Bakersfield College Cross Country will be hosting two events on Friday featuring some of the top high school talent as well as a taste of the college crop at Kern County Soccer Park. 

"We started this about nine years ago, maybe ten years ago when Coach Dave Frickel first came to us. It started with just two high school teams and now it's grown into something much bigger that also gives high school runners a chance to test themselves on a 5k course," BC Cross Country Coach Pam Kelley said. 

It's also a chance for Kelley's former charges to have a reunion of sorts. 

Garces coach Susan Walker, East High coach Michelle Rose (former state qualifier for BC), North High coach Eduardo Rocha, and Bakersfield Christian coach Jordan Points, all got their collegiate starts at Bakersfield College. 

"it's nice to get all these BC folks together just to reconnect, but it also shows our athletes another way that this sport can further your life," Kelley said. 

North High is the defending Bakersfield Invitational Winner in both the men's and women's event. 

The Bakersfield Invitational will start at 11 am at the Kern County Soccer Park, with BC taking on Allan Hancock College at 1:30p.