The top 10 from 2009

It’s not an easy task to whittle 12 months worth of local sports stories down to an ever-so debatable top-10 list. But I gave it a shot.

The following is my take on what I think just may be the top 10 stories from the world of Mat-Su Valley sports in 2009.

10. Palmer Moose hockey squad’s re-birth

The Palmer Moose advanced to the state tournament for the first time in 13 years in 2009, and upset West Anchorage in the first round of the 4A tourney.

9. IFL expanding to Wasilla?

The Indoor Football League’s declaration to expand to Wasilla, and it’s ensuing jettison of the plans to come to the Valley is the No. 9 story from 2009. Cue “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” by the Clash, when thinking of this story.

8. Major success for the Mat-Su Miners

The Miners capped a decade of summers by winning their second Alaska Baseball League title in five years. Mat-Su also has the most total wins in the ABL since 2005.

7. Frey’s splash ends a draught

Wasilla senior Jeff Frey earned a pair of state titles during the 2009 ASAA swimming and diving championships. And by doing so, he becomes the first Valley swimmer in a decade to make his way to the top of the podium at the state meet.

6. Softballers play hard ball

A pair of Colony High School softball players filed a lawsuit against the Mat-Su Borough School District. The athletes, identified by only their initials, filed the suit based on alleged unequal playing grounds and complaints of lack of funding and resources.

5. More success for Moore

Former Colony High School superstar (not just star) Jessica Moore competed in the WNBA finals as a member of the Indiana Fever. Moore is likely the best female basketball player ever to hit the Valley hardwood and continues to have success in the pro ranks. Moore also has to be the first Valley athlete to compete for a championship in a major professional sports league. If I am missing someone, please let me know.

4. Warrior boys make history

With an upset of West Anchorage in the first round of the 4A boys state basketball tourney, Wasilla became the first eighth seed to beat a top seed in the history of the state tourney. This is like a 16-seed beating a No. 1 seed in the NCAA’s big dance. This game is typically reserved for a 32-minute snooze-fest with a 32-point margin of victory.

3. The coaches, they are a changing

Several notable Valley prep coaches stepped down from their positions in 2009. Leading the list is Don Witzel, the now former head coach of the Colony girls basketball program. He retired after more than 300 wins and eight trips to the 4A state title game. Also at Colony, head football coach Jamie Mayo stepped down after leading his team to the postseason in each season during his tenure. He is also the longtime defensive coordinator of the program. Staying at CHS, Fred McKenney made the move from the mat to the rink. After leading the Knights to three straight wrestling titles, he is now the head of the hockey program. Moving west to Wasilla, Glenn Nelson took over as head coach of the football program, filling in for Jim Shetter.

2. Dare I say … dynasty??

The Colony wrestling program won its fourth straight state team title, and became just the second 4A team in Alaska history to do so. Not only has Colony won four straight, but the Knights have done so in dominating fashion. Let’s just say, there’s been little drama or suspense when it come to the team standings at the state wrestling meet.

1. From Palmer High to Team USA

Former Palmer High standout Kerry Weiland became just the second Alaskan to be named to the Team USA women’s hockey team for the Olympic games. She joins fellow Palmer grad Tommy Moe on the very, very, very short list of Valley folks to realize their Olympic dreams.

So let the debate begin. I am sure there are a few stories with top-10 potential left off the list.

There are the thrilling games, such as Chugiak’s overtime win over Palmer during the 4A state football playoffs or Colony’s double-overtime regular-season victory over Wasilla in boys’ basketball action.

Danny Almonte, maybe the most infamous athlete to play for the Mat-Su Miners, and his very brief stay in the Valley could have cracked the top-10.

The success of the Alaska Avalanche during the first half of the North American Hockey League season is also notable.

But all of this just proves there was a ton to talk about in 2009 in the world of Mat-Su sports. And I’m sure the same will be said about 2010.

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