Southlake Carroll runners dug for state-title gold in summer

By Jarret Johnson

jmjohnson@star-telegram.com

Ancient Greek long distance runner Pheidippides has nothing on the Southlake Carroll cross country team. If the man who ran from the Battle of Marathon to Athens were alive today, he probably wouldn't even make varsity.

Such is the Dragons' dominance that even coach Justin Leonard admitted both the boys and girls squads used last weekend's regional meet as a "tune-up" for Saturday's UIL Cross Country State Championships in Round Rock.

Leonard was not bragging, just stating a simple and proven method of progression for his teams. That confidence is built upon their hard work and preparation.

"Kids buy into it, the hard work, that's the key for us," Leonard said. "We believe in the program and they have gone above and beyond. They never stray; it's unbelievable."

The Dragons owned the Class 5A Region I meet in Lubbock last weekend, winning both team titles going away. Seven boys qualified for the state meet, with Joe Sansone claiming gold in 14 minutes, 47 seconds. The girls are also sending seven to the state meet, led by juniors Shelby Chapin, who won gold (11:12). Last month's district champion, the Dragons' Courtney Kriegshauser, finished third at Lubbock in 11:19.

"I think the main reason [for our success] is just how much work we put in over the summer," Sansone said. "Ever since last year's disappointment, at coming in second at the state meet, made us work our tails off for about a year to get to this point."

The team runs every day of the year. If conditions are too treacherous then they get on a treadmill, but Sansone said that the summer is where the groundwork is laid by a pair of annual trips.

Senior Jordan Chavez and his parents offered to take the team to their place in Glenwood Springs, Colo., for a week. The high altitude and rocky terrain made for a nice training boost. The team has made the trek together the past two summers. Sansone believes it has paid huge dividends, not only in training but with team camaraderie.

The squad also goes to West Texas for a week every summer to train at the Monahans sand dunes, Balmorhea State Park and Fort Davis.

The boys finished second to The Woodlands in 2010, while the girls were third. All teams involved are familiar with the course in Round Rock.

"I think what troubles a lot of people is the back side of the course," Sansone said. "A lot of people get kind of distracted there and lose focus, especially when you get on the levee. It's a gravel levee and people try to relax and stay cool on the levee rather than dramatically start kicking, and by the time you're off the levee you're only a half-mile away [from the finish line]. You just have to stay focused and start moving earlier or else you'll be left behind."

Jarret Johnson

817-390-7760

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