.

Fort Bend Marshall, the defending state champion, returns with vengeance and momentum, clocking a season-best of 1:23.85 at the Klein Relays and earning the second seed with a regional qualifying time of 1:25.02. Led by veteran anchor Kameron Williams and supported by Jalen Miller and sophomore standout Deisnyk McCullough II, the Buffs have both the pedigree and experience to go back-to-back. They also own the distinction of breaking the 1:25 barrier multiple times this season.

Close on their heels is Richmond Randle, the surprise of the season, who surged with a 1:24.61 in district competition and backed it up with a solid 1:26.20 at regionals. With a young and dynamic group led by Sincere Timpson and Jalyn Burton, Randle is peaking at the right time. Mansfield Timberview also looks poised for redemption after a disqualification in last year's state final. They come in with a season-best of 1:24.91 and will rely on the senior leadership of Harvey Scott and Tyler Madison to secure a podium finish.

Another serious contender is McKinney North, which dropped a 1:25.20 at the prestigious Texas Relays and enters the state meet as the sixth seed. Emanuel Crosby and Christopher Smallwood form the backbone of a squad that thrives under pressure. Denton Ryan, with a regional time of 1:26.17, is led by a mix of youth and senior experience, including Byran Simmons and Dauda Kamara. They've shown consistency all season and could be a sleeper pick for a medal.

From the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen makes a return to the state stage with a best of 1:26.72, featuring a balanced and experienced relay squad including seniors Tristan Keith and Samuel Enriquez. Rounding out the final is Frisco Lone Star, who punched their ticket with a 1:27.03 but showed earlier in the year they can push lower with clean exchanges and breakout performances from Dekhari Dean and Bryson Jones.

Historically, the mark to beat remains 1:23.52, set by Port Arthur Memorial in 2017-an all-time Texas and national standard until recently. This year's Iowa Colony team, however, is within striking distance of not only that but potentially the national record of 1:22.25, depending on baton precision and conditions.

With a tightly packed field and four teams having already run sub-1:25 this year, this race promises to be an instant classic. Whether it ends in a record-breaking performance or a down-to-the-wire finish, the 2025 5A Boys 4x200m relay is shaping up to be the must-watch event of the weekend in Texas high school track and field.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 400m final is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested races of the state meet, with a loaded field of elite athletes, breakout underclassmen, and several returning finalists from 2024. The top nine qualifiers have all clocked times under 57 seconds this season, and multiple competitors have legitimate shots at challenging the long-standing meet record of 52.40, set by future Olympian Courtney Okolo in 2012.

Angel Brefo of Midlothian Heritage enters the final with the fastest time of the season - a blistering 52.98, which she ran at the Area 15 & 16 meet. A state runner-up in 2023 with a 2024 title in a time of 53.41, Brefo is peaking at the perfect time and is the only athlete in the field to dip under 53 seconds this year. Her smooth stride and strong closing speed make her the clear favorite, and she could realistically threaten Okolo's record if conditions are right.

Not far behind is two-time UIL 4A state champion Ashtyn Lewis, a junior from Iowa Colony, who ran 53.21 to win the ultra-competitive Region 3 final. Lewis's emergence as a major contender this season has added serious depth to the field. She enters with the top seed and the second-fastest time among qualifiers, giving her strong momentum heading into Austin.

Jada Stanford, a senior from College Station A&M Consolidated, is another veteran with a wealth of postseason experience. Her season-best of 53.71 came in a hard-fought Region 3 final behind Lewis, and she'll be aiming to upgrade her medal standing from last year's absence in the top three.

Nia Trammell (Fort Worth Wyatt) has quietly put together a strong season. Her 53.78 at the Area 07 & 08 meet marks a significant improvement over her 6th-place finish at state last year (55.98). Now a senior, Trammell has her eyes on a podium spot and brings a strong tactical edge.

Rounding out the top half of the field is Jailah Robinson from Carrollton Smith. She finished 4th at state in 2024 (54.96) and has dropped her time to 54.37 this season. She'll be motivated to reach the podium after coming up just short a year ago.

Also in the field is Peace Ese from Georgetown East View, another returning state finalist who placed 8th in 2024. Her 2025 best of 55.07 shows improvement from last year's 56.91, and she brings valuable experience to the field.

Shyniece Davis (San Antonio Jay) and Emon Mason (Edinburg Vela) both broke through to earn their first state appearances, clocking 56.44 and 56.70, respectively, at Region 4. Rounding out the qualifiers is freshman Zaniah Christian of Denton, whose 56.77 places her as the youngest competitor in the final - a name to watch for the future.

With six athletes having run sub-54.5 this season and the top three seeds within striking distance of the 52-second barrier, the 2025 final promises fireworks. If weather conditions are favorable, this could be the deepest 5A girls 400m final in years - and perhaps even a race for the record books.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 400 Meter Dash state championship field is stacked with returning talent and rising stars, all chasing a time that edges closer to the legendary 5A state record of 45.64 set by Deon Minor of Paris in 1991.

The race should be wide open with the graduation of back-to-back champion Malik Franklin who is now at Arizona State. Also missing are two of the top quarter milers in Texas. Shining star Kendrick Jones Jr. (Lake Belton) (who owns a 45.27 season best but did not qualify for state in 5A) who had some issues during the qualifying rounds and last year's runner-up, Jordan Riggs (Fort Bend Marshall), who ran 47.55 (46.x indoors) in 2024 but did not advance beyond regionals. If healthy, Riggs may instead bolster Marshall's 4x200 relay, adding another layer of intrigue to that event.

Leading the qualifiers is Marshall senior De'Trevyon Goudeau, whose 47.50 from the Region II championship is the fastest seed time. Goudeau was fourth at last year's state meet in 48.06 and looks poised to make a push for the title in his final high school season.

Close on his heels is McKinney North senior Dakalon Tyler, who qualified with a 47.60 and brings big-meet experience to the track. Tyler was third at last year's regional meet and has consistently hovered in the sub-48 range all season. Belton junior Christian Porter (47.85) and El Paso El Dorado's Miguel Chapa (47.88) round out a top four who are separated by less than four-tenths of a second. Both have demonstrated the ability to surge late in races and could be dangerous down the homestretch.

Mansfield Timberview's Brandon Gilmore and Iowa Colony's Ian Hill, both juniors, clocked 47.63 and 48.01 respectively in area and regional meets. Gilmore shares his season best with Chapa and has the consistency and depth from a competitive district to back up his time. Boerne Champion senior Jamarri Bowie (48.04) and Angel Rodriguez (Mission Pioneer) - 48.14 are also in the mix. Rodriguez returns to state after placing eighth in 2024 and brings valuable experience, while Bowie looks to cap off his senior campaign with a podium finish.

Rounding out the field is Richmond Randle's Sean Smith (48.56), who will need a significant drop to contend for a top-three finish, but his progression throughout the season shows promise. 

