AIA Div. II: BOYS 5K RUN - STATE FINALS
Flagstaff Dominates Division II State Meet Behind Van Meerten's Breakaway Win
The AIA Division II Boys State Championship featured a blistering performance from Flagstaff junior Yohanes van Meerten, who shattered the field with a runaway victory in 14:56.20; the only sub-15 time of the day. His teammate Alex Bland followed in second (15:48.50), giving Flagstaff a commanding 1-2 punch that set the tone early.
Horizon senior Haines Gauzens (16:00.40) claimed third with a strong solo effort, but the depth of the division's top teams proved decisive in the title race.
Flagstaff secured the team championship with a dominant pack led by van Meerten, Bland, and three more scorers inside the top 30, comfortably outpacing the field. Campo Verde, boosted by top-15 finishes from Luke Ahles and Mitchell Hall, earned second place, while Mica Mountain-highlighted by standout sophomore John Garcia Gamez in fourth-took third with exceptional depth through their top five.