THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Bulldogs cross country team has qualified for the Georgia State cross country meet with a top three finish in the region meet on Wednesday in Cordele.

“The top four make it to state and we fell into third place and they just ran their little hearts out,” said Bulldogs cross county Coach Joy Knop.

Of course, making it to the state meet is a goal for any cross country team and, while the Bulldogs typically send individuals to state, it has been their goal to qualify as a team. With a third place finish, Thomasville accomplished this goal and it’s safe to say they are excited.

“We start talking about it in the summer time. We start running June first and that’s when we start talking about state and it being the end goal. Yesterday, when the girls found out that they got third place, I’ve never ever seen a celebration from those girls like I saw yesterday. Going in you just don’t know and when you have a surprising performance and do better than you even thought you would it’s just a joy to see the happiness on their face,” Knop said. “So, it means a lot. Going as a coach, taking two or three runners is fun, but when you can go with your whole team that you’ve bonded with all season it just makes for a good ending to the season.”

Not only were the Bulldogs able to qualify for state as a team, but fielding a girls team hasn’t been difficult this year. According to Knop, it has often been challenging to have enough female participation to qualify as a girls team. In order to record a team score a team needs at least five runners.

“I’ve had five plus consistently,” said Knop. “So, I’m really excited for the girls.”

The Bulldogs will face challenges that they have not dealt with before at the state meet, hosted at Carrollton High School.{

“Carrollton is where state is held and it’s a tough course,” Knop said. “These kids aren’t used to the hills they have to run at state. So, it’s a whole new world when they get up there.”

The Georgia state cross country meet will take place on November third and fourth.