The boys and girls cross country teams will compete at the State Cross Country Meet Nov. 9 after both teams advanced through regionals. 

At the regional meet Oct. 28, the girls cross country team, under head coach Ray Baca, took home the first place team medal. The Lady Eagles also advanced sophomore Breanna Stuart and freshman Abree Winfrey, who took first and second respectively, in the individual competition. The boy’s team, under head coach Wesley Kirton, placed fourth place at regionals securing a team spot at the state meet. Freshman varsity runner Eli Hunt said the preparation for state is different than for prior competitions.

“It’s a lot more intense workouts and a lot more rest,” Hunt said. “We will have a really hard two days and then nothing after that to make sure we are really recovering well.”

Varsity runner junior Gabi Davis said staying centered on the race and their goal for the outcome helps the team succeed.

“The team atmosphere before a race is very focused,” Davis said. “If we are too relaxed, we tend to not run as good, so we get each other pumped up and focused on the race and winning.”

Hunt said the boys team is optimistic about their results after running well at the regional meet.

“I think we are going do really well,” Hunt said. “We made it through region, and we are the fastest region in Texas. I am going to try and push Decatur’s fifth [runner] and we may even get a podium spot.”

Davis said she thinks that preparation and previous success will give the Lady Eagles the opportunity to rise to the top.

“My individual goal is to get my season best and try getting into the top 10 like last year,” Davis said. “If we run like we have the last couple races, I believe we will once again be state champions.”