Su Valley High School senior Bill Kelly, wearing bib number 67, runs behind Mike Burke (#66) during the Su Valley Invitational held last Saturday Kelly went on to break into the top 25 fastest runs for a Su Valley runner in the race. Photo courtesy of Ed O’Connor
Cross country running season is in full swing and last Saturday students from ten schools came to compete in the 25th Su Valley Invitational cross country meet at the Susitna Valley High school.
Forty runners competed in the 5 K race for grades nine through 12.
Su Valley senior student Bill Kelly ran his personal best time of 18 minutes and 16 seconds, a feat that earned him a spot on the top 25 list of best running times ever at Su Valley. Kelly finished as the best Su Valley High school runner in fifth place.
Senior Michael Burke ran the 5k in 18 minutes and 40 seconds, placing eighth. Two other Su Valley high school runners also placed their personal best time. 9th grader Chris Susky and senior Lee Bloczynski both set personal records.
In the girl’s division, 10th grader Bailey Stevenson won the race in 21 minutes and 22 seconds. Missy Scott placed third, followed by Morgan Michaels.
Dawson Matthews won the boys division in the 3K Junior High race.
Elementary kids from preschool to sixth grade participated in fun runs before the competition got underway.
Jane and Larry Buskirk were honored at the meet for having started the Su Valley Invitational cross country meet 25 years ago.
Next Saturday, Su Valley High will host the Region 2 cross country meet. Winners will go on to the State Cross Country Championships in Palmer on October 3.
