In its first-ever season of competing, the Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department’s cross country team had four runners qualify for the USATF Region 3 Championships in Williamsport, Md., this weekend after solid showings at the USATF Georgia Meet on Saturday.

Ethan Morris and Josh Albertus qualified on the boys side, while Ronna Reese and Kate Albertus qualified for the girls, getting the required top-25 finish at the state meet, which was held in Peachtree City.

Morris came in 11th place in a time of nine minutes and 55.03 seconds in the 2,000-meter sub-bantam boys division, while Josh Albertus finished 22nd in the bantam boys 3K run (13:23.82).

In the sub-bantam girls 2,000-meter run, Kate Albertus came in 10th (12:04.29), while Reese followed in 12th (13:21.42).

Cross country coach Larry Turner said it was a great showing for his team, which had 10 runners this year, especially in its first season.

“I tell you what, it was great for us, because we never thought we’d do this well in just the first year,” Turner said. “Plus, the enthusiasm from the kids. They wanted to do it, too. They challenged themselves. The really worked hard. They’ve earned the right to be there.”

Turner said all 10 runners that started with the team made it through the two-month season.

“We had 10 kids training, and they all stuck with it,” Turner said. “We’re hoping for big things next year, too.”