As the 2026–2027 boys high school cross country season approaches, Tallahassee Reports has made a list of five returning runners that could make an impact during the 2026-2027 season based on their performance from last season. This list is based off of best times and results from the 2025-2026 season and does not include any upcoming freshman.
Jonathan Kiros, Chiles
Chiles senior Jonathan Kiros returns for his final high school cross country season after playing a pivotal role in the Timberwolves’ 2025 FHSAA Class 3A state championship run. Kiros consistently finished among the area’s top runners, recording runner-up finishes at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite, the FHSAA 3A District 1 Championships, and the FHSAA 3A Region 1 Championships. He also established a personal-best time of 15:21.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular before placing fourth at the FHSAA 3A State Championships in 15:46.30. As one of the most accomplished returning runners in Leon County, Kiros will once again be expected to lead Chiles as the Timberwolves pursue a state title.
David Barton, Maclay
Maclay senior David Barton enters the 2026–2027 season after leading the Marauders throughout a strong 2025 campaign. Barton earned a runner-up finish at the Suwannee Invitational and placed third at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite while consistently competing against some of the state’s top talent. He recorded a personal-best time of 15:31.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular before capping off the season with a fifth-place finish at the FHSAA 1A State Championships in 16:07.20. With state meet success and years of varsity experience, Barton returns as one of Leon County’s top runners and will be a key leader for Maclay this season.
Trent Parsons, Lincoln
Lincoln senior Trent Parsons heads into his final high school cross country season after establishing himself as one of the area’s most consistent runners in 2025. Parsons recorded a fifth-place finish at the 24th Annual Tift Invitational and placed 13th at the FHSAA 3A District 1 Championships. He also set a personal-best time of 16:13.24 at the ASICS Invitational before finishing 59th at the FHSAA 3A State Championships with a time of 16:51.60. With another year of experience and a proven ability to compete in postseason races, Parsons will be expected to lead Lincoln’s lineup and remain among Leon County’s top performers this season.
Stokes Bryan, Lincoln
Lincoln junior Stokes Bryan enters the 2026–2027 season after a strong sophomore campaign highlighted by consistent performances against some of the state’s top competition. Bryan recorded a personal-best time of 16:27.30 at the Alexander/ASICS Invitational and placed sixth at the 24th Annual Tift Invitational. He also finished 19th at the FHSAA 3A District 1 Championships before advancing to the regional meet and later competing at the FHSAA Cross Country State Finals and the New Balance RunningLane XC Championships. With another year of development and championship-level experience, Bryan is expected to be one of Lincoln’s top runners this season.
Logan Phipps, Maclay
Maclay junior Logan Phipps returns for the 2026–2027 season after a strong sophomore campaign that ended with a trip to the FHSAA 1A State Championships. Phipps recorded a personal-best time of 16:28.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular and placed seventh at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite. He also finished 10th at the FHSAA 1A District 2 Championships and 12th at the FHSAA 1A Region 1 Championships before placing 20th at the FHSAA 1A State Championships with a time of 16:59.90. With state meet experience and another year of development, Phipps will be a key runner for Maclay and one of Leon County’s top returners this season.
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