Renegade Rip

Issue date: 11/22/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Erik Aguilar BC's Clarissa Rivera (24) runs with the pack at the first mile mark. Tinesha Mitchell (23) closely follows the runners.

The Bakersfield College women's cross-country team took third overall at the state championship meet at Woodward Park in Fresno on Saturday, tying a school record set in 1988 for best finish by BC women at that meet.
The Renegades were only six points away from placing second overall.
"They ran very well," said coach Dave Frickel. "This has been a very hardworking group. They worked as a unit and were very focused. They tied the school record. It leaves room for improvement later on down the road."
They competed in a three-mile run against 173 women from 24 different schools.
Top placer for the Renegades was sophomore Clarissa Rivera, who finished 15th at 19 minutes 16 seconds. Freshman Shawna Rountree followed closely behind, placing 17th at 19:21.
"Shawna had an awesome race. She was a monster. She wanted blood," said Coach Dave Frickel.
Sophomore Tinesha Mitchell finished 30th overall at 19:47, and freshman Jill Unruh finished 37th at 19:47. Sophomore Andrea Jackson, who had to recover from a fall during the race, finished 64th at 20:22. Finally, Brianna Smith came in 109th at 21:11 and Whitney Leming 126th at 21:43.
"They're all super hard-working," said Frickel. "All seven of them added to the success. They work hard and pull for each other."
Smith's mother, Terri Smith, who is a teacher at Norris Middle School, has followed the girls throughout their season. She commented on how much the women have grown as a team.
"They do double practices. When football was done with doubles, these girls weren't. It made them closer as a team," said Smith. "The girls have improved so much through the season, and they've become better friends."
According to Frickel the team has made a lot of improvement. He went on to say something about every woman on the team.
"Tinesha has improved dramatically," said Frickel. "She had a great year and blossomed as a distance runner. Andrea Jackson had tough luck when she fell down, but she kicked off kids toward the end. She got up fast; Brianna did great." Now that their season is over, the women are eager to begin conditioning again.
"A lot of them want to start practice now, but they're going to have to take a break. This Thanksgiving week is the perfect time," said Frickel.

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