Both Kern Valley cross country teams gather together before their race against Desert. Submitted photos.
Both of the Kern Valley cross country teams were able to run past their Desert opponents this past week.
On the girls’ side, Aspen Hacker kept her streak alive as she crossed the finish line first for the Lady Broncs. She was followed by Greta Boettcher who came in second. The boys’ team was led by Logan Sampson. He was the top spot holder in the race for the Broncs as he finished in first. Sabastion Stallone was able to come in second place to help cement the victory for Kern Valley. A mix up in trading information between coaches made the times and the rest of the runners for Kern Valley’s teams left up in the air.
Kern Valley will run on their home course today when they race against the team from Frazier Mountain. Then two days later the top three runners for both the boys’ and girls’ teams will compete at Mt. Sac in their annual invitational. Those that have participated in this invitational in the past are due for a change in the course. According to the website, “In 2024, after capping off 75 incredible years of history, the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational enters a new era, with the first major course path change in 46 years. To utilize the new state-of-the-art Mt. SAC facilities, provide a better spectator experience and align with the current state of cross country running in the United States, the course will be lengthened to exactly 3.0 miles, finish in the stadium (using our giant Daktronics scoreboard for video and results) and with great sadness to many… eliminate the steep challenging, but venerable, Poop Out Hill. The new course promises to boost the excitement of the event, increase the fan experience and provide the canvas for another 75 years of memorable moments, on the “updated” course path.”
The top three Broncs and top three Lady Broncs that will compete in the race will have a new adventure in store for them. This is one of the most participated cross country invitationals in the state of California.
