By Unalakleet Activities Director, Thurman Jack
Under blue skies and crisp fall temperatures, Unalakleet hosted the annual Qamuuqhin Hill Trails cross country meet Saturday, welcoming runners from across the Bering Strait School District.
The 5-kilometer course wound twice past trails by windmills and Qamuuqhin Hill, offering spectators five opportunities to see the racers along the
route.
In the middle school combined race, the Wolfpack boys swept the podium. Haakon Busk pulled away in the second lap to win in 25:15, followed by Griffin Busk and Paul Johnson in second and third. For the girls, Margret Olson of Golovin won in 30:08, with Aisonna Itchoak of Shishmaref placing second.
The high school boys’ race was tightly contested through the first lap, with leaders trading positions. On the second lap, Leander Kim of Shishmaref and Teyler Johnson of Unalakleet surged ahead, With Kim pulling away on the last hill, taking the win in 20:16. Teyler Johnson of Unalakleet placed second, and Josh Smith of Unalakleet was third.
In the high school girls’ race, the Wolfpack once again dominated, taking all but one of the top eight places. State champion Ourea Busk led the way in 22:35, followed closely by Isabella Eller five seconds later. Turi Busk secured third to complete the sweep.
The Wolfpack will be back in action next Saturday when Unalakleet hosts the BSSD Cross Country Championships. The top three individual boys and girls, along with the winning teams, will
advance to the ASAA state meet on Oct. 4 in Palmer.
