Highland Park's Sara Sutherland stormed into the UIL state record book as a freshman. Looking back, though, Sutherland said she had no idea what she was doing.

Given a year to groom her talent, Sutherland became a strategic runner capable of finding her targets in a race, making her move and letting her ability do the rest.

Sutherland won this year's Class 4A state meet as a sophomore with a two-mile time of 11:25.40. The state title came a year after Sutherland placed third at state in 11:12.70 – the ninth-best time in 4A state meet history.

Sutherland spent the last year gradually increasing her mileage to build her strength and confidence. Once it was time to line up on race day, the training, she said, paid dividends.

"I'm not perfect, but the more you practice, the easier it is when it comes down to it," Sutherland said. "When we're running in practice up to 10 miles at a time, then you get out there on a two-mile course and it's like, 'OK, I can do this.'"

Sutherland placed in the top three in about every meet this season, which included a victory at the Boyd Invitational on Sept. 25 (11:25). She continued to pick up steam at season's end as she won the District 10-4A meet (11:13) and was the 4A Region II runner-up (11:21). It all culminated at the most definitive race of the season.

"She's gaining experience each race and is just a great kid to work with," Highland Park coach Jerry Sutterfield said. "She loves to win."

At state: Won 4A (11:25.40)

Notable: Second in 4A Region II (11:21.60); won 10-4A (11:13)

What's next: She'll run the 1,600, 3,200 and 4x400 relay in track

Did you know? Sutherland enjoys roller blading in her spare time.

GREENHILL, FR.

At SPC Championships: Won title in 11:25, a meet record

Notable: Won Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark. (17:52.4)

What's next: Will swim while waiting for the track season to begin. She'll run the 800 and 1,600

Did you know? Sveinsson is double-citizen of Iceland, where she was born, and the United States. She is eligible to compete for Iceland's national track and cross country teams.

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.

MIDLOTHIAN, FR.

At state: Sixth in 4A (11:38.30)

Notable: Third at Region II (11:45.80); 15-4A champ (11:56)

What's next: Will run track and might play varsity soccer

Did you know? Kitts never ran a two-mile race until this fall

KELLER, SR.

At state: Eighth in 5A (11:38.95)

Notable: Third in Region I (11:24.59); third in 5-5A (11:29.32)

What's next: Will run the 1,600, 3,200 and 4x400 relay in track

Did you know? Mojtabaeezamani enjoys reading plays. On her favorites list is A Streetcar Named Desire, Death of a Salesman and The Crucible.

ARGYLE, SR.

At state: Second in 3A (11:32.60)

Notable: First in 3A Region I (11:16.87); undefeated this season until state

What's next: Will rest her injured right leg until track season, where she will defend her 1,600 and 3,200 state titles. Committed to Georgia

Did you know? Krueger watches the movie 300 the night before each race because it motivates her to "get tough and run faster."

PROSPER, JR.

At state: 3A state champion (11:30.30)

Notable: Second in 3A Region II (11:29.60); 9-3A champion

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

Did you know? Belvis won TAPPS state titles in 1A as a freshman and in 2A as a sophomore at Frisco Legacy Christian.

McKINNEY NORTH, SR.

At state: Third in 4A (11:29.00)

Notable: Won 4A Region II (11:17.10); 9-4A champ (11:39)

What's next: Ganter is expected to compete in the Foot Locker South Regional

Did you know? Ganter, who wants to major in biology and become a dentist, got an early jump on animal anatomy when she was a freshman. She dissected a snake that swallowed a baby pigeon and saved the pigeon's life