July 21, 2005
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — While the official opening to the Cal State Bakersfield cross country season is still two months away, CSUB’s new head coach Pam Boyles is working hard through her summer vacation in an attempt to turn the Roadrunner’s distance program into a national contender.
Boyles, who has worked as an assistant coach with the cross country and track and field teams at CSUB for the last two seasons, was handed the reigns of the cross country team on July 1st. She now hopes to rebuild her alma mater’s distance program from scratch.
“It’s pretty exciting to be in this position after a couple of years as an assistant,” said Boyles, who graduated with an English degree from Cal State Bakersfield in 1991. “The team has seen some steady improvements over the last couple of seasons and we just want to keep that going and improve on it.”
The CSUB cross country team has struggled since the sport was reinstated in 1998, though last season, the squad had its best–ever finish at the conference meet, placing sixth.
“I know the girls that are returning and they are excited and very invested in the success of the team,” said Boyles. “I see the theme for the next few years being ‘onward and upward.’”
The most decorated distance runner in CSUB history, Boyles holds two school records with the Roadrunners in the 3,000 and 10,000. She also ranks No. 3 all-time in the 5,000 and No. 7 in the 1,500.
Prior to working with the Cal State Bakersfield distance program, Boyles was an assistant coach at Bakersfield College where she has taught in the English department since 1993.
Boyles prepped at Bakersfield’s North High School where she was awarded the prestigious Mayor’s Trophy in 1983 as the best student-athlete in Bakersfield. After getting married and having two children, Boyles attended Bakersfield College before transferring to CSUB where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English.
Boyles is married to CSUB track and field assistant coach Robert Boyles. They have two grown children, Sharon and Eric.
The Cal State Bakersfield cross country team opens its 2005 season on Sept. 3 at the Cal State Fullerton Invitational. It hosts the annual CSUB Open on Sept. 24, which is open to the general public.
California State University, Bakersfield Athletic Department
9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Phone: (661) 654-3071 • FAX: (661) 654-2376
