Sports in the Valley

Teamwork, dedication and the drive toward achieving a goal -- sports bring all of this out in people. Local sporting events and activities available to all area residents are a great reason to live in the Valley.

We in the Valley are fortunate to have such a vast array of sports programs available to participants and spectators on all levels of play. From racing events to school

programs, virtually every sport is available.

Just about anything with an engine is raced at tracks around the area -- IHRA drag racing, NASCAR, Sprint cars, stock cars, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmachines. The events attract competitors from all over the state. Some racing events cater to drivers of all ages. Many adult drivers have taken their talents to higher levels of competition on the national level in the Lower 48.

Sled-dog racing events occur provide winter excitement for Valley residents and attract the top racers in the sport. The Knik 200, Klondike 300 and many shorter races start and finish in the area. Many rookie mushers use the events to qualify for "The Last Great Race," the Iditarod. Weekly races take place in conjunction with local clubs, offering races for all age groups.

The Iditarod officially starts in Wasilla, providing local fans an opportunity to see the world's best mushers start their trek to Nome. Local enthusiasts developed the race that has now become a worldwide spectacle.

A full slate of rodeo events are available locally throughout the summer, demonstrating both the teamwork and struggle between rider and animal. Hunter and jumper events also take place throughout the summer for those who appreciate the fine tradition of horsemanship.

The sound of baseball fills the air every summer in the Mat-Su. Baseball and softball programs are available from beginning tee-ball to high school baseball and adult softball, for all levels of skill.

We are fortunate to have the Mat-Su Miners assemble here every summer to give us a peek at top-notch collegiate baseball. Many players from the Miners and opposing clubs go on to major league careers. The major league draft takes place while the Miners are here, so players learn which club has drafted them during their stay in Alaska.

There are many youth organizations around the Valley that offer a variety of sporting activities that teach skills and sportsmanship. Hockey and basketball programs take place throughout the winter, with soccer and running programs available in the spring. Youth football programs are available in the fall. Gymnastics programs are offered year-round for boys and girls of all age levels.

These programs lay the foundation for children to develop in athletics, giving them the opportunity to excel at the high school level and beyond.

Valley high school teams are very competitive at the state level, having earned several state championships and rankings among the best at nearly every sport.

Valley football teams have made it to the state championship game four of the last seven years. The Wasilla Warriors won this year's state volleyball title. Cross-country skiing is very popular in the area, with many local skiers continuing at the collegiate level. Valley wrestlers win several state championships each year and many going on to wrestle for colleges and universities throughout the nation. Valley basketball teams have been perennial powerhouses, vying for and winning state championships in the last few years.

The solid athletic programs throughout our schools have enabled many local athletes to secure college scholarships to take their game to the next level while furthering their education.

Many running events take place during the warm weather months with a triathlon event for hardcore athletes that takes place during the Colony Christmas festivities in

December.

A wide variety of martial arts programs are also available to Valley residents, from the smallest children to adults. Martial arts provides a year-round activity for fitness and health. Martial arts offers programs for those who just want to practice the discipline, as well as those who want to compete. Many local students of the martial arts participate in competitions at all levels around the world.

Two golf courses are located in the Valley, offering daily rounds

of leisurely golf and tournaments throughout the season. Driving ranges and lessons are also available.

With so many sporting events and activities available to enthusiasts in the Valley, the biggest problem may be deciding on which activities to choose.