Patti McGarvey
Special to the Sun

On the first day of Kern Valley High School track team tryouts close to 30 athletes came out for practice. Seventy-four had signed up for practice.

Brian Christianson and Tammy Mason will work side by side coaching the track and field team for Kern Valley this season. Helping out, with shot put and the discus athletes will be Kenny Bushling.

With the basketball and wrestling seasons coming to an end, the new coaches expect more kids to come out.

“I am very impressed with the numbers that we have so far for the throwing events – shot put and discus,” said Christianson.

Other events that will be strong for Kern Valley are the long jumpers, they are coming along fine and the sprinters are right there also.

Christianson said, “Even though the long distance numbers aren’t as high as we would like them, Kern Valley has a solid group of dedicated runners in that group. So far I am very impressed with the dedication and hard work that the team is showing.”

The coach’s goal is for the overall fitness of the team to improve, for the athletes to continue to set personal records in their events, and of course to beat Bishop in the dual meet.

“I am very excited about this year’s track team. They seem motivated and excited to show that Kern Valley will be a force to be reckoned with,” said Mason.

Kern Valley will begin their season on March 4 as they will compete in Ridgecrest at Cerro Coso College in the Burroughs Invitational.

Two days later on March 6, they will test their talent at Bakersfield College in the East Invitational.