The state track and field championships were held at Lathrop High School in Fairbanks over the weekend and included a number of top Su Valley athletes.
In 1.2 and 3 A competition, graduating senior, Nick Nysewander-Kellard, ran to second and third place in the 200 and 100 meter races, respectively. Known as the fastest sprinter to come out of Su Valley High school, he finished his high school years with personal bests. Although he didn’t win, he still broke the Su Valley records he set last year. Both of his state records set last year were broken by Pat Brown of Eielson High School this year.
In other boy’s events, Christone Susky took 6th in the 300 meter hurdles.
In women’s 1-2 and 3A action, 9th grader, Alya Loper took 4th in the high jump. She also finished 8th in the 400 meter run. Junior Makayla Kelly finished 8th in both the 100 and 200 meter races.
Lauren Thatch took 8th in the 300 meter hurdles. Freshman Emily Hartley took 6th place in the discus throw and and threw the shot put hard enough to take 3rd. Rekia Hueton took 4th in the shot put with a throw just a couples of inches short of Hartley’s.
Co- Coach Bruce Gunderson said the athletes did as well as expected and they all had good performances. He said the boys lost their strong relay team last year with graduating seniors. He says both the girls and boys teams are still young. For track fans, there are a number of athletes to watch over the next few years. Gunderson says there are strong distance runners coming up in the ranks.
Grace Christian took top honors in the 1-2-3A girls competition overall with Seward squeaking by Grace Christian in boys competition.
