The Bakersfield cross country women’s team placed third and the men’s team took seventh at the Western State Conference Championships at Arroyo Verde Park on Oct. 24.

Leah Theroux led the pack for the women’s team with the time of 21:44.08 in the 5k races. Theroux placed 13th, with teammate Emily Freeman about a minute behind, placing 15th place with the time of 22:07.66. Freeman has made steady improvements this season, especially to keep the women’s team a factor to beat.

Yareli Ocampo and Paola Silvestre came in 24th and 25th place, respectively. Ocampo had the time of 22:36.97. Silvestre had the time of 22:39.41.

Jessica Campbell, returning from injury, placed 31st with the time of 23:10.93. On Campbell’s heels was Monet Portillo, who came in 32nd place with the time of 23:11.71.

The men’s team was lead by Juan Calderon, who came in 21st place for the four-mile races. Calderon had the time of 23:21.24.

Tyler Moore came in 38th place with the time of 23:56.08. Richard Timmermans, with the time of 23:58.66, placed 41st.

The teams will be continuing its seasons with the Southern California Finals, which will be held in Van Nuys. Seven females and seven males will represent the BC team.

The finals will be held at Woodley Park at 10 a.m. Nov. 7.

Coach Dave Frickel is excited to take his team to the final legs of competition. “When deciding which 14, seven men and seven women, will be representing the team, I look at who has done what, who’s hot right now,” said Frickel.

Frickel compares the decision to basketball, saying, “I think of the decision on who will run to be like a coach that decides who is the starters for a game, like basketball. We must run those whose overall consistency has proven their aptitude for competition.”

Following the So-Cal Finals will be the State Championship meet. The state meet will be held in Fresno at 10 a.m. Nov. 22.