Jayna Boonstra
The cross country season is back in full swing, with teams preparing for the annual Ted Kenney XC Invitational, held at Tsalteshi Trails in Soldotna.
At least 27 teams are slated to compete on the ski trails, known for its rolling hills and lengthy finishing stretch. The invitational will showcase talent from multiple regions and divisions, putting major state contenders on the map for the first time this season.
In Southeast Alaska, the Sayeik Invitational will be held in Juneau, while the Birch Hill Invitational will kick off in Fairbanks, providing robust competitions around the state this weekend.
Fischer Adams
Last season, the West Valley Wolfpack and Chugiak Mustangs claimed the Division I boys and girls state titles, while Grace Christian and Haines swept the Division II and III championships, respectively.
With the leading two boys having graduated, Palmer’s Fischer Adams is the top returner for Division I, followed by West Valley’s Shane Fisher and Service’s Aaron Power.
Grace Christian returns their dynamic duo in David Sliwinski and Seth Lochmann, with Anchorage Christian’s Josh Brower also in contention to challenge the Division II crown.
David Sliwinski
After taking runner-up as a sophomore, Haines’ Leo Wald is the top Division III returner, followed by Tanalian’s Daniel Wardell and Luke Davis, also of Haines.
On the girls side, South Anchorage’s Robyn Miller returns as the Division I defending champion, followed by Chugiak’s Campbell Peterson and Elliana Zock, also representing the Wolverines.
Nine of the top-10 finishers in the Division II race will return this season, led by defending champion Jayna Boonstra of Kenai Central, followed by Sitka’s Anna Prussian and Grace Christian’s Megan Nelson. The trio could likely be challenged by Sitka’s Clare Mullen who made a splash in the spring, collecting titles in the 800, 1600, and 3200.
Robyn Miller
Haines’ Ari’el Godinez-Long stormed to victory as a freshman last season and will look to defend her crown, with Glennallen’s Teagan Rude and Haines’ Grace Long rounding out the Division III classification.