TAPPS Championships Recap: Boys 800m

We're excited to continue rolling out our TAPPS Championship recaps. We acknowledge we're a few weeks behind, as our team was called on to provide additional coverage for state championships in neighboring states immediately following the first weekend in May.

The 2025 TAPPS 1A Boys 800m final was a commanding showcase of endurance and front-running dominance by David Salas of San Angelo Cornerstone Christian. The senior, already an established distance force with a gold in the 1600m (4:28.98), executed a bold race strategy from the gun and never relinquished control, cruising to the win in a swift 1:58.91. Salas was the only runner under two minutes, and his performance not only secured his second individual title of the meet but underscored his supremacy in the 1A middle-distance scene.

Behind Salas, Tino Valentino Beacom-Casas of Angleton Christian battled well to claim silver in 2:04.78. The sophomore showed strong closing speed and poise, moving up steadily after the first lap to separate from the chasing pack. It was a breakout performance on the state stage for Beacom-Casas, hinting at a bright future ahead.

Rounding out the podium was Joshua Oban of Austin Classical School in 2:05.50. Oban was also a dual-event standout, having claimed silver in the 1600m earlier in the meet (4:42.49). Though just off his 2024 800m mark of 2:09.61, Oban's consistent presence near the front in both races demonstrated his endurance and racing instincts.

Returning state medalist Tyler Sturdivan of Texoma Christian placed fourth in 2:11.02, a strong finish to a busy weekend that included a fifth-place showing in the 1600m (5:12.53). Sturdivan improved on his 2024 800m silver time of 2:09.43 and remained among the most reliable distance contributors in TAPPS 1A.

Also notable were Conrad Murrell of Spring Founders Christian and Caleb Beauregard of Regents Academy, who placed sixth and seventh, respectively, each contributing solid efforts in a field that featured multiple experienced cross-country and long-distance athletes. With a fast early pace set by Salas, the race quickly became a test of who could hang on through the final 200 meters.

This year's 800m final marked a shift from the tightly packed finishes of 2024. Salas' sub-2:00 effort set him apart from the field and confirmed his status as one of TAPPS 1A's most complete distance runners, closing his high school career with a championship double that will be remembered for both its tactical precision and sheer strength.

The 2025 TAPPS 2A Boys 800m Championship delivered a thrilling finish and highlighted the rise of several young middle-distance talents. Atticus Giere, a junior from Fort Worth Bethesda, claimed gold in a tightly contested race, clocking 2:04.31 to narrowly edge out Roman Martinez of Amarillo Ascension Academy, who finished second in 2:04.54. Giere improved significantly from last year's meet, where his teammate Bennett Giere placed fourth, and he stepped into the spotlight with a decisive closing surge in the final stretch.

Martinez wasn't done for the day-he returned later in the meet and proved his endurance by placing second in the 1600m, running 4:43.06. That double effort underlined his strength as a rising sophomore and one of TAPPS 2A's most promising all-around distance runners. In the 800m, Lucas Higgins, a freshman from Lubbock Southcrest Christian, made an impressive state debut, placing third in 2:05.49, just behind the lead duo in what was a tactical and evenly paced race.

Kalen Clark of Kingdom Preparatory Academy, a top-five finisher from the 2024 800m final, returned to run 2:08.54 for fourth place, showing consistency and growth as an upperclassman. Further down the results, Aaron Flores of Chinquapin Prep, one of only a few athletes in the field to qualify for both the 800m and 1600m finals, placed fifth in 2:11.27 and later finished seventh in the 1600m in 5:15.42, adding another solid state-level performance to his resume.

Brazosport Christian had a notable presence with two runners-Mason Speed (6th in 2:12.79) and Garrett Jones (9th in 2:18.55)-competing in the 800m. Their teammate Kane Knighton also placed fourth in the 400m later in the day with a time of 53.20, contributing to a busy meet for the program.

While the 2024 championship saw winning times dip into the low 2:00s, the 2025 edition showcased a more strategic affair, with a younger, developing field vying for podium spots. With Giere returning next season and several sophomores and freshmen breaking through this year, the 800m promises an exciting outlook heading into 2026.

The 2025 TAPPS 3A Boys 800m Championship was a showcase of young talent and program dominance, as Providence Classical claimed the top two spots in a commanding display of mid-distance depth. Elijah Zuniga, just a sophomore, surged late to win the title with a time of 1:59.32, breaking the two-minute barrier and delivering on his strong form throughout the season. Just behind him was senior teammate Steven Wimberly, who clocked 2:00.02 to take second and nearly replicate his teammate's feat.

Zuniga's day didn't end with the 800m. He returned to place fifth in the 400m final, running 52.34, an impressive double showing his range. Wimberly, meanwhile, had his own exceptional double, later returning to finish third in the 1600m with a time of 4:34.91, behind fellow Providence teammates Henry Stevens and Kaeden Beno, who swept the top two spots in 4:33.21 and 4:33.61, respectively. That trio's performance highlighted Providence's near-total control over the 3A distance events.

Beau Steele of Marble Falls Faith Academy, the 2024 bronze medalist and one of the few returning finalists from last year's 800m race, delivered another strong showing to place third once again, this time in 2:03.17. His consistency over the years cements him as one of the division's most reliable competitors. Reed Martindale, a freshman from Lutheran High School of San Antonio, ran 2:06.02 for fourth, setting the stage for a promising future in the event.

Covenant Classical placed three runners in the final-Noah Keyes (5th, 2:09.61), Daniel Keyes (7th, 2:13.23), and Jaden Boubel (8th, 2:13.36)-and also saw some of those athletes return for the 1600m final. Notably, Noah Keyes, a freshman, doubled back to finish sixth in the 1600m (4:50.74), confirming his versatility and potential in longer races.

