2025 UIL State Championships

With regional action complete, the stage is set for what promises to be one of the most compelling UIL 2A Boys individual cross country championship races in recent memory. And this year, it comes with the added excitement of familiar names returning to the big stage - now faster, stronger, and hungrier for the title.

At the top of the regional results is Bosqueville sophomore Cristiano Tinoco, who scorched the Region 2 course in 16:06.34, the fastest 2A time among all regions this year - a full six seconds faster than last year's state champion, Marco Cunningham of Waco Meyer (16:12.70). Tinoco enters with serious momentum and is joined by his brother, Juan Tinoco (16:42.10), making Bosqueville a dangerous duo.

Adrian Ramirez of Tenaha, last year's 9th-place state finisher (17:04.30), returned to dominate Region 3 with a 16:27.20, showing massive improvement and signaling he's ready to contend for the title. From Region 1, Ismael Pizano (Smyer), another 2024 state returner (11th last year in 17:05.50), claimed his regional title in 16:32.50, reinforcing his place among the elite.

Also returning is Jeremiah Gonzales (Plains), who finished 6th at state last year in 17:00.80 and clocked 17:13.00 in Region 1 to qualify again. Not to be overlooked is Shane Stawar (Port Aransas), last year's 4th-place finisher, who ran 17:16.45 to take runner-up honors in Region 4.

In a year where nine returning state finalists are back and several have made dramatic leaps in performance, the 2025 2A individual championship is shaping up to be a thrilling, down-to-the-wire battle.

Top 12 Regional Performances - 2025 UIL 2A Boys State Qualifiers

UIL 2A Boys State Cross Country Championships

The UIL 2A Boys team championships are also shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, especially in light of the 2024 results. Last year, Plains dominated with a tight 52-point performance, averaging 17:15 and placing three runners in the top 10. However, with Plains failing to qualify a full team this year, the 2025 team title is wide open and invites new contenders to the forefront.

Leading the charge is Riesel, the Region 3 champions, who bring in the lowest team score of all regions (53) and an impressive 18:22 team average. Senior Matthew Hawkins and freshman Peyton Pace headline a deep and consistent pack. Riesel didn't make the state meet as a team last year, making their rise a strong storyline in 2025.

From Region 2, Collinsville returns after placing fifth at state in 2024. With senior Isaiah Smith leading the charge and a significantly improved pack (1:39 1-5 split), they arrive with confidence and the experience necessary to chase a podium finish. Their regional title and 18:03 team average signal real progress from last year's 18:00 average.

Another serious threat is Windthorst, last year's state runner-up. They placed second in Region 2 this year behind Collinsville but still boast a talented squad led by junior Braidan Messineo and senior Kolton Rodgers, both state veterans. Their 18:04 regional average is nearly identical to last year's, making them a reliable pick for another top-three finish.

Region 4 champions Port Aransas have been quietly building momentum. After finishing third as a team in 2024, they now return with a potent lineup featuring junior Shane Stawar, who finished 4th overall at state last year. Their team score of 48 and 18:34 average from regionals makes them legitimate title contenders.

Other dark horses include New Summerfield (third in 2024), who bring back key returners like Raul Munoz and Yobani Torres, and finished second at Region 3. Their team strength lies in consistency and experience. Centerville, led by senior Caddel Keeling, also has a strong squad and finished third in Region 3 with an 18:32 team average.

Gruver, the Region 1 champion, enters with a balanced team and a team average of 18:15, led by seniors Gustavo Quintana and Cesar Trejo. Slidell and Whitewright round out Region 2 qualifiers with tight packs, while Mason and Johnson City LBJ from Region 4 could also surprise on the big stage.

With Plains out of the team race this year, the 2025 state title is truly up for grabs. The combination of returners from last year's top teams and rising newcomers like Riesel make for a wide-open and thrilling showdown at Old Settler's Park.

Top 12 UIL 2A Boys State Qualifying Teams (Based on Regional Results)