Star runner, skier commits to UAA

ANCHORAGE - The University of Alaska-Anchorages skiing and running teams just got a tremendous boost, and a Valley athlete is the reason why.

Colonys Eric Strabel, a two-time state champion cross-country skier and this years champ in cross-country running, choose to compete at UAA next year by signing a scholarship offer Wednesday afternoon.

He chose UAA over the University of Colorado and Utah University. Both Colorado and Utah have strong cross-country skiing teams, as does UAA.

Strabel is one of the top cross-country skiers in the country in his age group, and he recently competed a running season in which he won every race he entered, including the state championship.

It was one of the most dominating cross-country running seasons in Alaska high school history.

His training is unquestioned, and now, UAA will benefit from his hard work.

The UAA cross-country running team signed the state champion for the second time in three years, and both times it was a Valley athlete who committed to the Anchorage school.

Three years ago, Palmers Eric Callison won the state title and signed a scholarship to run at UAA for head coach Michael Friess, who will also be Strabels coach.

While his success in running is unmatched, Strabel concentrates just as hard in cross-country skiing.

He has won the last two Skimeister titles, and he is ready to win his third this season.

Strabel has also participated in several Junior Olympic competitions in his high school career.

At UAA, he will join both the running and skiing teams.

Strabel is an exceptional athlete, but he also excels in the classroom.

One reason he decided to attend UAA was because the school has a strong engineering program.