Region
2 is absolutely loaded with six teams that could potentially compete for a
podium spot at the state meet. Unfortunately, only four of the teams can actually
make it to the state meet. Last year, the state meet came down to the #4 and #5
runners of Collinsville, Gruver, Slidell and Windthorst. Windthorst won the
title thanks to an awesome top four runners and a fifth runner who finished
among the top four #5 runners in the race. They won by nine points over Collinsville,
20 points over Gruver and 30 points over Slidell. In 2026, it looks like Collinsville,
Slidell and Windthorst will be joined by Port Aransas as teams that can win the
title.
Top Teams
Collinsville - Graduated their top runner
from last year but return five from the state meet, including three freshmen who
will now be sophomores. They could be primed for an amazing season.
Mason - Their top three runners
match up with any team in the state, but they will need the back end of their
lineup to give them a chance at a podium finish. Cooper Ratliff is a dark horse
candidate to be a state champion.
Port Aransas - They finished sixth
last year and should make a move up in the standings this year. They have the
potential of three runners among the top-25 in the state.
Slidell - A slight favorite heading
into the season thanks to seven runners returning from last year's team. They
have three strong underclassmen leading the way led by sophomore Cash Luig.
Windthorst - Only lost their #3
runner and will have a solid chance to repeat as champions. Braiden Messineo
and the Zicarelli brothers provide a great foundation for the team.
Best of the Rest
Bosqueville - Cristiano and Juan
Tinoco are two of the top runners in the state. If they can advance out of the
region, then they immediately become podium contenders as a team.
Lipan - Another team from Region 2
with two outstanding runners. If they can get through the regional meet, then
they will compete for a podium spot.
Gruver - Return five runners from
last year's third-place team, but two of the top three graduated.
Sonora - They return four of their
top five from last year. They boast a strong top-3 and compete well this year.
Whitewright - They have a solid
five returners but need more to go right to really compete against the top
programs.
Top Returning Seniors
Luke Brind, Pioneer Technology and
Arts, 20th in 2025
Ethan Cadena, Agua Dulce, 2x State
qualifier, 10th in 2025, 27th in 2024
Caden Klingelhefer, Mason, 2x State
qualifier, 21st in 2025, 46th in 2024
Braidan Messineo, Windthorst, 2x
State qualifier, 7th in 2025, 26th in 2024
Fernando Perez, Collinsville, 2x State
qualifier, 25th in 2025 ,17th in 2024
Cooper Ratliff, Mason, 2x State
qualifier, 4th in 2025, 53rd in 2024
Jordan Rodriguez, Big Lake Reagan
Country, 3x State qualifier, 19th in 2025, 23rd in 2024,
59th in 2023
Shane Stawar, Port Aransas, 3x
State qualifier, 14th in 2025, 4th in 2024, 12th
in 2023
Cooper Warrick, Stockdale, 3x State
qualifier, 11th in 2025, 18th in 2024, 13th in
2023
Jackson Zicarelli, Windthorst, 3x
State qualifier, 18th in 2025, 25th in 2024, 85th
in 2023
Josiah Lopez, Farwell, 9th
in 2025
David Perez, Frost, 30th
in 2025
Carter Pierce, Slidell, 28th
in 2025
Cristiano Tinoco, Bosqueville, 2nd
in 2025
Juan Tinoco, Bosqueville, 8th
in 2025
Top Returning Sophomores
Austin Baca, Gruver, 29th
in 2025
Brayden Castillo, Merit Bland, 23rd
in 2025
Cash Luig, Slidell, 12th
in 2025
Dylan Scaff, Port Aransas, 27th
in 2025
Ty Szymanski, Ganado, 32nd
in 2025