Big 8 Invite
Kincaid Park, Anchorage
September 13, 2025
Submitted by VHS Cross-Country Coach – The clouds broke and the sun began drying up the course just as our day of racing was about to get underway in beautiful Kincaid Park, Anchorage. Runners were facing a hilly course of grass and mud through the forest of this wildlife sanctuary (the resident bull moose seemed unfazed by the commotion). Today’s theme was determination as the team recovers from injuries and illness.
The JV Boys took to the starting line with 84 runners total. Sophomore Zane Caruthers quickly took the front position for Valdez, followed by PR chasing Freshman Dylan Agcaoili-Smith, Sophomore Connor Hamilton, and Junior Jaymyn James. Z. Caruthers and D. Smith got their PRs even with an uphill finish!
Next up was Varsity Boys, also with 84 total runners. Senior Reggie Baksis quickly led the team, followed closely by the power of Senior James Humphrey, Freshman James Sanborn, and Sophomore Kaden VanBuskirk. This strong pack is why we are leading Region 6 Division II. Baksis finished just shy of a season best, closely followed by Humphrey and Sanborn who continue to chase that 18 minute barrier. VanBuskirk’s competitiveness kicked in and overshadowed his persistent knee issues to PR by 40 seconds! Stepping up to varsity this race was Junior Robert Taylor, Senior Gabe Caruthers, and Sophomore Cody Miller. Taylor earned a season best with a strong push at the end. Next came Caruthers and Miller pushing hard up the last hill to the finish line.
Lastly, the girls joined 75 runners. Freshman Bryndi Beck quickly took position behind the front pack of girls. Beck was followed by Freshmen Zooey and Miquela Baksis and Junior Jewely Weber. Z. Baksis quickly pulled away, chasing Beck for most of the race while M. Baksis and Weber stuck together. In the last mile, M. Baksis pulled in front of Weber. Beck cruised across the finish line with another PR, followed by Z. Baksis over a minute later, also earning a PR. Less than a minute later comes M. Baksis and Weber, earning a PR and season best. Racing in spikes really paid off for the Baksis girls! Official times and places listed below.
To be proud of these athletes is an understatement. They endure incredibly challenging workouts for 2 hours everyday and race every weekend. Congratulate your runners when you see them, they have worked hard! Next up is Region 6 Division II! We are looking forward to more PRs on a favorite course. Go Bucs!!