While Goudeau enters as the favorite based on seed times, the field is deep and tightly packed, setting the stage for one of the most competitive 400-meter finals in recent memory. Whoever claims gold will need to dig deep in the final 100 meters and likely post a sub-47 performance to stand atop the podium.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 300 Meter Hurdles state final is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events in the championship, featuring a deep field of veterans and breakout underclassmen. All will be chasing history as they attempt to challenge the 5A class record of 40.81, set by Sami Gonzalez of Creekview in 2015. While that mark remains a tall order, the top qualifiers have shown the form this season to deliver a sub-42 performance under the right conditions.

Leading the charge is Kailyn Head, a senior from Denton Ryan, who enters with a blistering seed time of 42.40 from the Region I final. Her season-best of 42.12, posted at the McKinney North Bulldog Relays, makes her the clear favorite on paper. Head has been dominant all spring and will look to finish her high school career with her first state gold. Right behind her is Layni Kaase (College Station), another senior with a best of 42.44 this season. Kaase's strength over the final 100 meters makes her a serious threat, especially if the race tightens in the closing stretch.

Aryssa Rodriguez (La Porte)-43.28 and Dariana Luna (McAllen)-43.35 bring experience and consistency to the field. Both seniors qualified out of tough regional competitions and will be looking for a podium finish. Cedar Park junior Addison Simon and Frisco Heritage sophomore Amelia Fair are part of the talented youth movement in this event, each holding season-best marks in the mid-43s. Fair, who ran 43.34 earlier in the year, continues to climb the ranks and is among the most technically proficient hurdlers in the field.

McKinney North junior Teah Walker and Amarillo sophomore Willow Cornell, who both qualified at 43.46, round out a tightly bunched group vying for top-five finishes. Cornell, despite being one of the youngest in the field, has shown poise and race maturity beyond her years. Fort Bend Marshall's Corie Wilmington, only a sophomore, comes in as the ninth qualifier but owns the third-fastest season-best in the field with a 42.97, indicating she could be a dark horse in this year's final if she runs to her potential.

This year's field is noticeably deeper than in 2024, where the winning time was 43.08 by Amaya Glover (Fort Bend Hightower), and several of this year's qualifiers have already surpassed that mark. The experience gap between returning seniors and rising underclassmen promises a dynamic clash of styles and strategies on the track.

With five athletes having clocked under 43.35 this season and several others right on the cusp, the 2025 final could be the fastest 5A 300-meter hurdles race since the Sami Gonzalez era. Whether someone can challenge that historic 40.81 remains to be seen, but the talent pool is as deep as it's been in years. Expect a tight, aggressive race with photo-finish potential-especially if Head or Wilmington find another gear.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 300-Meter Hurdles state championship is poised to deliver a blistering showdown, with a mix of seasoned seniors and hungry underclassmen looking to leave their mark on one of the most demanding events in track and field. While no one in this year's field has yet approached the legendary 35.33 state meet record set by Robert Griffin III in 2007 for Copperas Cove, the talent pool is deep, and the frontrunners are within striking range of a sub-37 performance. Last year's champion, Cameron Bates of Mansfield Timberview, claimed gold in 37.04, but this year's top qualifier could be ready to go even faster.

Leading the field is Ja'Shaun Lloyd, the senior from Corsicana who returns as last year's state runner-up and enters this meet with both the fastest seed time (36.89) and the best mark of the season (36.68) from the Ferris Yellowjacket Invitational. Lloyd has been dominant all spring and carries valuable state meet experience. He's a clear favorite to take the title and potentially flirt with a time under 36.50 if conditions are ideal.

Challenging him will be Dameon Smith of Marshall, who has consistently clocked in the low 37s and brings a season-best of 37.36. Smith's powerful start and smooth hurdle technique give him a legitimate shot at the podium. Right behind him is junior Marteese Williams from White Settelement Brewer, who enters with a 37.53, and has shown remarkable composure under pressure, winning his regional title in style. Ulises Feliz (La Porte)-37.58 and Jamison Lewis of Fort Bend Marshall (37.59) round out a tight top five-all within tenths of each other, setting up what could be one of the closest finishes in recent memory.

Also in contention is Devin Payne (Colleyville Heritage), who brings in a 37.63 mark after a strong regional showing. Aledo's Adam Averett (37.87) and Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial's Temoc Zamora (37.94) have proven they can run well in big meets and could capitalize if any of the favorites falter. Rounding out the qualifiers is Jack Hollimon (Alamo Heights), who has improved steadily through the season and owns a season-best of 38.20. Notably, Hollimon was also a finalist in 2024, placing seventh, and brings that crucial state experience to the line.

This year's final is expected to be much faster than last year's overall, with seven of the nine state qualifiers in 2025 having run under 38 seconds-compared to just four in 2024. With Lloyd and Smith both improving over last season and a tightly packed group chasing them, there's every reason to believe this race could be the fastest since RGIII's iconic run nearly two decades ago.

If Lloyd continues his upward trajectory and can maintain his rhythm through the final 100 meters (he is extremely fast), the 2025 title may be his to lose. But with the next five athletes separated by just 0.10 seconds in seed time, any stumble could open the door for a surprise finish. Expect a high-octane, razor-thin race where execution over the final hurdles will decide who claims gold and who watches from behind.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 200m dash is shaping up to be yet another electric race at the Texas state meet, with a field stacked with raw speed, breakout freshmen, and experienced veterans. While the overall state record of 22.84-set by Killeen's Tiffany Townsend in 2007-still looms large, several athletes in this year's field are inching closer to that elite territory. Leading the charge is Sunmi Akinyeye of Frisco Heritage, whose blistering seed time of 23.52 not only tops the list of qualifiers but also matches the winning time from last year's state final. The junior has emerged as a top sprint force in Texas and enters Austin with a target on her back and gold on her mind.

Right on her heels is Jada Stanford, the seasoned senior from A&M Consolidated. Stanford has quietly put together one of the strongest seasons in the state, clocking a season-best 24.09 at the PVAMU Relays. Her 23.79 seed time makes her a serious contender for the title, and with the experience of state-level pressure, she won't be fazed when the gun fires. Just behind Stanford is Laila Payne of Houston Carnegie Vanguard. Although her season best of 24.45 came under harsh wind conditions (-4.2 m/s), her qualifying time of 23.91 suggests she has another gear that could propel her to a podium finish.

One of the breakout stories of the year is Brooklynn Ford, the Angleton freshman who has forced her way into the conversation with a seed time of 24.11. Despite her youth, Ford has displayed veteran poise in championship settings, running into stiff headwinds and still turning in solid times-including a 24.82 at Region 3 into a -4.0 m/s wind. She shares the same seed time with Nia Trammell of Fort Worth Wyatt, whose 23.74 season-best ranks #1 among all 5A competitors this year. Trammell has consistently been near the top all season and is a major threat to walk away with gold if she hits her peak at the right time.

Also in the hunt is Micah Tucker of Burleson Centennial; she looks to pick up where her sister London Tucker left off last season. Her seed time of 24.05 places her fourth entering the meet, and she'll be hungry to improve on her DNF from last year's final. With redemption as motivation, Tucker could very well shake up the standings. Frisco Emerson's Corrine Purnell comes in with a 24.18 and has been improving throughout the championship season. Daisha Shular (Seguin), who clocks in at 24.24, rounds out the top eight and brings senior experience that could come in handy in a close finish.

