Defending state champions return to continue run

WASILLA — Gary Howell knows his Wasilla girls cross-country squad is the team to beat this fall. The defending state champions return every scoring runner from their title-winning team, but the Wasilla head coach also knows enough to realize that when it comes to running in Alaska, anything can happen.

“The girls team is pretty talented, without a doubt. On paper we look really good,” Howell said. “But by no means are we untouchable. Cross-country is one of those things. You’re one cold, one flu away from being susceptible.”

Howell said the Warriors intend to stay focused and humble, all while trying to continue their marvelous run.

Seniors Morgan Dampier and Jessica Pahkala, and juniors Jenna Ford and Mandi Rinngenberg return to lead the deep and talented team.

Ford finished fifth in the NLC and state championships as a sophomore. Burroughs finished a team-high third in the NLC meet and sixth at state.

Rinngenberg (ninth), Pahkala (10th) and Dampier (12th) all finished in the top 12 at regions. Dampeir was also 15th at state.

Wasilla also boasts a pair of fast freshman — Riley Burroughs and Peggy Mathis — who could make an impact. Burroughs is the younger sister of Mariah. Mathis is new to the area after moving with her family to Wasilla from Georgia. Howell said as an eighth-grader in Georgia, Mathis broke the middle school state track and field record in the 800 meters, clocking a 2:23.

“That’s impressive for a high school runner,” Howell said of the time.

Junior Alysha Devine should also contend for a varsity spot, Howell said.

“She has a ton of confidence coming in,” Howell said of Devine, who helped Wasilla win a state title in girls’ basketball as a sophomore.

Howell said seniors Mandi Wright and Jessie Marman will also be key to the team’s success as leaders.

A trio of seniors will lead the boys’ team into the 2011 season. Seniors Noah Ripley, Josh Pahkala and Keith Thompson are all veterans of the program. Each finished in the top 12 during the NLC meet last year to help the Warriors finish second in the team standings.

Pahkala led his squad with a fifth-place finish. Ripley was eighth and Thompson finished 12th.

Ripley also finished fifth in the Colony Twilight Tuesday.

The Warriors did lose Michael Johnston, who would have been a senior on the team, but has an opportunity to play junior hockey for the Eugune Generals of the NORPAC hockey league.

Howell said Ripley has the potential to be a top-10 runner in the state.

“I’ve never seen Noah like he is,” Howell said. “He’s never been fitter, never been faster.”

Sophomore Brendon Lee has also impressed. Howell also recruited Ryker Steiner from the Wasilla wrestling team.

** Editor’s note: This is part of a series previewing the 2011 seasons of the Mat-Su Valley prep cross-country running teams. See the Colony High preview at frontiersman.com/sports and upcoming editions of the Frontiersman for the Houston and Palmer previews. Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.