Local runners prepare for state

Nearly 400 runners from 59 schools will converge on the Michael Janecek Trails and Palmer High School for the 2002 Alaska State Cross-Country Running Championships tomorrow.

A select group of athletes from the Valley are in the running for individual

titles.

Palmer's Aaron Dickson is the favorite in the boys' 4A race. Dickson has won all five races he has competed in this season. Brother Drew Dickson is expected to finish second.

Colony's Dominique Colberg won the Region III girls' race in Skyview last week and will be challenging West High School's Kris Smith for the 4A girls' title. Smith has also won each race she has competed in.

Tazlina Mannix leads a host of Susitna Valley runners expected to fare well in the girls' 1-2-3A event. Mannix won the Region II girls' race last weekend, setting a record on her home course. Mannix finished third in the state championships last season.

Fellow Rams Jenny Thompson and Melissa Ostermick are also among the favorites to finish high in the small school girls' race.

The Su Valley girls are also the favorite to win the small schools team title. After winning their 10th consecutive region crown a week ago, the Rams are looking for their first state title in school history.

"We deffinately have our best shot this year," Su Valley girls' head coach Jane Buskirk said. "We are stronger than last year."