Canyon High School’s cross country program has once again etched its name into Texas high school sports history with another extraordinary showing at the UIL State Cross Country Meet at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. For the second consecutive year, both the Eagles and Lady Eagles achieved the rare and remarkable feat of sweeping the Class 4A team state championships—a testament to the depth, talent, and relentless dedication of both programs.
The Canyon Eagles have firmly established themselves as a dynasty in Texas cross country. Their fourth straight state championship is unprecedented, and their dominance was on full display at this year’s meet. Scoring just 48 points, the Eagles blew past second-place Big Spring, which tallied 108, to claim victory by a staggering 60-point margin. But while the team triumph was decisive, the individual drama at the finish line provided a moment worthy of a Hollywood script.
In a breathtaking finale, Canyon’s Domenic San Miguel and La Feria’s Armando Morales battled toe-to-toe over the final 800 meters of the 5K race. With every stride in the closing stretch, the two were inseparable until San Miguel leaned across the finish line to claim the UIL Class 4A individual state championship by a razor-thin margin of one-hundredth of a second. San Miguel’s official time of 15:08.2 narrowly beat Morales’ 15:08.3.
Head Coach Wes Kirton marveled at his runner’s tenacity. “Domenic told us if it came down to a sprint, he was going to win,” Kirton said. “And that’s exactly what happened. It was incredible to watch.” San Miguel becomes the third consecutive Eagle to win an individual state title, following Lathan Lewter in 2024 and Alex Niemiec in 2023, further cementing Canyon’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite distance runners.
The Eagles’ team victory was bolstered by exceptional performances across the roster. Noah Cooper earned a bronze medal with a time of 15:13.3, while Grady Simmons (13th, 15:55.6) and James Kirton (17th, 16:08.4) contributed crucial points, ensuring Canyon’s margin of victory was as commanding as it was historic.
Equally impressive was the performance of the Lady Eagles, who dominated their field throughout the season and delivered when it mattered most. Canyon posted just 35 points to defeat rival Randall by 42 points, securing the program’s fifth state team title in the past nine years. Under the guidance of head coach Ray Baca, now an eight-time state champion, the Lady Eagles continue to set the gold standard in Texas girls’ cross country.
Senior Addyson Bristow was the star of the meet, completing her high school career with a third consecutive UIL Class 4A individual state championship. Her record-breaking time of 10:38.7 shattered her own previous mark by five seconds, solidifying her legacy as arguably the best runner in Canyon Lady Eagles history. Bristow’s teammates also made their mark, with Presli Pool claiming bronze (11:15.4), Michaela Sharber finishing 13th (11:44.8), Crickette Morris 15th (11:48.5), and Ella Martinez 19th (11:53).
This historic double sweep is more than a collection of trophies; it’s a symbol of a program built on consistency, grit, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Canyon High’s cross country teams have set a standard that will challenge future competitors—and inspire countless young athletes—for years to come.
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