Loyd Star senior Gauge Montgomery, the defending MHSAA 2Across-country state champion, tuned up for next week’s state title meet by winning the Region 7-2A title on Thursday at Choctaw Trails. Montgomery took first in the 30-runner field by finishing with a time of 17 minutes and 32 seconds over the 5K course. Loyd Star and coach Rusty Newman took first place in the team competition over West Lincoln and Wilkinson County.

The top seven runners from Loyd Star with their overall place and time were Montgomery, freshman Carson Sellers (2nd, 19:57), freshman Brooklyn Lee (4th, 21:16), freshman Tucker Smith (6th, 22:27), junior Kaelin Clark (9th, 23:11), eighth grader Memphis Falvey (12th, 24:18), and junior Braylon Bowman (13th, 24:48).

Senior Hayden Skates finished third overall and was the top runner from West Lincoln for coach Jay Case.

Montgomery will vie for his second-straight title on Thursday, Oct. 31when the MHSAA 2A boys’ state championship begins at 1 p.m. at Choctaw Trails.