Fort Dodge, Ia. — Ashlie Decker became a state cross country champion by practicing against one.

A West Des Moines Dowling Catholic junior, Decker raced past teammate and two-time champ Katie Flood to win the Class 4-A girls' title on Saturday at Kennedy Park.

Decker, who took second last year, has beaten Flood twice - in a regional meet to qualify for state and in Saturday's race.

"I don't think about beating her," Decker said. "I think about running with her."

Decker accomplished what few runners have. Flood took second in the Nike national meet last year as a sophomore.