Sophia Flores (McAllen) earns the final qualifying spot with a 24.67 and will need to hit a personal best to break into the top five. Nonetheless, state meets often produce breakout performances, and Flores can't be counted out.

With weather expected to be a possible issue and the state title on the line, the 5A Girls 200m could turn into a whatever-it-takes showdown. While the field may not yet boast a 22-second runner to threaten the 2007 state record, the depth and talent are undeniable. Keep an eye on lane assignments and start reactions-this one might come down to a photo finish.

The 2025 UIL Class 5A Boys 200 Meter Dash state championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive sprint showdowns in recent memory, despite the notable absence of back-to-back champion Kendrick Jones Jr., who was unable to advance beyond the regional round. With the reigning champ out of the picture, a new titleholder is guaranteed, and a handful of blazing-fast contenders are poised to stake their claim. The field features nine of the state's top sprinters, all having run sub-22 times, and several with wind-legal or all-conditions marks that rival past champions.

Leading the charge is Justin Stewart (Fort Worth Arlington Heights), whose season best of 20.64 (+3.8) is the fastest in the state this year. He owns the top seed with a region-winning time of 20.72, and has consistently performed under pressure. Stewart's breakout came early at the Texas A&M Bluebonnet Invitational, and his combination of acceleration and top-end speed makes him the man to beat. Right behind him is Davian Groce (Frisco Lone Star), another junior who clocked 20.66 at the Area meet, making him a serious challenger despite his official qualifying seed of 21.16. His upward momentum heading into state cannot be overlooked.

Allen Gant, a senior from Lubbock Coronado, enters with the third-fastest seed time of 21.04, but a wind-aided 20.78 at Regionals proves he's peaking at the right time. With a strong start and powerful stride pattern, Gant could push for the title. Also surging into contention is Jayden Kennedy (Keller Fossil Ridge), who qualified in 21.32, but owns a wind-aided season best of 21.06 (+4.7). Kennedy brings raw strength and a history of strong late-race surges. Another name to watch is sophomore Kaegan Morton (Barbers Hill), one of the youngest in the field, yet showing maturity beyond his years. His qualifying time of 21.32 aligns with his season best of 21.13, showing remarkable consistency.

Sincere Timpson (Randle) and Corsicana's Ty'Shaun Lloyd round out the tightly bunched second tier. Timpson qualified at 21.32 but has a season best that matches, indicating he's already running near his ceiling. Lloyd enters with 21.43, though he hit a wind-aided 21.28 (+4.1) at Regionals, hinting at unleashed potential. Spencer Harvey (Liberty Hill) and Samuel Enriquez (McAllen) round out the finalists, with bests of 21.04 and 21.87, respectively, and will look to shake up the order if any of the top runners falter.

With so many athletes running under 21.10 under various wind conditions, the 2002 Class 5A state meet record of 20.58 (set by Brendan Christian) could come under threat if conditions are favorable. The absence of Kendrick Jones Jr. leaves a power vacuum, and Stewart, Groce, and Gant all have the tools to make history. Expect fireworks in what promises to be a photo-finish final - one where every phase of the race, from the curve to the closing meters, will matter.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 1600m is shaping up to be one of the most competitive distance races at this year's Texas State Championships. With the absence of 2024 champion and 5A class record holder Elizabeth Leachman (4:41.36), the door is wide open for a new champion to emerge, and several contenders are well-positioned to chase the podium-and potentially dip under the 4:50 barrier.

Leading the field is the senior Mia Perez (Smithson Valley), who enters as the top seed with a blazing 4:53.21 from the regional meet. But even more telling is her 4:47.18 personal best at the Texas Relays, making her the fastest 5A miler in the state this season. Perez brings big-race experience and is no stranger to the pressure of a championship setting, placing third in the elite section at Texas Relays-a performance that clearly marks her as the favorite heading into Saturday.

Challenging her will be Eva Cragnolino (Austin LASA), another Texas Relays finalist, who clocked an impressive 4:53.20 at that meet and holds the second-best seasonal time among all qualifiers. Cragnolino's consistency and ability to peak at major meets could prove critical in a tactical championship race. Close behind is Faith Murphy (Austin Anderson), who also ran under 4:56 this year (4:55.45) at Texas Relays and brings veteran savvy as a senior.

McAllen senior Dana Rojas Vazquez, last year's fifth-place finisher, returns with unfinished business. She has run a season-best 4:55.82 and was a strong runner-up in Region 4, showing she can rise in championship settings. Her experience at the state level and ability to close hard in the final lap make her a serious podium threat once again.

One of the most intriguing entrants is sophomore Savanah Moya from New Braunfels. With a season best of 4:59.20, Moya cracked the five-minute barrier at the Region 4 meet and shows great promise as a rising star in Texas distance running. She could be a surprise factor if the pace goes out fast.

Also in the mix are Reese Pena (Lubbock)-4:58.96 SB, Evanna Jacobsen (Midlothian Heritage)-5:04.36, and Molly Garrison of Aledo (5:05.19), all of whom have shown steady progression through the postseason and have the potential to upset the top seeds in a tactical or negative-split race. Camryn Benson rounds out the field; she and any Lovejoy distance runner should never be counted out. She placed sixth in last year's race.

It's worth noting that while no one in this year's field is likely to touch Leachman's 4:41.36 record from 2024, the depth of this year's 5A field is exceptional. Six qualifiers have run 4:55 or faster, and multiple athletes bring sub-5:00 credentials into Mike A. Myers Stadium. The race may come down to who can best handle the heat, the nerves, and the final 400 meters.

With experienced seniors, rising underclassmen, and a wide-open championship window, the 2025 5A Girls 1600m will be a thrilling blend of speed, tactics, and resilience. Expect fireworks over the final lap as Perez looks to confirm her status as the state's best miler, while the rest of the field battles to stake their own claim to history.

Key Observations:

• Perez, Cragnolino, and Murphy have the best seasonal marks but ran significantly slower at regionals-possibly due to tactical racing or weather conditions.

• Rojas Vazquez and Moya both ran their best races at regionals, showing they're peaking at the right time.

• Jacobsen, Garrison, and Benson matched their SBs exactly at regionals, indicating consistency and potential for breakthrough if race conditions are ideal.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 1600m State Championship promises to be one of the most competitive middle-distance races in recent memory, with an exceptionally deep field headlined by returning silver medalist Caden Gary (Lucas Lovejoy). Gary, a senior, enters the state meet with the fastest regional qualifying time of 4:15.54, but more significantly, he boasts a runner-up performance of 4:08.00 from last year's state final - just behind 2024 champion Adam Burlison. With another year of development and tactical experience, Gary has a legitimate shot at chasing the elusive 5A state record of 4:06.14, set in 1967 by Robert Gonzales of Falfurrias.

