Cara Sims with a smirk and a hook 'em as she crosses the finish line in the 2026 UIL 2A Girls 3200m
Day two of the UIL Track and Field State Championships began with the 2A girls 3200-meter final, with defending champion Cara Sims once again standing at the center of the distance spotlight. The University of Texas commit entered the meet as the favorite after winning last year's state title in a classification-record 10:47.51 and following it up with her second consecutive UIL cross country state championship in the fall.
Although this year's field lacked the record-setting pace of her 2025 breakthrough, it still featured several experienced contenders, including Port Aransas sophomore Leah Depiper, Timpson sophomore Madison Grigsby, and Hamilton senior Presley Long, who finished third in last year's championship race.
Unlike the aggressive tempo that carried Sims to the record a year ago, the 2026 final developed into a more controlled tactical race. Sims remained patient through the early stages while Grigsby and Depiper stayed firmly within striking distance, keeping the field compact well into the middle laps. As the race progressed, Sims gradually asserted herself at the front, using her experience and strength to slowly separate from the challengers over the final kilometer.
UIL 2A Girls 3200m
By the closing stages, Sims had created enough cushion to comfortably defend her title, crossing the line in 11:27.63 to capture her second consecutive 3200-meter state championship. Behind her, Grigsby delivered one of the strongest performances of the day, finishing runner-up in 11:30.86, while Depiper stayed close throughout to take third in 11:33.75. Farwell's Alexis Wade and Coleman's Victoria Guerrero rounded out the top five in another deep championship field.
Although the pace never threatened Sims' state meet record from last season, the race once again showcased her consistency and championship composure. After dominating both cross country and track throughout her high school career, Sims closed out another state meet with distance gold, further cementing her place among the top distance runners in UIL 2A history.
Cara Sims with a smirk and a hook 'em as she crosses the finish line in the 2026 UIL 2A Girls 3200m
Day two of the UIL Track and Field State Championships began with the 2A girls 3200-meter final, with defending champion Cara Sims once again standing at the center of the distance spotlight. The University of Texas commit entered the meet as the favorite after winning last year's state title in a classification-record 10:47.51 and following it up with her second consecutive UIL cross country state championship in the fall.
Although this year's field lacked the record-setting pace of her 2025 breakthrough, it still featured several experienced contenders, including Port Aransas sophomore Leah Depiper, Timpson sophomore Madison Grigsby, and Hamilton senior Presley Long, who finished third in last year's championship race.
