Senior-led Bulldogs claim first Border Olympics title

Alexander High School wins the 94th annual Border Olympics track and field competition

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Alexander Bulldogs won the 94th Border Olympics track and field competition, scoring 160 points to claim the team title for the first time in program history. The senior-led Bulldogs were led by standout performances from Rickey Carson and Hector Benavides, who finished first and second, respectively, in the high-point competition. Alexander also saw record-setting runs from Esteban Avena in the 400-meter dash and Anthony Gonzalez in the 800-meter run.

Why it matters

The Border Olympics is one of the premier high school track and field events in South Texas, drawing top talent from across the region. Alexander's first-ever team title is a significant accomplishment for the program and highlights the depth and talent of their roster, especially among their senior class.

The details

The Bulldogs won the team title by a wide margin, outscoring runner-up United by 75 points. Alexander's success was fueled by individual event wins from Rickey Carson in the long jump and high jump, Esteban Avena in the 400-meter dash, and Anthony Gonzalez in the 800-meter run. The Bulldogs also excelled in the relay events, winning the 4x200-meter relay and placing second in the 4x100-meter relay.

  • The 94th Border Olympics track and field competition was held on March 6-7, 2026 at the UISD's Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex.
  • Esteban Avena set a new Border Olympics and city record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.07.

The players

Brian Swain

The head coach of the Alexander Bulldogs track and field team.

Rickey Carson

A senior at Alexander High School who won the high-point award at the Border Olympics, claiming victories in the long jump and high jump.

Hector Benavides

A senior at Alexander High School who finished second in the high-point competition, placing second in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.

Esteban Avena

A senior at Alexander High School who set a new Border Olympics and city record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.07.

Anthony Gonzalez

A senior at Alexander High School who won the 800-meter run with a time of 1:56.76, which is ranked ninth in city history.

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What they’re saying

“The guys worked really hard. They represented their school well. They represented their community well. We have a senior-led group. I thought those guys came together and did a fantastic job with every race we had.”

— Brian Swain, Head Coach, Alexander Bulldogs (Laredo Morning Times)

“They compete a lot. Those are two guys working their hardest in practice all the time. I love the way these guys compete and I love what they're doing to our program.”

— Brian Swain, Head Coach, Alexander Bulldogs (Laredo Morning Times)

The takeaway

Alexander's historic team victory at the Border Olympics showcases the depth and talent of their senior-led track and field program, which has emerged as a regional powerhouse by cultivating a culture of hard work, competition, and community pride.