Soldotna football coach Galen Brantley Jr. earned our Alaska Athlete of the Week honors after becoming the state’s all-time winningest high school coach by guiding his team past West Valley.
Since he took over in 2008, the Stars have posted a 160-9 record and won 14 ASAA Division II state titles in 17 seasons.
Regarded for his humble nature and quiet confidence, Brantley Jr. has refined to excellence a smashmouth style his football teams use to run over opponents.
He surpassed Palmer coach Rod Christianson, who had 159 wins in 28 seasons.
Also receiving consideration:
- Robbie Annett – The Grace Christian senior finished in a time of 16 minutes, four seconds to place 1st out of 140 varsity athletes at the George Plumley Invitational cross country race in Palmer.
- Ainsley Smith – The UAF volleyball player out of North Pole had a season-high 51 assists to go with 12 digs for her third double-double of the season in a five-set win over Azusa Pacific. She currently leads the GNAC with 9.9 assists per set.
- Cole Yarrington – The South High quarterback threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns, including a 50-yarder with 1:19 left to provide the Wolverines with a 28-25 win at Wasilla.
The Alaska Athlete of the Week is selected by a panel each Monday
Have a candidate in mind? Email us your nomination: info@alaskasportshall.org.
