Bausch Runs Away From Field For Alaska State Title

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Daniel Bausch cappped a dominant season in Alaska on Saturday afternoon at the ASAA Cross Country Championships at Bartlett High.

RESULTS

The senior from Chugiak, who transfered from West Anchorage last spring, crossed the 5,000-meter course in 15 minutes, 29.4 seconds. He was more than 30 seconds faster than runner-up Santiago Prosser of Dimond (16:02.2).

Bausch's time was the fastest of the day and also a big personal improvement over last year's state meet, when he ran 16:24.

In the team race, Dimond dominated, scoring 38 points and putting all five runners in the top 15.

Bausch and Chugiak finished runner-up with 75 points.

In Division II boys action, Anchorage Christian sophomore Tristian Merchant impressed, clocking 15:55.8 to win the state crown. Merchant was the only boy besides Bausch to run under 16 minutes. Senior Gabe Martin of Grace Christian led his team to a state title as he finished in second place individually in 16:32.2. Grace Christian tallied 46 points to edge out Sitka (58).

In the Division I girls race, West Valley junior Kendall Kramer defended her title, cruising to victory in 17:51.1, the fastest time of the day for any girl. Junior Sadie Tuckwood of Juneau Douglas was second in 18:18, leading her team to a Division 1 state title. Juneau Douglas scored 71 points and Service finished second with 77 points.

A switch to Division II proved to a difference-maker for Kenai Central. After finish runner-up a year ago in Division 1, Kenai Central (the alma mater of Allie Ostrander) ran away with the title, scoring 36 points.

Senior Jaycie Calvert finished first for Kenai Central, crossing the line in 19:22. The Kardinals placed four runners in the top eight and all five in the top 20. Runner-up Grace Christian scored 63 points.

Homer junior Autumn Daigle placed second individually, running 19:46.