Distance Runners Steal the Show at UIL State Meet

The UIL State Track Meet delivered an absolute spectacle, where the state’s best high school athletes turned the track at Mike A. Myers Stadium into a record-breaking runway! From thrilling middle-distance duels to grueling 3200-meter grinds, the distance events were nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by jaw-dropping new state and conference records.

A New State Standard in the 800m!

The headline performance of the meet belongs to Cooper Lutkenhaus of Northwest, who didn’t just win the Class 6A Boys 800-meter run—he rewrote the record book! Lutkenhaus clocked a scorching 1:47.04 , setting a NEW STATE RECORD. This incredible run cements his place as one of the state’s all-time greats in the event. Following him closely was Luke Bone of Austin High, securing the silver medal with a time of 1:49.23.

Canyon’s Distance Queen Dominates 👑

On the girls’ side, Addyson Bristow of Canyon put on a show in the Class 4A division. She absolutely crushed the competition in the 800-meter run, setting a NEW CONFERENCE RECORD with a time of 2:07.19. Not content with just one record, Bristow returned to the track in the 1600-meter run to set another NEW CONFERENCE RECORD with a blistering 4:48.64 performance. Her dominance was simply breathtaking.

New Records in the Long Distance Grinds

The 3200-meter runs proved to be a battle against the clock for several athletes.

  • In Class 4A, Lathan Lewter of Canyon captured the Boys’ 3200-meter title and set a NEW CONFERENCE RECORD of 9:11.83.
  • The Class 3A Girls’ 3200-meter saw Aubrey Milam of Randolph claim the gold and set a NEW CONFERENCE RECORD of 10:46.70.
  • Meanwhile, Cara Sims of Elysian Fields took home the gold and established a NEW CONFERENCE RECORD in the Class 2A Girls’ 3200-meter run with a time of 10:47.51.

1A’s Golden Boy Doubles Down

Ryker Haivala of Cumby Miller Grove showcased his elite staying power in the 1A Boys’ distance events. He took home double gold, winning both the 3200-meter run in 9:50.31 and the 1600-meter run in 4:34.78. Haivala also earned a bronze medal in the 800-meter run.

In the 1A Boys’ 800-meter, Sean Stanaland of Jayton defended his title with a swift 1:52.95 finish.

Holliday Sweep in 3A

The Holliday brothers, Noah Strohman and Ryder Strohman , made the Class 3A distance events a family affair. Noah claimed gold in the 3200-meter run (9:27.85) and the 800-meter run (1:53.78), with Ryder following right behind him for silver in the 3200-meter (9:30.62) and the 1600-meter (4:26.48). Noah also secured the 1600-meter title with a time of 4:25.48.

Distance Dominance Across the Classes

The entire meet was packed with impressive distance performances:

  • Victor Aviles of Burnet had a phenomenal meet in the 4A Boys’ division, claiming gold in all three distance events: 800-meter (1:54.25), 1600-meter (4:17.88), and placing second in the 3200-meter (9:15.96).
  • Marco Cunningham of Waco Meyer was a double champion in 2A Boys, taking the 3200-meter (9:14.94) and the 1600-meter (4:19.71) titles.
  • Caden Gary of Lucas Lovejoy conquered the 5A Boys middle-distance, winning the 800-meter (1:50.74) and the 1600-meter (4:14.60).
  • Miles Westbrook of El Paso was the Class 5A Boys 3200-meter champion (9:10.55).
  • Lilly Benson of Roby won the 1A Girls’ 1600-meter run (5:11.08), while London Yanity of Tilden McMullen County won the 3200-meter run (11:17.24).

From the smallest school to the largest, the UIL State Track Meet once again showcased the incredible talent pool in Texas high school athletics. We can’t wait to see what next season brings!