Both Kern Valley teams were scheduled to run in this invite, but a canyon closure interrupted the Broncs team and they were unable to get to the start line on time to run.
The Lady Broncs used an alternate route and were able to make the race. As Yogi Berra said, “It was déjà vu all over again.” Aspen Hacker of the Lady Broncs cross country team ran away with the race last year and repeated the performance this year. Hacker in the varsity race collected the first-place medal.
The following is a preview of the Kern Valley cross country team from head coach Kenny Bushling. We have had a very hot start to the season weather wise. This is proven to be very difficult for training. Last week we drove to Greenhorn Mountain to run in lower temperatures and we plan to do the same this week.
Bushling on his teams: We have seven varsity girl runners this year. Aspen Hacker a senior coming off a strong junior season where she garnered attention from universities with her strong performances in several meets including a second-place finish at the CIF Division V Championships and a strong showing in the State Championships. We look to have more of the same from Aspen this year and she delivered in the first race of the season at the East Bakersfield Invitational with a first-place finish. Kassandra Guarneros a senior. This is the fourth year that Guarneros will be running cross country. Guarneros is a consistent runner who we depend on each race. She will be an integral part of the team as they look to win the HDL and look to be on the podium in the CIF Central Section Division V Championships.
Delilah McComes a junior and a transfer student that will be a competitor in the HDL. Greta Boettcher a junior and a foreign Exchange student from Germany who is spending the school year in the Kern Valley. Greta is a pleasant surprise on the team and raced a strong first race at the EB invitational. We look to see her be a good solid runner for us. Kyla Hacker a sophomore. Kyla had a very strong freshman campaign last season. She was a consistent finisher at the top of the pack. She is getting stronger and picking up her speed which is closing the gap on the top runners in the division including her sister Aspen. Tabitha Cazares and Faith Kirby both freshmen. Both of these freshmen are new to cross country. They are learning the sport and improving with each practice. We are looking for improvement and strong freshman performances from both girls. They can be difference makers for us as the season progresses.
Broncs squad:
We have seven varsity boy runners this year. Sebastian Stallone a senior, ran last season for Kern Valley and had several solid performances. After the season he studied abroad and returned this summer. He will be back this season and we will be looking to his experience to help the young team that the boys will have. Luis Lopez a junior newcomer, first year. Looking to compete and improve with each race and each practice. Logan Sampson a sophomore. Had a great freshman season last year and this year is bigger and stronger. His improved endurance and strength will help push his times down this season. He competed in the Division V CIF Central Section Championships last year and we expect him to be there again and have a strong showing.
Angel Olivares a sophomore had a solid season last year, his first. Really improved and will need to build on that improvement and continue to drop his times. The three freshman boys will be on the fast track (so to speak) to learn the fundamentals of running cross country. The three freshmen are Dario Jones, Ethan Mauer, and Matthew Leonez. They will be able to really help the team as a whole to compete in the league. Unfortunately, they were not able to compete this last Saturday due to the canyon closure. They are working hard in practice and improving.
The Kern Valley team is scheduled to race Del Oro at a site to be determined on Wednesday and then finish off the week with another invitational at the Independence Invitational taking place at Independence High School in Bakersfield.
Hacker repeats as champion in East Invitational
