Patti McGarvey
Special to the Sun

Kern Valley’s cross country teams traveled to Porterville on Thursday to compete against 19 schools. This was their first invitational for the season and a great experience for a few who have never run at high school level.

There were 52 girls competing in the Frosh/Soph race, and Jenna Criswell ran her first race of her high school career and “did a fantastic job,” said Hazard.Criswell finished in fifth place. Hazard said, “She got out fast and ran well.”

Sierra Hazard and Debbie Byrket ran in the varsity race. S. Hazard finished in 44th place and Byrket finished in 76th place out of 104 girls.

For the boy’s team Chris Woodward ran his first cross country race of his career and finished in 137th place out of 152 runners, and Joey Pistocco also ran in the varsity race and finished in 149th place.

“This race gave us some experience and will help us later on,” Hazard said.

Marlene Pistocco of the Lady Broncs was not able to compete, but had this to report, “We as a team are all looking forward to holding the title of HDL Champions, and we are prepared for what Rosamond will bring to the track,” Pistocco said.

On Friday they went to the Seaside Invitational in Ventura, and there were over 2,000 runners there ready and eager to compete. The competition was much stronger.

S. Hazard finished with the time of 22:38, placing her in 100th place, Jessica Tyack ran her first cross country race and finished in 22:41, and 101st place, Debbie Byrket finished in 24:31, placing her in 144th place, and Criswell finished in 23:01 placing her in 98th place in the freshman race.

“They ran well and I was happy with their performance,” said coach Hazard. 

In the boy’s races Woodward finished in 192nd place with a time of 20:31 which was a personal best and Joey Pistocco placed 260th at 24:29. 

M. Pistocco said, “It set a very exciting mood for our team as we saw a lot of the best runners in California compete.”

Their next race will be Saturday at the McFarland Invitational.