The boys and girls DeKalb Middle School cross country teams have both earned a berth in the state meet on Oct. 22.

The boys’ team earned second place out of a field of 12 teams on Oct. 8, qualifying them for the state cross country meet in Knoxville. The regional meet was held at Macon County High School in Lafayette.

The state meet will be held at Victor Ashe Park, with a field of over 300 competitive middle school runners from all over the state.

Out of a field of 89 runners at Macon County, the boys showed amazing teamwork and determination, edging out tough competitors such as Tuckers Cross Roads, Cannon County, and Macon County.

Aaron Gottlied led the boys’ team, placing third overall with a time of 12:38, a personal record. Cameron Miller finished ninth with a personal record of 13:09.

Connor Vance was close behind, finishing 20th with a PR of 13:39, followed by Braden Martin in 24th with a PR of 13:43, Levi Driver in 47th with a PR of 14:24. Holden Trapp came in at 15:50, Gage Trapp had a PR of 16:05, Liam Wallace came across with a PR of 16:01, Bralin Moss came in with a PR of 17:01, and Brenden Wagner crossed the line with a 20:27.

Carly Vance, who placed 13th with a time of 14:28, and Alex Moreno, who placed 41st with a time of 15:46 will represent the DMS girls at the state meet.