Pine Tree Pirates Cross Country
Pine Tree Cross Country Coach Kyle Burns has high aspirations for the 2022-2023 team. "Our goals this year are district champions and regional qualifiers in a tough Region II as a team for both the boys and girls," said Burns. The team has some experience returning in both Varsity divisions, but will have to develop and improve during the season. The Pirates are ready for the challenge. The season opens at Letourneau University on August 20, 2022. In addition, the Pirates will host the Pine Tree Mike Darby Invitational at Lear Park for the 2nd year on September 16, 2022. It promises to be one of the most exciting events in East Texas.
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Coaches
Kyle Burns
Head Boys and Girls Coach Coach Burns is originally from Pittsburg, TX. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University and has a Bachelor of Science degree. Coach Burns has 24 years coaching experience, with 20 of those at Pine Tree. His experience includes various positions/sports from JH to HS at Union Grove (2007-2010) and 2 stints at Pine Tree (1999-2007 & 2010-present). Coach Burns and his wife Tina have 2 children, son Kole (19) and daughter Taylor (27). kburns@ptisd.org |
Emily Bachman
Assistant Coach Coach Emily Bachman was born and raised in Longview and spent first through twelfth grade at Pine Tree, graduating in 2014. She went to Texas Tech University and studied kinesiology. This is Emily's fifth year as a teacher and fourth year coaching cross country. She teaches special education at the high school and is recently married to Coach Jason Bachman. Emily LOVES being a Pine Tree Pirate! ejames@ptisd.org |
Alejandro Castillo
Jr. High Boys Cross Country Coach Alejandro Castillo is a Pine Tree alumnus; he graduated with the class of 2016. During his high school soccer career, Alejandro was fundamental to a team winning record of 55-14-15 and also District, Area, and Regional championships. Castillo was also part of the cross country team in the UIL 5A Region II meet in 2015. He continued his education in Paris Junior College for one year and then transferred to Jacksonville College, where he received his Associate’s Degree; Castillo played NJCAA soccer in both institutions and his team qualified to the National Championship play-offs in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons respectively. In the fall of 2018, Alejandro began his coaching experience and joined the coaching staff of the men’s soccer team in The University of Texas at Tyler and completed his stay in the Spring of 2020. During his time in Tyler, Tx, Alejandro Castillo also developed his coaching skills by coaching at the grassroots level with local youth. During the beginning of his coaching experience, he was privileged to be recruited by Queretaro F.C. from Liga Mx on his pursuit to become a professional soccer player. Alejandro completed his education at The University of Texas at Tyler while playing soccer at the semi-pro level in UPSL and NPSL. Alejandro Castillo graduated from UT Tyler in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and education. Now, he has returned to his alma mater and is in his second year of investing in the future generations of Pine Tree, as a Spanish teacher and as the assistant coach for boys soccer and junior high cross country. He is newlywed to his beautiful and loving wife Justice and he continues to stay involved in his soccer career, playing at the semi professional level. |
Program HistoryChampionships
Collegiate Runners
Garrett Sage 2005 University of North Texas Brian Thompson 2014 West Texas A&M Evan Barron 2016 SFA Eric Hawkins 2017 University of Louisiana Monroe |
Accolades and Honors2015 - Evan Barron: 9th Overall, State Qualifier
2009 - Lanna Davis: State Qualifier (School record 11:52 Cross Country 2 mile). |
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900 Northwest Dr. | Longview, Texas 75608 | 903-295-5000 |