UAA and UAF runners jostle for position after the start of the Seawolf Throwdown. Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report
For the first time in three years, a new winner was crowned in the Seawolf Throwdown at Kincaid Park. And for the first time in decades, the Nanook men edged the omnipresent Seawolves.
UAA’s John Peckham stormed to victory, covering the eight-kilometer course in 25 minutes, 54 seconds, while UAF narrowly defeated the Seawolves 27-30 in the team race.
Held at Kincaid Park, the in-state rivals battled on the undulating two-loop course, with UAF freshman Ben Browning powering to an early lead over Peckham.
Peckham, a junior, hails from Oregon and is in his third year at UAA after spending his freshman year competing for the University of Idaho. He has steadily climbed the ranks at UAA, contributing to the Seawolves’ reappearance at the national championships last fall after a five-year absence.
And while Peckham bided his time behind Browning, he overtook the lead for good midway through the second 4-kilometer loop. The junior cruised into the stadium, driving up the final hill and back toward the finish where he flashed the Seawolf symbol before crossing the line in 25:54 — a swift 5:12 per mile.
The win was the second in his collegiate cross country career and the first on home turf.
Browning finished 11 seconds behind Peckham to place runner-up, marking the highest placement by a Nanook against in-state competition in recent years.
“Ben (Browning) gave me a run for my money — I wasn’t expecting it and he’s really fit,” said Peckham. “Kudos to him, he made me work for it.”
UAA’s John Peckham nears the finish line at Kincaid Park. Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report
While his strategy was deliberate, Peckham took no part of the race for granted, after spending the latter half of the outdoor track season in crutches.
“The only real goal was to feel solid and run hard again,” shared Peckham. “I broke my foot not too long ago, so it just feels good to finally get a really hard effort in.”
After the departure of three-time All-American Cole Nash who graduated and transferred to the University of Notre Dame, Peckham has ascended to the leadership position, with hopes of returning to the national championships as a team.
With four returners from the national-qualifying squad, a graduate transfer and an abundance of freshmen — thirteen to be exact — the components of a well-rounded team are just beginning to emerge.
“Obviously we want to make it back to nationals and we’re just going to need some freshman guys to really show up,” said Peckham. “I believe in them and I think they’re gonna be there.”
While Peckham collected the individual victory, it was the Nanooks who celebrated their first team win in recent history.
The dominance of the Seawolves has spanned decades, and while the green and gold did not suit up their entire roster, the ‘Nooks capitalized on the opportunity.
By placing all five scorers in the top 9, UAF edged the Seawolves by three points to seal the deal.
UAF’s Finn Morley battles UAA’s Patrick Doty to the finish line. Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report
Like UAA, the ‘Nooks have also strengthened their roster by more than double, creating a mix of local talent with returners and transfers.
With an assortment of skillsets and experience, the Nanooks are primed to make strides throughout the season and challenge their preseason conference ranking.
UAA and UAF will go head-to-head again on September 14th at the Blue/Gold Meet in Fairbanks.
Men’s Top 10
- John Peckham, UAA, 25:54
- Ben Browning, UAF, 26:05
- Zach Grams, UAA, 26:23
- Ben Dohlby, UAF, 26:39
- Finn Morley, UAF, 26:48
- Patrick Doty, UAA, 26:49
- Philipp Moosmayer, UAF, 27:15
- Ries Tveit, UAA, 27:18
- Derk Lyford, UAF, 27:29
- Blake Hanley, UAF, 27:29
Full results here.