Hot on his heels will be Diego Romero (El Paso Americas), who holds the fastest time in Texas 5A this season with a blazing 4:13.43 from the Texas Distance Festival. While Romero's regional mark of 4:21.60 was more conservative, it's clear he has championship-level gears when needed. Another athlete to watch is Colby Huntress, a junior from Austin Anderson who clocked a strong 4:14.67 at the Texas Relays - the second-best time among qualifiers. His regional time of 4:18.95 was good for third among qualifiers, signaling both depth and potential for a breakthrough on the big stage.

Rounding out the top contenders is Adrianno Gonzalez (Weslaco East), who posted a 4:17.84 to win Region 4, and Aiden Fitzgerald (Friendswood), whose 4:17.59 at the Bluebonnet Invitational earlier this season shows his ability to mix it up with the best. Both are seniors who could make a podium push if the race goes out tactically. Meanwhile, Charlie Houck (Boerne Champion) and Josh McCartney (Frisco Heritage) sit closely bunched with regional times in the 4:18-4:21 range and season bests under 4:19, suggesting a highly compressed chase pack if the pace slows early.

Also deserving mention are Miles Westbrook (El Paso) and Peyton Snapp (Dayton), both of whom have season bests just above 4:21 and qualified through gritty regional performances. Though not favorites for the win, they could factor into the scoring with a smart, well-timed race.

With five runners under 4:16 this season and several others knocking on the door, the 2025 final could rival the historic depth of last year's race. Whether Gary seeks redemption, Romero goes for glory, or an underdog seizes the moment, fans can expect a tactical, high-stakes battle with a shot at a sub-4:10 finish - and possibly a serious threat to a record that has stood for nearly six decades.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls 4x400m relay final promises to be one of the most competitive and thrilling races of the weekend at Mike A. Myers Stadium. With all eight qualifiers having posted times under 3:54 during the season-and five under 3:50-the event is shaping up to be a showdown of depth, speed, and strategic anchor legs.

Iowa Colony enters as the top seed with a blistering time of 3:45.11, clocked at the Region 3 Championship. This mark is faster than the 2024 state title-winning time by Lancaster (3:45.38) and firmly places Iowa Colony in the championship conversation. Led by seniors Adriana Murry and Hannah Young, alongside juniors Mariah Samarco and Ashtyn Lewis, this quartet has proven they can dominate both early and late legs. With depth coming from athletes like Hailee Green and Bailee Wilturner, Iowa Colony's relay pool is among the strongest in the field.

Right on their heels is Fort Bend Marshall, who qualified out of Region 3 with a 3:46.13. Featuring an impressive blend of youth and experience-including standout freshman Megan Thomas, sophomores Corie Wilmington and Alaya Steward, along with senior Brianna Brinkley-Marshall's squad will be a serious threat, especially given their history of peaking at the state level. They were fourth last year in 3:47.01, but this year's group is even younger and faster.

Smithson Valley returns to the state meet with a vengeance, having taken third in 2024 (3:46.47) and qualifying this year with a 3:48.47 from Region 4. Anchored by seniors Avianna Miller and Mia Perez, and featuring underclassmen talent like Izabella Sutherland and Addison Briscoe, Smithson Valley is both experienced and hungry for redemption.

Midlothian, the Region 2 runner-up, clocked a season-best 3:47.98 at the Area 15/16 meet, showing that they can produce fast times outside of the regional spotlight. With seniors Mallory McLemore and Oreoluwa Odenike leading the way, Midlothian has a strong shot at the podium if they can replicate that sub-3:48 performance on the state stage.

Corsicana and Lucas Lovejoy are separated by just fractions of a second-Corsicana qualified with a 3:49.11 and Lovejoy with a 3:49.75-and both teams are capable of mixing it up in the middle of the pack. Lovejoy finished as the 2024 state runner-up (3:46.05) with returning legs like Mia Reaugh and Cailee Horinek still in the lineup, meaning they carry valuable state meet experience into this race.

McAllen, representing Region 4, brings a gritty, experienced team that ran 3:50.46 at regionals. Though they finished 9th in last year's final, they've improved significantly and could threaten for a top-five finish if their exchanges and anchor leg stay sharp. Amarillo, the Region 1 champion, rounds out the field with a qualifying time of 3:52.33, featuring a core led by senior Sierra Cornell. While they were 8th in last year's state meet (3:55.31), their improvement suggests they could surprise the field.

Notably, the state record of 3:40.41, set by Lancaster in 2008, seems safe for another year, but the front-end talent could threaten sub-3:44 territory if the race unfolds aggressively.

With six teams posting times faster than last year's state-winning time and multiple squads loaded with returners, the 2025 5A Girls 4x400m final has all the ingredients of a classic. Iowa Colony and Fort Bend Marshall appear poised to duel for gold, but don't count out Lovejoy, Smithson Valley, or Midlothian-each capable of running under 3:48 on the right day.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys 4x400m relay state championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events of the meet, with a deep field of contenders and multiple teams showing championship-caliber form throughout the season. Leading the charge is Iowa Colony, the only team to dip under 3:13 this year, clocking an outstanding 3:12.55 at the Region 3 meet. With standout legs from the likes of Antoine Martin Jr. and Jeremy Garner, Iowa Colony has the depth, youth, and top-end speed to challenge not only for the gold but perhaps even flirt with the long-standing 5A state meet record of 3:10.78, set by Austin Reagan in 2003.

An obvious missing piece is perennial qualifier Fort Bend Marshall, who posted a season-best 3:13.03 earlier in the year at the Klein Relays but didn't make the final through the regional gauntlet. Their absence opens the door for other contenders like McKinney North, who returns as the defending 2024 champions with a season best of 3:16.86 and a seed time of 3:17.53. Although they're not the top seed, McKinney North has proven they can deliver when it matters most, with senior anchor Dakalon Tyler leading the charge once again. With state title experience on their side, they can't be overlooked.

Mansfield Timberview is another major threat. Their 3:14.40 area performance ranks them third among season bests and they bring back most of the squad that earned silver in 2024 with a 3:15.95. With explosive athletes like Nye'gil Wright and Brandon Gilmore, Timberview is loaded with mid-47 potential on the anchor and could be peaking at the right time.

Marshall (3:16.32 SB) and Port Arthur Memorial (3:16.55 SB) round out a strong top five, both with deep relay history and capable anchors. Memorial, in particular, brings back key legs from last year's fifth-place finish and looked smooth advancing out of Region 3. They've been consistent all season and are always dangerous come May in Austin.

McAllen, the Region 4 champion with a 3:15.57 seed time, is a bit of a wildcard. They've raced primarily in the southern part of the state and have a younger lineup that includes freshman Aidas Sakalys, but their winning form at regionals suggests they're peaking. Similarly, San Antonio Wagner (3:17.40 seed, 3:17.40 SB) brings a veteran squad with four seniors and could make a surprise push into the top four with the right race.

Several other teams, like Aledo, Seguin, and McKinney North, have similar seed and season-best times, all hovering around the 3:17-3:18 range. This depth suggests that the battle for medals will come down to minor handoff execution and anchor leg composure.

