News Summary

Petersburg High School’s cross country teams showcased remarkable talent at the 2024 ASAA Division III State Championships in Anchorage. The boys team claimed victory with a stellar score of 10 points, while the girls team followed closely with 16 points. Key performances included top finishes from runners who demonstrated resilience and teamwork throughout the challenging course. With a proud coach celebrating their achievements, the future looks bright for Petersburg’s cross country teams.

Petersburg High School Cross Country Teams Shine at State Championships!

In the picturesque backdrop of Anchorage, Petersburg High School’s cross country teams truly stole the show at the 2024 ASAA Division III State Championships held on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Runners from all corners of Alaska laced up their shoes to tackle the challenging Bartlett High School Trails, and what a thrilling day it turned out to be for the Petersburg team!

Boys Team Claims the Title!

With their eyes on the prize, the boys team from Petersburg darted to victory, finishing with an incredible score of 10 points. They left their competitors in the dust, finishing ahead of Glennallen who scored 13 points. Wrangell was hot on their heels in third place with 28 points, but there was no stopping Petersburg as they claimed the state title with confidence.

Adding icing on the cake, the team had three exceptional runners who pushed their limits, each achieving top finishes. Junior Gaje Ventress finished in a remarkable 3rd place, clocking in at 17:58, closely followed by junior Alex Holmgrain who crossed the line in 18:00, securing 4th place. Senior Elias Ward wasn’t far behind either, coming in strong at 7th place with a time of 18:15. It was particularly satisfying for Ventress as this season marked his comeback after battling injuries in the past.

Girls Team Wins with Style!

The girls team followed in their teammate’s footsteps, also grabbing the spotlight with an impressive score of 16 points. They finished ahead of Nenana at 23 points and Unalakleet with 29 points. The performance truly showcased the incredible teamwork and tenacity the Petersburg girls brought to the event!

A standout among the girls was freshman Arielle Tucker, who finished strong at 4th place with a time of 21:46. Not far behind, sophomore Maria Toth secured 8th place in 22:20, with fellow freshman Cadence Flint finishing in 9th place at 22:47. Unalakleet’s junior Ourea Busk displayed her prowess by winning the girls’ race in an impressive time of 20:05, defending her state title.

A Challenging Course for All

Competitors were met with a challenging course filled with tough hills, testing the endurance and resolve of every runner on the track. It was no walk in the park for sure! As the runners navigated the demanding terrain, the atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering them on every step of the way.

A Proud Coach and a Bright Future

Amidst the exhilaration and victory, there was pride resonating from the team’s coach. The hard work and dedication put forth by both the boys and girls teams throughout the season were finally paying off in the most spectacular way at the state competition. The triumph at the 2024 ASAA Division III State Championships not only showcases the strength of Petersburg’s athletes but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting future for the teams.

As Petersburg High School celebrates these significant achievements in cross country, there’s an undeniable sense of community, pride, and encouragement for each runner who took part in this exciting event. With this kind of spirit, it’s clear that the future for Petersburg’s cross country teams is looking incredibly bright. Way to go, Petersburg!

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