News Summary

The Petersburg High School boys and girls cross-country teams delivered outstanding performances at the 2024 ASAA Division III State Championships, securing first place with remarkable scores. The boys team scored just 10 points to clinch victory, while the girls followed suit with an impressive 16 points. Standout runners demonstrated exceptional skill, with the teams showcasing their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Coach Casey Gates praised the athletes for their teamwork and commitment, reflecting the strong spirit of the Petersburg running community as they celebrate their triumphs on the state level.

Petersburg Cross Country Teams Take the Crown at State Championships

The city of Petersburg is basking in the glory of athletic achievement following an extraordinary day at the 2024 ASAA Division III State Championships held at Bartlett High School Trails in Anchorage. Both the boys and girls cross-country teams from Petersburg High School emerged victorious, leaving competitors trailing far behind.

Outstanding Boys Team Performance

In the boys division, the PHS Vikings soared to victory with a stunning score of just 10 points, putting them well ahead of their closest rival, Glennallen, who finished with 13 points. Other schools that were part of the competition included Wrangell (28 points), along with Dillingham, Tanalian, Skagway, Unalaska, Cordova, Nenana, and Nunamiut.

The top three runners for the boys’ team put on a remarkable display of endurance and skill. Junior Gaje Ventress completed the race in a time of 17:58, finishing in third place. Just behind him was fellow junior Alex Holmgrain, crossing the line in fourth at 18:00. Meanwhile, senior Elias Ward came in seventh with a commendable finish time of 18:15.

Girls Team Shines Bright

Not to be outdone, the PHS girls team also clinched first place, scoring a total of 16 points. Their nearest competition came from the Nenana team, who finished with 23 points, along with Unalakleet at 29 points and Hoonah at 39 points.

The standout performances from the girls team included Arielle Tucker, a freshman who sprinted her way to a fourth-place finish with a time of 21:46. Following her closely was Sophomore Maria Toth, finishing eighth at 22:20, and freshman Cadence Flint who claimed ninth place at 22:47. The race was won by Ourea Busk from Unalakleet, who successfully defended her state title with an impressive time of 20:05.

A Season of Hard Work

The coaches and team members are overjoyed, with coach Casey Gates expressing immense pride in his team’s unwavering dedication and effort throughout the season. The results from the state championships are a testament to their hard work and commitment, reflecting not just their individual abilities, but also the strong sense of teamwork that characterizes the PHS running community.

Challenges and Triumphs

This season, the Petersburg Vikings faced numerous challenges, including a daunting course at the Hoonah Invitational on August 30, 2025, which featured steep and muddy hills that tested every runner’s grit. Gaje Ventress’s strong performance during that event, finishing third out of 75 runners with a time of 17:53, set the tone for the remarkable achievements to follow.

Camaraderie on Display

The Petersburg cross-country teams pride themselves on fostering an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere for all athletes. The supportive environment among runners in Southeast Alaska stands as a hallmark of the program, exemplifying the camaraderie and community spirit that truly makes these victories shine even brighter.

As Petersburg sits at the top of the state championships, the excitement and pride feel palpable, as these young athletes exemplify the best of school spirit and sportsmanship. With teamwork, determination, and a little bit of mud, they have shown that they are forces to be reckoned with this season and beyond.

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