If the weather is right and the field stays tight through 1200m, don't be surprised if this year's final produces multiple sub-3:15 teams, with the potential to see the fastest time in over a decade. The 5A record is likely out of reach, but a time in the low 3:12s could be enough for gold-and any slip-up from the leaders could swing the door wide open for hungry veterans like McKinney North or Mansfield Timberview to seize the moment.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls Discus State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with a deep field of returning athletes, rising stars, and big throws already logged this season. Leading the way is Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated sophomore Brielle Lawson, who enters as the top seed with a season-best of 150-0, a massive improvement from her 9th place finish as a freshman in 2024 where she threw 112-1. Lawson has clearly emerged as a future star in Texas high school throws, and her mark puts her within striking distance of the 5A state meet record of 175-8 set by Madeleine Fey just two years ago.

Right behind her is Esenam Hussey of Denton Ryan, who comes in with a best of 140-6 and brings valuable state-level experience. With her consistency and composure under pressure, Hussey is poised to challenge for a top-three finish, especially with 2024 silver medalist Olamide Ayeni having graduated. Another serious contender is Kennedy Haynes (Fort Worth South Hills), a senior with a season best of 141-10. Her powerful and smooth technique helped her dominate the Area 07/08 meet, and she could be a dark horse to take the title if she peaks at the right time.

Lauren DeLaGarza (Donna) and Maggie Marhefka (Amarillo Tascosa) are two juniors to watch. Both have surpassed the 130-foot mark this year, with DeLaGarza at 136-8 and Marhefka at 135-5, showing they can consistently deliver high marks. DeLaGarza, in particular, has impressed in the Rio Grande Valley circuit, winning the RGVCA Meet of Champions, and will look to make a splash in her first state appearance.

Also in the mix is returning state finalist Courtney Daniel (Kingwood Park), who placed 6th in 2024 with a throw of 128-9. She's back as a senior with a slightly improved mark of 132-10 this season and has the experience of being under the bright lights at Mike A. Myers Stadium. She'll be looking to improve on last year's finish and end her high school career on the podium.

Rounding out the field are Sophia Gonzalez (Harlingen South)-131-7, Carly Fendley (Crandall)-128-11, and Latiana Gipson (Dallas South Oak Cliff)-128-10, , all of whom have shown steady progress this year and could sneak into scoring positions with a personal-best effort.

With no returning state medalists in the field and a crop of new talent emerging, the 2025 final will be wide open. If Lawson can replicate or exceed her 150-foot throw, she'll be difficult to beat. But in a field this deep, one well-timed PR from anyone in the top six could shift the podium entirely. Expect a tense, high-level showdown between youth and experience for the 5A discus crown.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys Discus State Championship promises to be one of the most competitive events of the meet, featuring an elite field with power throwers from across Texas. At the top of the leaderboard is CJ Williams (Frisco Heritage), the returning silver medalist from the 2024 state meet where he threw 184-10. In 2025, Williams has upped his game with a seed mark of 194-04 and a season best of 201-8, marking him as a top contender to challenge the longstanding 5A state record of 200-9 set by Adam Guthrie in 1996.

Hot on his heels is Kyen Purser (Midlothian), who finished fourth last year with a mark of 178-11 but enters this year's state meet with the top throw in Texas 5A this season-a massive 201-8 at the District 15 meet. Purser's upward trajectory and experience from last year make him a serious threat not just for the gold, but potentially for the all-time record.

Justin Bordelon, a rising sophomore from Liberty Hill, has emerged as a breakout star with a 2025 best of 185-1, matching his state qualifying throw and positioning him well for a podium run. He'll face stiff competition from Derek Thompson (Sharyland Pioneer) season best 189-10 and Matthew Udemba (Colleyville Heritage)-186-5, both of whom have been consistent performers this season and are capable of 180+ foot throws on any given day.

Jackson Grantham (Friendswood) and John Michael Martin (Lucas Lovejoy) bring in season bests of 175-10 and 175-4 respectively and could push into medal contention if the top-tier throwers falter. Rounding out the field are Kenneth Osteen, a freshman phenom from Amarillo with a throw of 165-9 this season, and Alec Kripple (Humble Kingwood Park)-152-11, who will be looking to rise above his seed and gain valuable state meet experience.

With four competitors already having surpassed 185 feet this season and several more within striking distance, the 2025 5A boys discus could come down to who handles the pressure best. If conditions are right and the competitors are locked in, fans could witness not only one of the deepest fields in recent years-but potentially a new state record. Will Purser or Williams rise above and etch their names into Texas high school track and field history? The ring will tell.

As the 2025 UIL 5A Girls High Jump State Championship approaches, the field is stacked with top-tier talent and a mix of experienced seniors and rising underclassmen. Leading the charge is Niomi Wines, a senior from Lubbock-Cooper, who enters the meet as the top performer this season with a remarkable clearance of 5-10 at the Area 03 & 04 meet. Wines also claimed the 2024 state title and has shown incredible consistency and competitive poise throughout the year, making her the clear favorite to repeat.

Challenging her at the top is Kchazney Beamon (Mesquite Poteet), who has matched a 5-9 season best-tied for second overall in Texas this year-and placed fourth at state last year as a sophomore. Her regional title-winning jump last week proved she's peaking at the right time. Fellow Lubbock-Cooper senior Brentley Preston has also hit 5-8 this season and brings critical postseason experience after finishing third at state last year.

Another strong contender is Avah Marcozzi, a promising sophomore from Cleburne who has soared to a personal best of 5-8, showing both poise and potential for a breakthrough performance. Also clearing 5-8 this season is Emmanuella Okolo (Leander Glenn), whose early-season form established her as a consistent force in central Texas meets.

Caroline Peterson (Comal Pieper) enters tied for the second-best seed mark at 5-06, but her season best of 5-7 and runner-up finish at state last year affirm her readiness for a podium return. Hannah Berry (Dallas Hillcrest) and Layni Kaase (College Station) round out the top eight qualifiers, both having cleared 5-5 or higher this season and showing consistency throughout the championship rounds. The youngster, freshman Madyson Ladd (Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill) qualified with a 5-4 clearance at the Region 3-5A meet.

Looking historically, these girls are still chasing a legendary mark: the UIL 5A state record of 6-02, set by Amy Acuff in 1992. While that bar remains elite, the current field's depth and competition level offer the potential for dramatic jumps and perhaps a flirt with the 6-foot barrier.

With multiple athletes having cleared 5-8 or better this season and a strong group sitting close behind at 5-6 to 5-7, this year's final promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent history. All eyes will be on whether Wines can hold off a surging pack-or if a rising star like Beamon, Marcozzi, or Okolo will leap to the top under the pressure of the biggest stage in Texas high school track and field.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys High Jump state championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, featuring a deep field of elite jumpers, headlined by Nacogdoches junior Micah Lockett. Lockett enters as the overwhelming favorite, having cleared an eye-popping 7-1 at the Area 09 & 10 meet - the best mark in Texas this season and just a half inch shy of the 5A state meet record of 7-1.75, set by Bradford Jennings in 2023. Lockett, who finished fourth in last year's final with a 6-4, has made a dramatic leap in performance and now appears poised to etch his name into the record books.

