Wasilla standout to run for UAA

WASILLA — Like many college-bound Alaska high school students, finding a university outside of her home state was central in Mariah Burroughs’ search. But after years waiting for her chance to race Outside, Burroughs found a short trip would be better in the long run.

Burroughs, a Wasilla senior cross-country running standout, recently signed her National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage and compete for UAA’s nationally-ranked Division II cross-country program.

“All four years of high school, that’s what I wanted,” Burroughs said of attending college outside of Alaska. “Once I actually met the (UAA) coaches and started talking to them is what did it for me. Meeting the team, they’re just like a family, like my team is now. I knew I’d get the coaching needed to achieve all the goals I want. Looking at the schools in the Lower 48, I really didn’t feel that way.”

By inking her intent during a small ceremony at Wasilla High School Feb. 27, Burroughs accepted a full-ride scholarship to attend UAA. The Seawolves are now getting one of the most decorated girls cross-country runners in Wasilla High School history. During her four years as a varsity cross-country runner, Burroughs helped lead her team to three straight 4A state titles and four Region III team championships. As an individual, Burroughs posted four top-4 finishes in the region championships and four top-11 finishes in the state championships.

Burroughs said she considered a handful of schools in the Lower 48 before finally choosing UAA.

“Most of them had one thing to offer and not the other,” Burroughs said.

Burroughs’ choice to go to UAA will also reunite her with former teammate Jessica Pahkala, who will be a junior next season. Pahkala, a 2012 graduate of Wasilla High, also helped lead the Warriors to a state title. Another former teammate of Burroughs’, UAA freshman Alysha Devine, is a starter on the UAA basketball team. Having friends and former teammates within the athletic department was also a huge draw, Burroughs said.

With the addition of Burroughs, the recent pipeline built between Wasilla and the UAA running program continues to send the Seawolves talent. Wasilla assistant coach and former head coach Gary Howell said Burroughs is about the fifth runner he’s coached who went on to compete at UAA. Howell said a recent conversation with UAA head coach Michael Friess reiterated Howell’s excitement about his former athletes having success within the UAA program.

“He really appreciates the work we’ve done here,” Howell said of Friess. “The kids don’t struggle when they’re making that transition from high school; the mileage and the workouts. It’s nice to know you’re doing the right things so kids don’t get hurt.”

Howell said Wasilla’s recent success has also given schools like UAA more reason to take a look at the Warriors.

“I think UAA has grown, and I think we’ve kind of met that growth as well,” Howell said. “We’ve gotten better, and those coaches are starting to look out here because of what we’re doing.”

In Burroughs, Howell said he believes UAA has found a runner who can impact the program immediately.

“I think she can run at the national level as a freshman. I think she can score points for them right away,” Howell said.

But on the other hand, Wasilla will have a big hole in the lineup next season with the graduation of Burroughs.

“I don’t know how you can replace a Mariah Burroughs,” Howell said. “You get a couple that pop through every now and then. She’s totally selfless and a talented runner on top of that. You have great leaders and great runners, but a lot of the time they’re not the same kid.”

Leslie Varys, the current head coach of the Warriors, said leadership is one of Burroughs’ biggest strengths, and she is far from peaking.

“She’s a true leader,” Varys said. “The most impressive thing about Mariah is she’s just continually developing.”

Burroughs said she has a number of goals for the next step in her running career.

“Really, I’d like to become an All-American at college. I’d like to be come of the top runners on UAA’s team,” Burroughs said.

Howell is confident that goal will some day be a reality.

“Easily All-American,” Howell said.