Even in an off color, Romeo’s girls cross country team can run with the best.

The state Division 1 champions will compete this weekend at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore. They earned an automatic berth by finishing second at the Midwest Regional in Terre Haute, Ind., on Nov. 17.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these girls,” coach Mike Buslepp said. “We’re the only team from Michigan that is going.

“The girls have worked so hard. It’s a reward for their season.”

The team leaves for Portland on Thursday and returns Sunday.

The 5-kilometer race that features 22 teams plus 45 individual runners and is sponsored by the worldwide shoe and apparel maker begins at 1:05 p.m. EST Saturday.

Romeo must adhere to several Michigan High School Athletic Association rules in order to run in the off-season meet in the Pacific Northwest.

“We’re definitely appreciative of the MHSAA,” Buslepp said. “They have been super helpful.”Buslepp is prohibited from “coaching” the team that he led to the state championship at Michigan International Speedway on Nov. 2.

“I’m going more as a spectator,” Buslepp said. “Parents help coordinate.

“I can be there in certain capacities.”

Romeo High, its athletic department and the team were not allowed to pay any trip expenses, including those incurred by Buslepp.

“This is parent- and athlete-driven,” Buslepp said.

The Bulldogs cannot wear their school gear that features red and white, nor can they bear the name of the school or the town they represent.

The runners will be identified as being from Bruce Township, Buslepp said.

“Everything is separate from the school,” Buslepp said.

At Terre Haute, one of eight regionals, the Bulldogs wore yellow uniforms that were issued by Nike, Buslepp added.

Romeo, listed as Runners High at the regional that had competitors from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Missouri, finished with 147 points, one fewer than champion Downers North (Ill.) XC Club. Third-place Lemrac (Ind.) had 150 points and earned an at-large berth in the finals.

“It was a very competitive regional,” Buslepp said.

Annie Hrabovsky was Romeo’s first runner to the finish line. The sophomore finished 36th in 18 minutes, 10.20 seconds.

Romeo’s other scorers were also under 19 minutes. Senior Lillian Deskins finished in 18:27.49; junior Natalia Guaresimo 18:32.12; senior Violet Hrabovsky 18:44.52, and junior Emmerson Clor 18:57.25. Olivia Purdy and Ella Goodsell completed the lineup.

“The girls ran very well,” Buslepp said. “We had a couple who were really sick coming off states.”

The national meet will be at Glendoveer Golf Course. The 2-loop course is a “premium, challenging championship venue,” organizers said.

The boys race begins at 2:35 p.m. ET.

A live webcast will be at nikecrossnationals.com.