Close on his heels is Brody Garcia, an 11th-grader from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, who has twice cleared 6-10 this season. Garcia placed third at the 2024 state meet with a 6-6 clearance and has been remarkably consistent all spring, showing the form and poise of a seasoned veteran. His teammate, senior Andrew Brown, also returns to the state meet after a breakout season that included a 6-8 personal best and a 6-7 qualifying mark - making CC Veterans Memorial the only school with two jumpers in the field.

Another key contender is Kaiden Eikelboom (West Mesquite), whose season best of 6-8 ties him with Brown and matches his area-winning performance. The senior will be looking to build on that success at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Meanwhile, Chester Creery (Amarillo Tascosa) and Trenton Garces (Corpus Christi Flour Bluff) both cleared 6-6 at their regional meets and possess the experience and form to push for the podium.

The field also includes several rising underclassmen, such as Michah Carter, a sophomore from Hendrickson who cleared 6-4 to win Region 3, and Braylen Hunter (College Station A&M Consolidated), who punched his ticket with a 6-2 effort at Region 3. Jermey Morrison (Lubbock High) rounds out the field, entering with a best of 6-6 and strong late-season momentum.

With Lockett's high-flying 7-1 leading the way, the bar is literally set high. The depth of 6-6+ jumpers across the state and the potential for multiple athletes to break the 6-10 barrier make this year's 5A high jump final a must-watch event. Will Lockett challenge the 5A state record? Or will Garcia, Eikelboom, or another contender rise to the occasion? Fans can expect drama, elite performances, and perhaps even history in the making.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls Long Jump field is stacked with top-tier athletes, headlined by McKinney North senior Ryhan Balous, who enters as the top qualifier with a mark of 20-02.00. Balous, the defending state champion, came just shy of the all-time 5A state meet record of 20-10.25 set by Chandi Jones in 2000. Her consistent ability to jump near or over 20 feet makes her the clear favorite. Balous won last year's title with a wind-legal 19-11.25, and her current season-best indicates she's peaking perfectly heading into Austin.

Following closely is Cayley Beaumont (Frisco Liberty), whose 19-02.75 jump places her second among qualifiers. Beaumont has the experience and explosiveness to challenge Balous if she can find her rhythm early in the series. Not far behind is Lauren Carrothers, a rising sophomore from Prosper Walnut Grove, who has surprised many with her mark of 19-02.50. Her youth and upside add intrigue-she could be a future champion getting an early taste of the spotlight.

The middle of the pack is tightly contested, with Aniyah Harrison-Stewart (Keller Fossil Ridge)-19-01.25, Endia Stigall (Buda Hays)-19-01.00, and Lily Muzzy (Georgetown)-19-00.00, all within inches of each other. Stigall's regional performance didn't match her early-season mark of 17-6.63, but her 19-foot qualifying jump suggests she's found her form. Muzzy, who placed eighth at last year's state meet, owns the best recorded wind-legal mark among all qualifiers this season (18-8.41 at the Bluebonnet Invitational) and could be a dark horse to sneak into the top three.

Also returning to state is Dariana Luna (McAllen), whose 18-08.25 makes her a legitimate finals contender. Khai Davis (Denton Ryan) and Maggie Haywood (Bastrop) round out the field with solid marks of 18-04.75 and 18-04.25, respectively. Both have shown consistency and could capitalize if any of the frontrunners falter.

Overall, this year's competition looks poised to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With four athletes over 19 feet and another three just behind, it may take a 19-6 or better to secure a medal-and possibly something close to the record for gold. All eyes will be on Ryhan Balous, but in a field this deep, anything can happen on championship day.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys Long Jump is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events at this year's state meet, featuring a deep and talented field led by senior standout Zayden Sharp (Austin Anderson). Sharp enters the meet with a state-leading mark of 25-4, the best in Texas this season and just two inches shy of the 5A state meet record of 25-6, set in 2001 by Howard Jackson of Brazosport. As the only jumper to clear the 25-foot barrier this year, Sharp is the overwhelming favorite, but he'll face a field full of capable challengers.

One of the top contenders is Cordial Vann (Frisco Heritage), who jumped 24-4 to win his area meet and is seeded sixth. Vann has surged late in the season and is the only other qualifier with a mark over 24 feet at the state level; he in fact has jumps over 25-feet in his career. His consistency and ability to hit big jumps under pressure make him a serious medal threat.

Grant Richardson (Montgomery)-23-3.75 and Xavier Bellard (Iowa Colony)-23-5 season best are seeded second and third, respectively, and both bring experience and explosive leaping ability. 

Christopher Kirk (Mission), a consistent performer with a 23-2.25 season best, sits at fourth in the seedings. Kirk has quietly flown under the radar but could be a podium surprise if he finds his rhythm early in the series. Just behind him are Aaron Brooks (Richland) and Omari Johnson (Chisholm Trail), both of whom have season bests just over 23 feet and have shown solid progression throughout the championship phase.

Maxim Mingo (Carrollton Smith), the only junior in the field besides Brooks, enters with a seed mark of 22-8 but owns a 23-1 season best. He'll need to find a personal best to contend for a medal, but his trajectory suggests he's peaking at the right time. Cole Tavarez (New Braunfels) rounds out the field and will be looking to improve on his 22-2.75 qualifying mark with a breakout performance on the big stage.

Looking back at the 2024 results, none of last year's medalists return, opening the door for a new wave of jumpers to take the spotlight. Last year's winning mark was 23-0 by then-sophomore Kendric Jones Jr., highlighting the importance of timing and wind conditions. With Sharp already exceeding last year's winning mark by over two feet this season, and several others clustered in the 23- to 24-foot range, the 2025 final could see some of the best jumping in recent memory.

With one eye on the podium and another on the record books, all signs point to a thrilling showdown in the long jump pit at Mike A. Myers Stadium. Will Zayden Sharp etch his name in history, or will an underdog soar to state glory?

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls Pole Vault state championship promises to be one of the most competitive and tightly contested events of the meet, featuring a loaded field of vaulters all capable of clearing high bars under pressure. Headlining the group is Tristen Grimes, a junior from Gregory-Portland who enters with a top seed of 12-06.00. Grimes is no stranger to the state stage, having finished second at last year's meet with a 12-09.00 clearance. Her championship experience and season-best mark of 12-6 at the Region IV meet position her as a strong title contender.

Matching Grimes at the top is Peyton Berry (Argyle), a senior whose consistency and peak form this spring make her equally dangerous. Berry also boasts a 12-06.00 clearance this season, achieved at the Max Goldsmith Relays, and will be hungry for redemption after a disappointing 11-00.00 clearance in last year's state finals, where she placed ninth. Argyle teammate Dylan Wyrick, just a sophomore, has shown rapid improvement, posting a 12-00 mark at the Area 05/06 meet. She could play a critical spoiler role in the medal race and help Argyle place multiple athletes in the top five.

