Noah Verdin (1523) competes at the Coach T Inv.
TAPPS Boys 5K Rankings
The 2025 TAPPS boys cross country season is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several established veterans and rising stars delivering standout early-season performances. With times dipping well under 16 minutes, the private school ranks are showcasing depth and quality that rival many of the UIL's top programs.
Leading the way is Noah Verdin of Dallas Covenant, who opened his season with a 15:30 at the Marcus Coach T Invitational, placing 18th in a field stacked with UIL 6A talent. That mark immediately set him apart as the fastest TAPPS runner so far this fall, and his ability to hang with some of the best public school runners in the state speaks volumes about his fitness and potential. Though Verdin has raced only once, his performance establishes him as a clear contender for the individual state crown.
Wells Peterson of TMI Episcopal has also been sharp out of the gates. The junior posted a 15:30.70 at the SA Patriots Invitational, finishing second overall in a highly competitive race. Teammate Ethan Garza, a sophomore, has been equally impressive, with back-to-back wins at the Canyon Cougar Invitational (15:45) and a third-place showing at the SA Patriots meet (15:47). The Peterson-Garza duo has TMI looking like one of the most formidable teams in TAPPS this year, with two low sticks who can push the pace against anyone.
Out west, Braden Belew of Midland Christian has reaffirmed his status as one of the division's most versatile runners. After winning both the 800m and 1600m at last spring's state track meet, Belew carried his fitness into cross country, clocking a 15:34 to win the Jim Ned Warpath Invitational and a 15:50 victory at Tall City. Though his 16:12 at Marcus Coach T wasn't his best, the senior remains a legitimate title threat. His teammate, sophomore Logan Hammontree, has mirrored his progression, running 16:11 at Jim Ned and following it up with a strong 16:12 at Tall City. Their one-two punch makes Midland Christian a dangerous team on the big stage.
The San Antonio area remains loaded as well, led by Adrian Rule of San Antonio Christian, the defending state champion. Rule's season best of 15:47 at Floresville showed he's still among the elite, while his consistency in the low 16s keeps him right in the mix. His teammate Nathan Womack has also broken through, running a 16:01 PR at Friday Night Lights. Together with sophomore Christian Tarver, who has already run 16:23, San Antonio Christian features three runners inside the state's top 11-a level of depth that could tilt the team battle in their favor.
Among the younger names, Nate Lugo of McKinney Cornerstone Christian Academy has been one of the breakout performers. Only a freshman, Lugo has already won three races, highlighted by a 16:00 at the TCS Invitational and a blistering 9:49 two-mile at the Hawk Invite. While he showed some inexperience in larger fields, Lugo's raw talent is undeniable and he has the potential to climb even higher as the season progresses.
Rounding out the top 10, Harman Pope of Dallas Bishop Lynch (16:03) and Alex Mendoza of Plano John Paul II (16:08) showed their strength at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational by going one-two in a competitive field. Both juniors proved they can close hard and are poised to challenge for top-10 spots at state.
Taken together, the early results suggest this could be the deepest TAPPS season in years. Verdin may hold the fastest mark so far, but the Peterson-Garza tandem, Belew's championship pedigree, Rule's proven experience, and the rise of young talents like Lugo, Pope, and Mendoza ensure that nothing is certain. With multiple programs boasting at least two top-tier athletes, the team race will be every bit as competitive as the individual one, setting up a thrilling championship stretch.
Boys Teams To Watch
The TAPPS boys' team picture is shaping up to be just as competitive as the individual race, with San Antonio Christian and San Antonio Central Catholic looking like a couple of programs to beat in the early stages of the season.
At San Antonio Christian, the leadership of Adrian Rule gives them a proven front-runner and defending state champion, but what makes them so dangerous this season is their depth. Rule's strong start, paired with Nathan Womack's 16:01 breakout and Christian Tarver's steady rise into the low 16:20s, creates a powerful trio up front. That kind of scoring punch sets the foundation for another state championship run, especially if their fourth and fifth men continue to close the gap. One of the TAPPS most talented teams, San Antonio Christian has the balance of experience and youth to defend their crown.
But not far behind is a hungry San Antonio Central Catholic squad looking to reclaim a spot atop the TAPPS podium. Their trio of sophomores-Leonidas Bendele (16:26), Sergio Martinez (16:29), and Marcus Cecconi (16:37)-have quickly emerged as a cohesive unit capable of running together in the top 20 of big races. Add in Samuel Cullum (16:47) and Adam Lozano (16:55), and Central Catholic has a formidable five who are already racing with pack discipline. While they may not have a single low stick quite like Rule, their ability to keep their 1-5 spread within 30 seconds makes them dangerous in championship scoring. If their front three can take another step forward, they have the similar firepower as San Antonio Christian, showing to be one of the most impressive teams in all of TAPPS in the early stages of this season.
Between San Antonio Christian's proven top-end strength and Central Catholic's depth, this fall's TAPPS state meet is shaping up to be a clash of styles-one team leaning on its star power and championship pedigree, the other relying on tight pack running and emerging young talent. With other schools like Midland Christian, TMI Episcopal, and Dallas Covenant adding intrigue through their individual stars, the stage is set for an extraordinary TAPPS boys' season.