Southlake Carroll senior Colby Lowe became the fifth male athlete in Texas high school history to win back-to-back 5A state titles in cross country when he seized the 2007 crown with a time of 15:11.15.

As a junior, Lowe's focus was on winning the 5A state meet after being denied by two seconds in 2005. He captured the state title with a time of 15:05.15, the seventh-best time in 5A state meet history.

Resting on his laurels, though, was not an option entering the 2007 season. Since competitors treated each race with Lowe as if it was their "Super Bowl," he made sure that he remained in championship form.

"With a Carroll jersey on, you know that you're going to bring your best to the table, and they're going to bring their best race to you, too," Lowe said. "They'll run and they'll put everything into it."

Some of Lowe's top performances of the season included victories at the Texas A&M Invitational (15:01), the Nike South Invitational (15:16.7) and the Chile Pepper Festival (14:53).

At state: Repeated as 5A state champion (15:11.15)

Notable: Hasn't lost a race since the 2005 state meet, when he was second. Won the 5A Region I meet in 14:25.96. Won the Nike Team Nationals South Region meet in 15:06.10 last weekend.

What's next: Will compete in the Nike Team Nationals on Dec. 1 in Portland, Ore. In track, he will defend his state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200

Did you know? Lowe listens to classic rock groups such as Journey, Kiss and Rush. It fits his "old school" persona

FLOWER MOUND MARCUS, FR.

At state: Fourth in 5A (15:47.95)

Notable: Second at 5A Region I (14:57.34); won 6-5A (15:27)

What's next: Expected to compete in track

Did you know? Lutz says the tough love shown by coach Steve Telaneus motivates him to run faster

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL

Notable: Led girls team to third consecutive 5A state championship and boys to 5A state runner-up finish. Successfully protested finish of girls 5A race to secure state title.

What's next: Several Carroll runners will compete in the Nike Team Nationals, including South regional winners Tara Upshaw and Colby Lowe

Did you know? According to Lowe, Ondrasek inspires his team with stories about his days as a runner at College Station A&M Consolidated.

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL, JR.

At state: Third in 5A (15:40.75)

Notable: Third at 5A Region I (15:09.09); second in 5-5A (16:13.59)

What's next: Will compete in Nike Team Nationals in Portland, Ore.

Did you know? C.J. stands for "Christopher James"

MANSFIELD TIMBERVIEW, JR.

At state: Finished eighth in 5A (16:01.10)

Notable: Sixth at 5A Region I (15:40); won 4-5A (15:13)

What's next: Will compete in Foot Locker Regional meet in South Carolina.

Did you know? Stitt consumes a Yorkie chocolate bar the day before each race. He said the bar gives him an energy boost

FORT WORTH SOUTHWEST, JR.

At state: Placed eighth in 4A (15:51.45)

Notable: Fourth in 4A Region I (15:47.10); first in 7-4A (16:13.24)

What's next: Herrera will compete in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters in track

Did you know? Herrera has been a skateboarder since eighth grade

MIDLOTHIAN, SR.

At state: Ninth in 4A (15:56.50)

Notable: Second at 4A Region II (15:33.75); Won 15-4A (16:57)

What's next: Will run the 1,600 and 3,200 in track season, and might try the 800, too.

Did you know? Lister would like to be a youth minister

PINKSTON, SR.

At state: Was 15th in 4A (16:07)

Notable: Won 4A Region II (15:26.15); first four-time DISD district champ

What's next: Will run the 800 and 1,600 in track

Did you know? Issa is fluent in English and the language of his native Sudan. "Pinya" means "fearless" in his native language.