One of the most intriguing names in the field is Emma Ralph, a freshman from Aledo who has already vaulted 12-00.00 in her first year of high school competition. Ralph is poised to carry on Aledo's strong pole vault tradition, following in the footsteps of 2023 bronze medalist Taylor Hindman. Another young standout, Sofia Mitschke, a sophomore from Smithson Valley, also enters with a season-best of 12-06.00, tying for the highest clearance in Texas 5A this year. Her performance at the New Braunfels Unicorn Invitational signaled her arrival as a legitimate podium threat.

Several returning qualifiers add depth and experience to this field. Abigail Rydberg (Lake Belton), who placed seventh at state in 2024 with a clearance of 11-06.00, returns with a new personal best of 12-00.00. Her consistency and previous finals experience give her an edge over many of the younger competitors. Likewise, Emilee Smith (Kingwood Park)-11-06.00 SB, and Juliette Terry (Frisco)-11-07.25 SB have both shown they can compete at a high level, making them dark horses for top-five finishes. Ryleigh Shulse (College Station A&M Consolidated) also qualified by clearing the 11-3 bar.

The competition will also take aim at the 5A classification record of 13-09.25, set by Alexandra Harber of McKinney North in 2023. While no vaulter in this year's field has yet cleared that height, several have the technical proficiency and upward trajectory to challenge the 13-foot mark with the right conditions and momentum.

Ultimately, the 2025 girls 5A pole vault could come down to first-attempt makes and mental toughness under pressure. With a half-dozen vaulters clearing 12 feet or more this season, it will be a high-stakes battle where medals could be decided by the slimmest of margins. Look for a possible repeat podium appearance from Grimes, a potential breakout from Ralph or Mitschke, and a redemption story from Berry. This event is not just stacked with talent-it's primed for drama.

As the UIL 5A Boys Pole Vault championship approaches, anticipation is sky-high for what promises to be one of the most competitive and talent-packed events of the meet. With the long-standing state record of 17-6.50, set by Sage Thames of Wolfforth Frenship in 2000, still intact, several vaulters in the 2025 field are poised to make a legitimate run at history. This year's qualifiers not only bring high seed marks but also recent season-best performances that suggest this could be one of the deepest vault fields in recent memory.

Leading the pack is Gator Young, a senior from Argyle who enters with a season-best of 17-2, just shy of the state record. Young has shown remarkable consistency throughout the season and is peaking at the right time. He was runner-up at last year's meet and has unfinished business in Austin. With his eyes set on gold-and perhaps the record-Young will be the vaulter to beat.

Close on his heels is Parker Brown (Leander Rouse), who cleared 16-6 this season and brings both experience and momentum. Brown's teammate, Caden O'Hara, has also vaulted 16-6 in 2025 and placed seventh at last year's state meet. Their dual presence gives Leander Rouse a powerful one-two punch and a legitimate shot at placing both athletes on the podium.

Braylon Brown (Aledo) is another strong contender, having matched the 16-6 mark this season. Brown placed third in the 2024 state finals and is looking to climb even higher this year. Meanwhile, Ryder Harrison, just a junior from Gregory-Portland, was the state runner-up last year and has upped his personal best to 16-0 this season. His consistency and big-meet poise make him a major threat.

Rounding out the 15-foot-plus club are Bryce Gerbasich (Humble Kingwood Park), Joseph DeWolfe (Carrollton Creekview), Connor Skopik (Lake Creek), and Matthew Harber (McKinney North), all of whom cleared 15-0 this season. Each vaulter has proven capable of rising to the occasion, and any could surprise with a podium finish if the favorites falter.

Notably absent from the state lineup is Eric Rose of Leander Glenn, who boasts a 2025 season-best of 17-6-above the current state record. Despite being the top performer statewide this year, he did not qualify for state, a reminder of how grueling the regional paths to Austin can be.

The 2024 medalists, including returning athletes Harrison, Braylon Brown, and O'Hara, add a layer of experience to an already elite group. With six qualifiers over 15-6 and four athletes having cleared 16-6 or better this year, this competition has all the makings of a historic showdown. If conditions are favorable, we may witness the first serious challenge to Sage Thames' 25-year-old record. Regardless of the final result, the 2025 5A pole vault final is set to deliver one of the most exciting and high-flying battles in Texas track and field this year.

The 2025 UIL 5A Girls Shot Put state final is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested field events of the meet. Leading the pack is Courtney Daniel (Kingwood Park), who returns for her senior year after placing third in the state last year with a throw of 45-5.75. Daniel enters as the top returning finalist and one of only two athletes in the field to surpass the 46-foot mark this season, unleashing a season-best 46-4 at the Texas Relays. With experience, poise, and consistency, Daniel will be a strong favorite to reach the podium again-this time with gold in her sights.

However, the top seed based on season-best marks is Briana Davis, the sophomore from Red Oak, who threw a stunning 47-10.5 to win the Area 15/16 meet. Davis placed fourth in the state as a freshman in 2024 with a mark of 45-1.25 and has clearly leveled up in 2025. Her performance this season places her just seven inches shy of breaking into the all-time UIL elite tier. If she maintains form, Davis has a legitimate shot to become the next state champion-and potentially challenge the 50-foot barrier in future seasons.

Another rising star to watch is Brielle Lawson, the sophomore from Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated. She claimed second at Regionals with a strong 45-10, and after a fifth-place finish in last year's state meet (42-00), she now returns more polished and powerful. Lawson has consistently thrown in the mid-40s this season and could be a spoiler if the top two falter.

Ava Rushing (Plainview) and Kaitlyn Kilgore (Gregory-Portland) come in with nearly identical season bests of 43-8, marking them as contenders for a podium finish. Both juniors have shown steady improvement this year and placed in the top 4 at their respective area meets. Kilgore, who finished ninth in the 2024 final, has gained two feet in distance this season, demonstrating significant growth in power and technique.

Also in the mix is Sophia Gonzalez (Harlingen South), who reached a season best of 42-2.75 at the RGVCA MOC Finals. Her seed mark of 41-00.50 ranks her fifth among qualifiers, but her upward momentum this spring could position her for a personal best when it counts.

Rounding out the qualifiers are Alyssa Smith (Fort Worth Wyatt), Ava Rahlfs (Amarillo), and Jakeira Crow (Dallas Adams), all of whom have topped the 40-foot mark this year. While their seed marks put them slightly behind the top-tier throwers, a clutch performance could lift any of them into medal contention.

This field includes five athletes who have thrown 45 feet or more in 2025, highlighting the event's growing depth and competitiveness. While Michelle Carter's legendary state record of 54-10.75 from 2003 remains out of reach for now, this year's finalists continue to push the standard forward. The 2025 championship could very well be decided by inches, with a handful of athletes capable of rising to the top on the big stage in Austin.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys Shot Put state championship is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested field events of the meet, with several throwers entering the competition having exceeded the 60-foot mark this season-a benchmark that separates contenders from the rest of the field. Leading the charge is CJ Williams (Frisco Heritage), who boasts the best throw in the state this year with a season-best mark of 64-8, recorded at the Area 11 & 12 meet. Williams was the state runner-up in 2024 as a sophomore, where he threw 60-3.75, and his impressive improvement in 2025 has him primed for a state title run.