The 2025 final proved faster through the top end than in 2024, where last year's winning mark was 1:58.09 and only three athletes broke 2:00. This year, Zuniga and Wimberly both nearly did so again, while a wave of underclassmen emerged, signaling a strong future for the division. Providence Classical's sweep of the distance medals affirms their status as a true powerhouse in TAPPS 3A distance running.

The 2025 TAPPS 4A Boys 800m Championship featured a strong, tactical race that culminated in a decisive victory for Andrew Metrailer of Dallas Shelton. The junior, who placed third in last year's final with a 2:01.37, returned with more poise and speed, breaking the 2-minute barrier with a winning time of 1:58.81. Metrailer held off several strong challengers, using a well-timed final push to claim his first state title and cap a successful double after placing seventh in the 400m final earlier in the meet.

Finishing right behind him was Jameson Burns of Arlington Pantego Christian, who improved significantly from his 2024 finish. After running 2:04.74 for sixth place last year, Burns delivered a huge performance this time around, clocking 1:59.70 for silver. He didn't stop there-Burns returned to dominate the 1600m final, winning with a time of 4:33.36, completing a strong middle-distance double and showcasing his range and endurance.

Rounding out the podium was Lance Fruhling of Austin Hill Country Christian, who closed strong to earn third in 2:00.15. He also contributed to his team's overall depth alongside teammate Noah Blaut, who placed fifth in the 1600m.

The depth of the field was also notable. Karter Langston of Texas School for the Deaf took fourth in 2:02.07, and a cluster of finishers from fifth through eighth-including Joseph Johnson (2:03.94), Cameron Waters and Colton Coleman (both at 2:04.24), and Will Vogler (2:04.31)-all finished within 0.37 seconds of one another, highlighting the intensity of the race's final stretch.

Compared to 2024, this year's final was faster up front. Metrailer and Burns both bettered last year's winning time (2:00.03), and five athletes in 2025 ran faster than last year's sixth-place time. With Metrailer returning for his senior year in 2026 and Burns continuing his rise, the 800m in 4A looks poised for even more exciting matchups to come.

The 2025 TAPPS 5A Boys 800m Championship turned into a showcase for Midland Christian, as the team swept the top two spots and placed three runners in the top four. Braden Belew, a junior, delivered a commanding performance to win the title in 1:57.42, adding to his growing reputation as one of the state's top middle-distance runners. His teammate Andrew Crain, a senior and last year's fourth-place finisher, moved up two spots on the podium with a strong 1:59.84 effort to claim silver. Crain showed consistency over the past two seasons, closing his TAPPS career with back-to-back sub-2:00 performances at state.

Finishing third was Walker Neufeld of Lubbock Trinity Christian, who clocked 2:00.83 in a valiant effort to challenge the Midland duo. Not far behind him was another Mustang, Jason Minor, who crossed in 2:01.80 to complete a remarkable team showing for Midland Christian. Combined, their trio scored 21 points in the event-crucial in any team title pursuit.

Jeremy Gaitan of Houston Lutheran South was the top returner from last year's 800m final, where he placed fifth in 2:00.14. He ran 2:02.66 this time for fifth once again, showing strong consistency despite the tougher field. Just behind him was Aidan Rivers of Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy, who doubled back later in the meet to place sixth in the 1600m with a 4:34.74, reinforcing his endurance range. 

Belew wasn't done after winning the 800m-he returned later in the meet to dominate the 1600m in 4:22.87, winning by a comfortable margin and claiming a rare double gold in the distance events. Rivers also pulled double duty, running both the 800m and 1600m finals-an endurance test he handled with poise.

Comparing this year to 2024, the depth remained strong, but the Midland Christian dominance was even more pronounced. Last year, Belew placed third in 1:58.71, and Crain was fourth in 1:59.39, both improving their placements and slightly lowering their times. While the Gaitan brothers of Lutheran South had gone 1-2 last year, only Jeremy returned to compete, and he remained competitive despite the changing landscape.

The 2025 edition of the 800m confirmed Midland Christian as a powerhouse in middle-distance running while introducing Belew as a serious contender for next year's top honors across the state.

Lyrix Sallee of Fort Worth Nolan Catholic delivered a clutch performance to win the 2025 TAPPS 6A Boys 800m title, clocking a sharp 1:57.50 to outkick a deep and experienced field. Sallee, a junior, improved on his seventh-place finish from 2024 (1:59.62), showcasing his growth as a competitor by staying composed through the opening lap and striking late in the final 150 meters to secure the win. His victory came over another seasoned contender, David Carbajal of Houston St. Thomas, who finished second in 1:58.16. Carbajal, the bronze medalist from last year, ran just behind his 2024 time (1:56.66), but demonstrated again that he's among the most reliable two-lap runners in TAPPS.

Rounding out the top three was Matthew Muraski, a rising sophomore from St. John's Houston, who crossed the line in 1:58.78, just ahead of Grayson Godkin (Dallas Parish Episcopal) and Max Hinds (Liberty Christian), who finished fourth and fifth respectively, both dipping under 2:00. Godkin matched his placement from 2024 and improved marginally on time, while Hinds capped his senior season with a strong showing.

Noah Williams (Houston St. Pius X) and Dash Raya (Dallas Bishop Lynch) also ran competitive races in the 2:00 range, both closing out strong seasons. Channing Shaeffer of San Antonio Antonian, the only entry from last year's winning school (home of 2024 champ Todd Worth), finished eighth in 2:03.12, with the program continuing to show mid-distance depth.

The 2025 final proved to be a deeper and more competitive version of last year's race, even without sub-1:55 times like 2024 champion Todd Worth's 1:53.07. With so many athletes returning in 2026, the TAPPS 6A 800m scene looks primed for even more drama next spring.