A Lovejoy and a Highland Park runner finish very closely at the 2025 Lovejoy Fall Festival
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The UIL Region 2-5A Cross Country Championships are set to take place this Monday in Arlington, Texas, bringing together some of the state's top programs in a high-stakes battle for regional supremacy and a coveted spot at the state meet.
This year's championship comes with a notable change: the course has moved from its previous home at Lynn Creek Park to a new venue that has a design that is spectator and coach-friendly, offering improved visibility and easier access to key points on the course. The change is expected to enhance both the racing atmosphere and strategic race management, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive day of racing in one of the most talent-rich regions in Texas.
1. Lucas Lovejoy
The Lucas Lovejoy girls' cross country team enters the Region 2-5A Championships not only as the top-ranked squad in their region, but as the No. 1-ranked 5A team in today's new CCCAT post-season poll, a position that reflects both their current dominance and long-standing legacy.
Lovejoy has built one of the most respected programs in Texas, with a remarkable run that includes four consecutive 5A state team titles prior to last season, where they finished as state runners-up in a narrow and highly competitive race with Smithson Valley.
This year, they look primed to reclaim the top spot. In their most recent performances, the Leopards showcased exceptional depth and cohesion at district, finishing with just 18 team points. Led by standout performances from Camryn Benson (18:28) and Emily Armstrong (18:51), dropping all five scorers in under 19:50 with a scoring spread of 1:21.
The possibility of what could be is at each of their runners' best. Lovejoy is capable of dropping an 18:33 team average and a sub-45-second gap. Bridget Bernal has an 18:28 season-best performance, Sofia Dominguez (18:45), and Talia Orshalick (19:00).
The time to be at your best is in the next few weeks, and this team's ceiling is high. Furthermore, Lily Fogle (19:14) and Cailee Horinek (19:16) provide depth and insurance that is needed in a championship-level team.
With the best blend of tradition, talent, and team chemistry, Lovejoy is not only the favorite to win Region 2-5A, but they're also well-positioned to make a strong push for their fifth UIL 5A state title in six years.
2. Dallas Highland Park
Coming off a dominant win at the District 12-5A Championships, the Dallas Highland Park girls' cross country team enters Monday's UIL Region 2-5A Championships in Arlington riding a wave of momentum and quietly building the resume of a serious state contender.
Ranked No. 3 in today's newly released CCCAT UIL 5A poll, Highland Park has emerged as one of the top challengers to heavy favorite Lucas Lovejoy. At districts, the Scots showcased both their front-running strength and team depth, winning the team title with just 33 points, placing four runners in the top 10 and all seven in the top 13.
Their scoring lineup of Ryan Sontag, who won (18:36), Paisley Bassett (6th, 19:04), Finley Heckler (7th, 19:33), Annie Cooper (8th, 19:34), and Claire Deeken (11th, 20:05), combined for a productive 1:28 spread and a 19:23 team average, signaling excellent pack strength with consistency.
With Madeline Heckler (12th, 20:09) and Presley Pate (13th, 20:12) providing solid depth as displacers, Highland Park has the tools to contend closely with top-tier programs.
While Lovejoy remains the clear favorite due to their sub-19-minute average and deep scoring lineup, Highland Park has positioned itself as a strong podium threat at Regionals and a potential dark horse at the state meet if they can tighten their spread and keep a runner in the top five.
3. Frisco Wakeland
The Frisco Wakeland girls' cross country team enters the UIL Region 2-5A Championships as one of the most consistent and quietly dangerous programs in the field. Recently climbing to No. 6 in the CCCAT UIL 5A team poll, one up from the previous poll.
Wakeland has shown all season that they're capable of holding their own against some of the state's most elite squads. Their performance at the District 12-5A Championships was a testament to that steadiness, finishing second overall with 41 points behind only Highland Park.
Wakeland placed four runners in the top 10, led by juniors Presley Robertson (2nd, 18:49) and Lily Schmidt (3rd, 18:49), forming one of the strongest front-running duos in the region. Backed by Sophia Altieri (9th, 19:48), Caelan Chen (10th, 19:52), and Keely Coghlan (17th, 20:38), the team posted a 19:35 average and a 1:49 gap at districts, reflecting both depth and reliability.
Season-wide, their stats remain impressive, with a 19:08 average team time and a tighter 1:09 spread in their best combined effort. That balance between low stick placement and dependable mid-pack support is what makes Wakeland a legitimate threat for a top-four regional finish and a berth to the state meet. With momentum building and a well-rounded lineup, the Wolverines are more than just a consistent team; they're a contender that shouldn't be overlooked.
4. Midlothian
The Midlothian girls enter the Region 2-5A Championships as a formidable and well-balanced contender, riding high after an emphatic victory at the District 15-5A Championships. With a commanding team score of 33 points, Midlothian swept four runners into the top-10 and all five scorers in the top 11, showcasing both front-running power and pack reliability.
The team was led by senior Lincoln Husbands, who dominated the race with a blazing 17:44, the fastest time posted by any runner in the district. She was followed by Bailey Tharpe (6th, 19:26), Brynn Martin (7th, 19:46), Brooklyn Tharp (8th, 19:49), and Aubrey Longoria (11th, 20:04), forming a scoring unit with a 2:19 gap and a 19:22 team average, remarkably consistent with their season stats.
Over the course of the year, Midlothian has posted a season average of 19:21, proving that their district win was no fluke. While they lack the pack tightening of teams like Highland Park or Wakeland, the prsence og a true low stick in Husands, paired with three tightly grouped runners just under 20 minutes.
Midlothian is in the mix for a state meet qualifying spot, especially if their 2-5 runners can close the gap slightly behind one of the top individual threats in the entire meet.
Other Teams To Watch: Midlothian Heritage, Frisco Reedy, Frisco Centennial
A Lovejoy and a Highland Park runner finish very closely at the 2025 Lovejoy Fall Festival
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The UIL Region 2-5A Cross Country Championships are set to take place this Monday in Arlington, Texas, bringing together some of the state's top programs in a high-stakes battle for regional supremacy and a coveted spot at the state meet.