Right on his heels is Derek Thompson, another junior, from Mission Sharyland Pioneer. Thompson comes in with a nearly identical top throw of 64-4, achieved at the Region 4 championship-just inches behind Williams. While Thompson has the top seed mark entering state, Williams' superior season best sets the stage for a thrilling rematch. The two throwers are expected to push each other past the 65-foot mark and perhaps flirt with the long-standing 5A state record of 66-11.50, set by Lucas Mireles in 2002.

Veteran experience will also be a factor with Midlothian senior Kyen Purser, who owns a season best of 62-10.75, set early at the Cedar Hill Opener. Purser placed fourth in last year's state final with a throw of 58-11.25, and his consistent progression makes him a legitimate podium threat. Similarly, Travis Buhake (Mansfield Summit), the 2024 bronze medalist with a toss of 59-11, will miss this year's field but had the fourth-best mark in the state this season at 61-10, showing the depth of competition Purser had to overcome this season.

Two more contenders to watch include sophomore phenom Jackson Kerth (Kerrville Tivy), whose 61-8.5 at the Charles Austin Classic ranks him fifth statewide, and Kristopher Perez (Edinburg Vela), who placed sixth at state in 2024 and enters with a season best of 59-5.75, achieved at the Texas Relays. Kerth, just a sophomore, shows incredible potential with top-tier marks already and could be the wildcard of the competition.

The remaining finalists-Jackson Grantham (Friendswood), Dakoda Dement (Kingwood Park), Aaron Phares (Amarillo Tascosa), and Sione Vaea (Lubbock-Cooper)-round out a deep field, all having cleared 54 feet or more. Grantham and Dement, in particular, have hovered near the 59-foot line, making them dangerous dark horses if they find rhythm early in the series.

With six athletes throwing over 58 feet this season and two above 64, the 2025 5A Boys Shot Put final has the potential to be one of the most competitive in recent history. All eyes will be on Williams and Thompson to battle for gold, but with Purser, Kerth, and Perez in top form, a single throw could shuffle the podium dramatically. If conditions align, fans may even witness a new meet or classification record fall.

As the 2025 UIL 5A Girls Triple Jump State Championship approaches, a highly competitive and deep field is set to challenge for the title and perhaps push toward Jasmine Moore's legendary class record of 43-04.75, set back in 2017. Leading the charge is Lily Muzzy, the senior from Georgetown, who enters the meet with a nation-class seed mark of 41-10.75, placing her just shy of Moore's historic mark. Muzzy, who won last year's title with a jump of 41-06.25 (-1.6), is peaking at the right time and will look to defend her crown with another big performance. Her consistent improvement throughout the season and proven ability to deliver under pressure make her the favorite coming into Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Not far behind is Endia Stigall, the junior from Buda Hays, seeded second at 40-06.25. However, her season-best performance came early in the year at 37-1.67 (-3.2), which suggests she'll need to recapture that early-season form-or exceed it-to contend for gold. In contrast, Lauren Carrothers, a sophomore from Prosper Walnut Grove, has posted a season-best of 40-03.25, putting her right in the mix as a breakout candidate with legitimate podium hopes in only her second year of high school competition.

Another name to watch closely is Aniyah Harrison-Stewart of Keller Fossil Ridge. A senior with a personal best of 39-11.25 (-2.4) achieved at regionals, Harrison-Stewart has proven she can go toe-to-toe with the best, particularly in less-than-ideal wind conditions. She's poised for a strong finish to her high school career and may have the upside to leap into the 40-foot range when it matters most.

Rounding out the top half of the field is Kiana Lanton from Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, whose qualifying mark of 39-10.50 is offset slightly by a wind-legal season best of just 35-4.75 (-1.3). This discrepancy leaves questions about consistency, but if she returns to top form, she's a wild card threat for a top-three finish. Right on her heels are Dorie Davis (Mansfield Summit)-39-03.00 seed, 39-03.00 SB and Caitlyn Johnson (Frisco Emerson)-39-02.00 seed, both of whom have shown steady progress and could capitalize on any slip-ups from the top seeds.

Jordan Morgan (Midlothian) and Egypt Tyler (Randle) round out the field, both with qualifying marks over 38 feet. Tyler, just a sophomore, owns a season-best of 36-11 (0.0) and represents the future of the event, while Morgan's mark of 39-01.50 puts her within striking distance of a top-five finish if she can reproduce it.

This year's field may not yet have a 43-foot jumper like Jasmine Moore, but with six athletes seeded over 39 feet and multiple capable of pushing past 40, the 2025 final promises to be one of the deepest and most exciting in recent memory. With the defending champion Muzzy at the helm, the rest of the field will have to deliver lifetime bests to challenge her-and based on the talent assembled, that's not out of the question.

The 2025 UIL 5A Boys Triple Jump State Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and talent-rich events of the meet, with multiple athletes pushing toward the rare 50-foot barrier-and even eyeing the long-standing state meet record of 51-11.75, set in 2002 by Jaimoy Bryant of Jasper. Headlining the field is Jayden Thrower, a senior from Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill, who enters with the top qualifying mark of 50-4, set at the Region 3 meet. Thrower, who finished as the 2024 5A champion with a winning jump of 47-07, has improved significantly over the past year and now sits just under two feet shy of the 5A state record. With consistently strong series marks and the most explosive jump in Texas this year, he is the clear favorite and will command the attention of every spectator.

However, the road to gold won't be uncontested. Mar'qua'vian Rider, a junior from McKinney North, is the only other competitor this year to surpass 48 feet, posting a mark of 48-6 to win Area 9/10. Rider's combination of raw speed and pop off the board makes him a legitimate threat, especially if he can peak at the right time. Meanwhile, DJ Seaborn (Liberty Hill), another junior, jumped 48-2.25 at Region 4 and brings state meet experience, having placed fourth in 2024 with a best of 45-10. Seaborn is steady and consistent, and if he can find one big jump, he'll be firmly in medal contention.

Rounding out the top tier is Ake O'Neal, a sophomore from Argyle, who reached 47-9.75 with a slight headwind (-0.2), showing he has room to grow. The sophomore class is well-represented again with Dayjon Jamison (Texarkana Texas) and Ethan Palmer (Comal Pieper) both hitting 47-8 at their regional meets. Palmer, a senior, will be aiming to finish his high school career on the podium, while Jamison-only a sophomore-could be laying the foundation for future dominance in the event.

Dark horses in the field include Andre Washington (Abilene Wylie)-46-10.5, Keavon Roberts (Port Arthur Memorial)-46-4, albeit wind-aided at +5.1, and Kannon Williams (College Station A&M Consolidated)-46-3.75. Each has the talent to crack the top five if they can produce a personal best at the right moment.

With half the field already over 47 feet this season and several more knocking on the door, the 2025 competition could be the deepest in recent 5A history. While Thrower appears poised to defend his title and potentially chase the elusive 51-foot mark, the depth of young talent, including several underclassmen, guarantees an exciting showdown at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.