Patti McGarvey
Special to the Sun

Don Hazard returns again this year to coach another season of Kern Valley cross country.

This year Kern Valley will be led by seniors Sierra Hazard and Debbie Byrket. Hazard mentioned that both of them have been on the team for four years and were major factors in winning the first team league championship in school history when they were freshman. “They are ready and excited to lead the team to another league championship,” Hazard said.

Returning from last year is junior Katie Rocha. Hazard mentioned that she will be a major strength to the team. 

Hazard said he has some talented new runners this year; Track star, Jessica Tyack should have a great season in cross country and we are excited to have her running on the team this year. Other new athletes to the team are seniors Shelby Hinkey and Kashmir Sweeney.

Hazard speaks highly of his girls team, he said that sophomores Skyler Mosley, Kayla Lawhon, Tiana Martin and Kayla Andreas will bring their athletic abilities to the team, and Kern Valley also has returning Marlene Pistocco from last year.

Jenna Criswell is a freshman and has been looking very good in practice.

“She could be one of our top runners this year and will be important with our quest for a league championship,” Hazard said.

Last year Rosamond beat Kern Valley during league and was crowned the league champions, but at CIF Kern Valley beat them.

Hazard reported that the strong teams this year in league will be Rosamond, Vasquez and Bishop.

“If we can stay healthy we should have a good shot at winning the second league championship in school history,” said Hazard.

The cross country team will start their season on Thursday when they go to Porterville and then to Ventura on Friday.

• Boys Cross Country

On the boy’s team Hazard will have Joey Pistocco, Troy Hazard, Sam Nang, Jake Hodge and Chris Woodward.

Unfortunately Troy Hazard will be out for most of the season with a broken leg so they are looking for someone to take his place.

Hazard said that this year will be a rebuilding year with only one senior who is running cross country for his first year.

“We would like to build a foundation for next year when we will have a number of gifted athletes coming into the program. I’m projecting a league championship for the boy’s team next year,” said Hazard. Hazard reported that Rosamond and Bishop will be very good this year.