Valley athletes shine during state championships

ANCHORAGE — Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District student athletes made several top placements during the 2024 ASAA Track and Field State Championships held at Dimond High School Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25.

Below are the Division 1 results for Mat-Su student athletes top three placements:

Colony High School

Tobias Buchanan won first in boys 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters. Kenton Phelps won third in boys discus. Ella Hopkins won third in girls 800 meters and 3,200 meters. The Colony relay team won second in the girls 400 Relay.

Palmer High School

Leila Petersen won third in girls 200 Meters and second in 400 meters. Abby Pettit won second in the girls shot put.

Below are the Division 2 results for Mat-Su student athletes top three placements:

Redington Junior/Senior High School

Myles Campbell was third in boys triple jump. Mya Campbell won first in girls long jump and triple jump. Campbell also tied for second in the high jump.

Susitna Valley High School

Caymen Kingery won second in boys 300-meter hurdles. Austin Barnard won second in the boys high jump.

Colony High School coach Brian McIntosh said that he was thrilled that several of their students were able to participate in the state championships again this year. He said the student athletes have been doing very well this year and they were all up for the challenge.

“Both boys and girls are solid," McIntosh said.

According to McIntosh, Colony has about 170 total track and field athletes this year. He said that he's been very impressed being able to see so much growth amongst their athletes.

“It's very rewarding,” McIntosh said. “We've had some kids with some leaps and bounds. It's all over the team.”

McIntosh said there's numerous benefits students can reap from participating in track and field such as building confidence and forming friendships. He added that the sheer diversity of choices in activities is another appealing aspect of this sport.

“It can go across the board. It just has events for everybody," McIntosh said.

Numerous track and field athletes participate in other sports. McIntosh also coaches football. He said that track and field greatly complements athletes’ endeavors in other sports like football.

“Our football players get stronger and faster,” McIntosh said.

Aside from things like relays, a majority of track and field events are individual efforts. Colony High School track and field coach Edward Vinsang said that track and field athletes have to self-motivate to do well.

“It's you and the track. You gotta do the work," Vinsang said.

Colony freshman Triton Ellis said that it felt good to have the opportunity to represent his school in this year’s championship.

“As a freshman it feels really cool to do that," Ellis said.

Ellis gravitated towards events like the Long Jump. He said that he appreciates the fact that track and field gives athletes the opportunity to choose what events they want to practice based on their unique interests and abilities.

“I like that you can do your own thing most of the time.You get to do a lot of stuff," Ellis said.

Ellis also plays basketball and baseball. He said that being involved in track and field has been beneficial towards his other endeavors.

“I think it's helped me get faster for the other sports," Ellis said.

Colony junior Mary Burnett competed in sprinting events like the 100 and 200 meter races. She said that she enjoys participating in track and field and improving as an individual.

“I like being able to push myself. I like getting stronger,” Burnett said.

Burnett said this is her second year in track and field and she plans to participate again as a senior. She said that her friend convinced her to join and she's glad that did it.

“It's fun," Burnett said.

Redington coach Mathias Weinberger said that he was elated that their school was able to return to the State Championships this year.

“It's exciting," Weinberger said.

Weinberger said there's been a lot of tough competition this year but he thinks their athletes are very competent and able to rise to the challenge.

“I think they are doing really well,” Weinberger said.

Redington senior Mya Campbell was able to end her high school career with several top placements during the State Championships. She said that she's always enjoyed the opportunity to compete in events like these.

“It's fun here," Campbell said.

Redington junior Lexi Pike competed in events like Long Jump, Triple Jump, and Discus. She said that she's been involved in track and field since the 6th grade, and one of her favorite aspects of the sport is the widespread support.

“I really like how encouraging the people are," Pike said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com.