Mat-Su squad earns NYO state title

As Sommer Zavorka brought her athletes to Anchorage to the state games, she thought Mat-Su had what it would take to climb to the top. But overall, Zavorka wanted to see her team at least match their state runner-up finish from last year.

As it turned out, Mat-Su did have what it takes.

The Mat-Su program finished first in the team standings of the Native Youth Olympics Senior Games last month at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.

“I had a feeling we had a really good shot at the top, but I was just honestly hoping to repeat last year. Second place would have been just fine for me,” Zavorka said. “Knowing these kids, knowing their talents, the dedication they put into NYO in general, their love of the sport, I had a really good feeling we had a good shot this year.”

A pair of Mat-Su athletes earned major awards. CC Carter earned the Autumn Apok Ridley Overall Athlete for the girls. Daisy Vanblarcom earned the Ben Snowball Individual Sportsmanship Award for the girls.

Carter, a Wasilla High junior, placed in six different events, and won two of them. She was first in the Alaskan high kick and scissor broad jump. Carter was also second in the two foot high kick, kneel jump and one foot high kick, and fifth in the seal hop.

“She is a phenomenal athlete,” Zavorka said of Carter. “She’s got the drive, the dedication.”

Vanblarcom also earned a pair of wins, finishing first in the two foot high kick and one foot high kick. The Colony High junior was also fifth in the kneel jump.

Like Carter, Zavorka said Vanblarcom is also a phenomenal athlete.

“She’s a real down to earth kid. She’ll step up and encourage everybody and anybody she can,” Zavorka said. “No matter where she places, she has a smile on her face.”

Eulalia Roman also won an event for Mat-Su, winning the girls wrist carry. Ma’joli Cunningham (Indian stick pull) was third, Rachel Conner (Eskimo stick pull) placed fourth and Cunningham (wrist carry) placed fifth for Mat-Su in the girls events.

Carl Vanblarcom (kneel jump) and Bruce Summerville (one foot high kick) finished second for the Mat-Su boys.

Ruby Thomas (seal hop) placed fourth and Ruthann Williams (Eskimo stick pull) finished fifth in the girls events for Knik Tribal.

Maddy Fortunato was second on the girls wrist carry for Chickaloon. Calvin Musgrave (scissor broad jump) was third and Daniel Rogers (Alaskan high kick) placed fourth for the boys for Chickaloon.

Contact Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.