Coach Brian Gregory and the Genoa Central Dragons are looking for some big things in 2026. One of those things is an Arkansas 3A state championship. After finishing as the runner-up to Providence Academy in 2025 and the Patriots moving up in classification, it's a very realistic possibility for a program that is no stranger to winning state titles.
The Dragons, led by freshman Sara Spakes, won The Den at Dawn Invitational in Plain Dealing, Louisiana on Saturday. It's the second straight win for the Dragons.
Individually, Spakes (20:22) finished second to Providence Classical Academy's Kaylee Ivey (19:07).
"It was the first varsity meet for Sara," Genoa Central head coach Brian Gregory said. "She looks like she has more fast miles in the tank. Once she gets a few more varsity races under her belt, she is going to a problem for other runners."
Right behind Spakes was sophomore teammate Presley Rogers (20:47) and senior Baylee Nowlin (20:54).
"Presely was dealing with a little illness today," Gregory said. "We expect some big things from her this season. Baylee Nowlin is right on pace from last season."
Other scoring runners for the Dragons were sophomore Heidi Morris (21:26) and sophomore Brynlee Walker (21:44).
"Heidi Morris has been our Newcomer of the Year," Gregory said. "She has put in a ton of work and the results are starting to show. Brynlee Walker is headed in the right direction and not far off her PR."
"The team as a whole did a great job today, and not only ran well, but, more importantly, are great people that represent their school and community well."
The boys' team was led by sophomore Andrew Watkins, who finished fifth with a time of 18:24.
"Our boys' team was short-handed quite a bit this week due to injuries and illness," Gregory said. "Andrew Watkins is on pace to have a phenomenal season."
"This can be a promising season for the boys once we get our full team back healthy."
The Dragons will now turn their attention to next week's Bob Gravette Invitational in Arkadelphia. It will be the biggest test of the season for Coach Gregory and his Dragons as they continue toward their goal of adding another state championship trophy to the trophy case at Genoa Central.
