Houston High junior earns third NYO state title

HOUSTON — Throughout her high school career, Ashley Hoglund has had a grip on the competition. Now the Houston High School junior is a three-time state champion.

Hoglund earned her third championship in the Eskimo stick pull during the Native Youth Olympics Alaska state games last week at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.

“It’s incredible,” Mat-Su NYO head coach Jared Barrett said as he stood alongside Hoglund at Houston High Thursday afternoon. “She works very, very hard.”

In its description of the event, the Cook Inlet Tribal Council describes the Eskimo stick pull as, “a contest of sheer strength and determination.” Opponents sit across from each other, feet touched, legs at an angle with a grip on a single stick. The competitor who pulls the opponent out of position first is the winner.

In Alaska, Hoglund has been the one to beat in the girls’ class. Barrett said Hoglund has not only put in the time, but she’s battling the boys every day in practice.

“We put her against our guys. She’ll pull till exhaustion,” Barrett said. “That’s how she practices.”

Barrett said there’s no question Hoglund is the favorite in the event.

“I don’t think she’s lost a round in two years,” Barrett said.

Hoglund, who also plays volleyball, said the stick pull became a favorite as she was introduced to NYO as a student at Meadow Lakes Elementary.

“I’ve just liked it ever since then,” Hoglund said.

Hoglund said she also likes the family atmosphere in the sport of NYO. Now she can call herself a three-time state champion.

“It feels pretty good,” Hoglund said.

Hoglund entered the 2018 state games expecting strong competition.

“I thought this year would be really tough,” Hoglund said.

But as she advanced, she gained more momentum toward her title.

Hoglund helped Mat-Su, the 2017 state champions, finish third in the 2018 team standings. The Lower Kuskokwim School District earned the team title and Unalaska was the runner-up.

Hoglund was one of 14 Mat-Su athletes to earn a top-5 finish during the games.

Hoglund’s practice partner in the Eskimo stick pull, Houston senior Dylan Jackson, was one of four to finish as a runner-up.

Camille Bernard (Alaska high kick), Tremaine Davis (wrist carry) and Kaiden Jimenez (one foot high kick) joined Jackson (Eskimo stick pull) with second-place finishes. Andrea Apthorp (two foot high kick), Tim Meyer (kneel jump) and Texlyn Kerrone (knee jump) finished third. Jessica Lindsey (one arm reach) and Suzanne Beaty (one foot high kick) placed fourth. Hana Miles (two foot high kick), Trevor Soik (wrist carry) and Erin Staricha (wrist carry) finished fifth.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com