The Decatur cross-country teams are region champs.

On Thursday, the girls’ and boys’ teams traveled to Douglasville, where they faced off with the other six Region 6-AAAAA teams.

Sam Ellis and Haley Rose both finished first overall. A total of six runners finished in the top ten of their respective races.

Talmage Studstill is one of them. He ran his personal best, a 17:27, which was good enough for 8th place.

“It was an emotionally inspired performance by the entire team,” he said. “Sam [Ellis] really got us going.”

Now, they head to the state meet. Each qualifying team sends seven runners, plus five alternates, to run. If a runner is unable to compete, an alternate will run in their place.

Max Verlohr is one of those alternates. He’s ready for the opportunity.

“The team will always have my complete dedication, whether I’m on the course or cheering them on,” he said.

Whatever the result, Studstill will be proud of this year’s team.

“We accomplished way more than I ever could have dreamed of,” he said. “We’re region champs!”

The state meet will be held in Carrollton on Nov. 5.