Dadeville Duo: Baker and Pearson compete in the AHSAA state meet
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Submitted / TPI Coach Michael Taylor, Collin Pearson, Phillip Baker and coach Mardracus Russell pose for a picture at the state meet.

The cross country season was originally supposed to be a chance for friends Collin Pearson and Phillip Baker to compete in a sport together in the fall, but it ended with a bid to state for both.

At sectionals, Baker already knew he cemented his spot to compete in state as an individual runner as he placed third overall. For Pearson, he was just waiting to congratulate his teammate for a successful outing — until he heard his own name called.