Apr. 7—The Anchorage Daily News caught up with some of the best track and field athletes from around the state at the annual Big C Relays. The list includes a pentathlete with a wide range of interests and insights, a pair of Harry Potter fans whose house allegiances are on opposite ends of the spectrum, an elite distance runner with an affinity for Australian culture, and a star thrower who is influenced and inspired by the matriarchal figures in his life. There were also several impressive performances by top contenders and ascending talent alike.
Here's an introduction to six track and field athletes and the top performers from the Big C.
Tyler Drake, Bartlett
The Bartlett senior was the Division I boys state runner-up in triple jump and 110-meter hurdles in 2024. At the Big C Relays, he competed in the pentathlon and finished first in 110 hurdles with a new personal-best mark of 15.01. As a pentathlete, he finished first in the 300-meter hurdles with a new personal record (41.36), first in the high jump (5′ 6″), second in the 100-meter (11.69), fourth in the 800-meter (2:23.83) and fourth in the shot put (29′ 9″).
How did you get started in track and field? "I did it in sixth grade and middle school, and then COVID hit and then I started doing it in my freshman year. I did taekwondo growing up and was always able to jump doing that, so I might as well try jumps and stuff in high school, and it came kind of natural to me."
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? "I don't really listen to music before an events. I usually like to drown out the noise and keep to my self. I do like musical theater a bit. If I had to listen to something, I'd listen to musical theater stuff. I'm a big 'Hamilton' fan, that's definitely my favorite."
What is the best movie or series you've watched in the past year? "I was watching the show 'Shameless,' I like that a lot. My favorite character is definitely Fiona because you can tell she really cares about her family with how she has taken on that mother role but she is also hard on them too because she wants them to get out of that life."
Favorite fictional character of all time: "I'm a big Captain America fan. I like how he always wants to do the right thing. His whole story, becoming Captain America being the scrawny kid, but he had the biggest heart and when he was given the chance, he was really able to do some great things."
What's the best vacation you've ever been on or place you would like to go to? "I love going to Pittsburgh. That's where my family is and there's some great amusement parks there. My family is from Pittsburgh but I'm a (Cincinnati) Bengals fan."
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? "(2024 Gatorade Player of the Year, Bartlett's) A'Lante Owens-Player. Having him practice with me every day helped me become a better jumper. He's just a guy I've looked up to when it comes to track and field. All the effort he puts in, I always try to mirror that work ethic ... He's great with academics, great with band and is just a great role model for me."
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? "I like building puzzles. I got a bunch of puzzles at my house and do them on my free time. Like 1,000-2,000 piece puzzles. I've got one done in a day before. It usually takes me three or four days to get those done. I like the ones that are a compilation of pictures like movie posters and postcards."
Jihsana Williams, Chugiak
The Chugiak sophomore is the reigning Division I state champion in the girls 100- and 200-meter races and was on the first-place 4x100-meter relay team. At the Big C Relays, ...
