By TONY STINNETT, Courier Sports Editor

Cannon County's middle school cross-country team will have nine runners participate in the State Championship in Knoxville Saturday (Oct. 18).

The Cannon County boys advanced as a team, while the girls will send four individuals to state.

Duncan Cook was the overall regional winner with a time of 13:13 during the Midstate Championship at Sharp Springs in Smyrna. Tyler Southworth was second overall with a time of 13:19 in the 2-meter run, followed by Matthew Elmy (14:01), Tristan Davis (15:11) and James Vassar (15:34).

Zettie Elrod led the way for the girls with a time of 13:32, followed by Madelyn Hale (14:11), Isabella Russo (14:12) and Madison Gaither (14:14).

All four girls qualified for the state championships.

It marks the second straight year Elrod has reached the state tournament. The program is in its second season.