September 25, 2025, by Seward Folly Staff

On Thursday afternoon, Seward High School played host to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Cross Country Race, welcoming teams from Homer, Kenai, and Soldotna to its trails under a gentle rain and mild temperatures. The Borough meet is exclusive to peninsula schools. The midday timing on a Thursday meant few spectators could attend, a recurring quirk of the Borough meet’s schedule.

The event featured a shortened 3K course, a departure from the standard 5K distance, in anticipation of the all-important Region Race set for this coming weekend. Notably, some of the region’s top runners, including Seward’s Olive Jordan and Soldotna’s Tania Boonstra, sat this one out to rest up for Regionals.

In the JV boys race, Homer dominated, sweeping the top five spots with Charlie Rustand crossing the line first.

Seward’s top JV finisher, Landen Beck, found the shorter distance a welcome change: “A way easier race. It felt like it was all downhill,” Beck said.

Jack Ennis, Seward’s second JV finisher, agreed: “You can pick up the pace, especially at the end.”

On the JV girls side, Seward’s Emily Anger surged to a strong seventh-place finish.

Alta Liljemark was the team’s second finisher. “The short race wasn’t bad. Usually it hurts in the end, but I pulled it together in this race,” Liljemark said after catching her breath.

Landen Beck, Jack Ennis, Chase Antrim, Alta Liljemark, Amara Ransom

The varsity boys were led by Luke Elhard in 4th place. Varsity runners found the 3K distance offered its own challenges.

“The downhills are fun but were over too fast,” said Alejandro Sanchez.

Alex Fink added, “I liked it, but it wasn’t easier because you have to speed up the pace so it’s still hard.”

Looking ahead to Regionals, Olin Liljemark broke down the stakes: “Basically we have to beat Kenai Central. Last year they were 7 points behind us, but this year we are 7 points behind them. We aren’t as fast of a team this year and Kenai has a lot of fast new freshmen and sophomores.”

The boys are hopeful their third runner, Milo Antrim, will return from an ankle injury for the big race.

Alejandro Sanchez, Alex Fink, Olin Liljemark, Tirzah Brueckner, Selah Brueckner, Blakeley Norvell

On the girls varsity side, the Seahawks placed four runners in the top 10: Juniper Ingalls (3rd), Tirzah Brueckner (6th), Blakeley Norvell (9th) and Selah Brueckner (10th).

Tirzah Brueckner described the 3K as “really hard and fast,” adding, “I do like the 3K distance, but I’m not sure I’m better at one or the other.”

Her sister, Selah Brueckner, prefers the longer course: “I prefer the 5K so I can find my rhythm. It takes me a while to warm up.”

Both sisters are looking ahead to Regions with anticipation but not anxiety.

“It’s one race and I want to keep the vibe of the team,” said Selah.

The Brueckners expressed their appreciation for their teammates and coach Rachel Dow.

The upcoming Region meet is the qualifier for the State Championships with only the top 15 individual finishers and the top four teams advancing. Seward, competing in Division 2, Region 3, will face off against Houston, Redington, Grace Christian, MCCA, Kenai and Nikiski at Anchorage’s Kincaid Park, with Grace Christian hosting the event. While all team members will run at Regions, only seven runners and one alternate from each team can qualify for State.

For Seward’s cross country athletes, Regionals represents not just the culmination of a season’s hard work, but the path to the state’s biggest stage. Seward’s Varsity Girls are on the path to a four-peat State Championship. Good luck, Seahawks.