The Decatur High School boys’ cross-country team won the 5-A state championship in Carrollton, Georgia on Nov. 1. The girls’ team finished seventh place in the competition, after previously not being predicted to finish in the top 10.

On the boys’ side, sophomore Christian Gonzalez finished third overall in the competition with a time of 16:24, which qualified him for the all-state team. Freshman Jake Westing and co-captains Eoin McNally and Ethan Yankovich took the 12th through 14th spots, all with times around 17:30.

“Everyone put everything they had into the race and it helped that we all placed well, which helped us win against Starrs Mill High School,” Gonzalez said.

The victory confirmed predictions from last year, according to Gonzalez, which were made because of the additions of freshmen Westing and Billy Carlton. 

For the girls, captain Adi Taylor led the team with a 21:02, putting her in 19th place overall. Sophomores Poppi Florence and Ivy Leach followed her up, placing 35th and 37th place, respectively.

Both varsity teams only have one senior graduating this year (Adi Taylor and George Rodi), so they are only expected to become faster.

The DHS cross-country team still has two races remaining to finish off their season. The team will attend the GA Meet of Champions and the GA Open Race later this month.