Pine Tree Pirates Cross Country

Pine Tree Cross Country Coach Kyle Burns has high aspirations for the 2023-2024 team. "Our goals this year are to be district champions again (boys) 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 the Kaufman Invitational on August 25, 2023. In addition, the Pirates will host the Pine Tree Mike Darby Invitational at Lear Park for the 4th year on September 15, 2023. It promises to be one of the most exciting events in East Texas.

News

Rosters

Photos

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 25 years coaching experience, with 22 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 (20) and daughter Taylor (28). 
​​
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 sixth year as a teacher and fifth 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
Dave Ham
Jr. High Boys Cross Country Coach
​
Coach Ham is a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he majored in Education. Coach Ham has received two Masters Degrees one in 2009 & another in 2018.  Coach Ham has one 12 year old daughter.  He is going into his 25th year of teaching and coaching. This will be Coach Ham’s first year here at Pine Tree ISD. 
Pamela Slaughter
Jr. High Girls Cross Country Coach

Program History

Championships
Girls
​•    1996
•    1997
•    2003
•    2005
•    2006
•    2007
•    2008
•    2011
•    2012
•    2013
•    2014
Boys
​•    1998
•    1999
•    2001
•    2005
•    2006
•    2007
•    2010
•    2011
•    2016
•    2022
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
Xavier Martinez - University of New Orleans

Accolades and Honors

2022 - Malachi Gray State Qualifier (finished 42nd)
​2021 - Mackenzie Robinson State Qualifier (finish 56th)
2015 - Evan Barron: 9th Overall, State Qualifier
2009 -  Lanna Davis: State Qualifier (School record 11:52 Cross Country 2 mile).