The Liberty varsity boys entered the season ranked No. 2 in the Valley and outside the state’s Top 20. In just their second race of the season, the Patriots made it clear they belong among the state’s elite by dominating the prestigious Woodbridge Cross Country Invitational, the largest high school cross country meet in the nation. The event featured more than 650 teams and 20,000 athletes from across the country, with teams traveling from states including Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, New Hampshire and Florida.
Competing in the highly competitive Rated race, Liberty won by an impressive 80-point margin, marking the first time in Kern County history that a team has won the prestigious race. The Patriots finished as the 18th-fastest team overall that weekend and have since climbed to No. 8 in the state for Division 1.
The boys also recorded a 14:52 average for three miles, the fastest team average in Liberty history and the second-fastest team average ever recorded in Kern County.
The girls are making history of their own.
The varsity girls entered the season ranked No. 9 in the Valley and outside the state’s Top 50. They opened the season with a 100-point victory, moving them to No. 3 in the Central Section for Division 1. At Woodbridge, the Patriots competed in the Rated race and finished as the third-fastest team in the Central Section. They are now ranked No. 17 in the state for Division 1 and have posted the fastest three-mile team average in Liberty history at 18:19.
Up next is the Clovis Invitational on October 10. The boys have been invited to compete in the Sweepstakes race, an elite field featuring just 15 teams and one of the largest and most competitive cross country events in California. Often considered a preview of the state championship field, the race will give the Patriots an opportunity to measure themselves against some of the best teams in California, along with several out-of-state competitors. The girls will compete in the Division 1 race.
Coach Cruz credits the growth of the program to a community that has rallied around its athletes.
“When I took over the program last year, we had 25 boys and 11 girls. We grew it to 80 people total, 40 on each side. It’s difficult to run at 6:00 a.m. before school or 6:00 p.m. when it’s over 100 degrees, but yet we established a program where students want to be here. They feel supported by the coaches, parents, and administration.
“We would not be here today without the help of our boosters, our parents, and administration. Everyone has helped us be successful. The season is far from over. We’re looking to create some history in the championship season. I’m proud of every single athlete that is on our team. They make my job fun.”
What started with 36 athletes has grown into a program of 80 student-athletes who are willing to put in the miles, endure the heat and get up before sunrise to pursue something bigger than themselves.
And if the preseason is any indication, these Patriots are just getting started.