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28 Days Until the State Girls Basketball Announcement
Gatorade 2025 - 2026: Player of the Year

Boys Cross Country - Alaska

Gatorade Player of the year

Katahdin Staples

Runner
EAST ANCHORAGE HS
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
JUNIOR
Height: 6-FOOT-0
Press Release

Peak Performance

1st - 16:33.2

Division I State Meet
“Not only was Katahdin the fastest cross country runner in the state and a two-time state champion, he was also undefeated against Alaska competition. Katahdin’s support for his teammates and his ability to lead by example are unparalleled among the athletes I have coached.”
Christina Shurtleff
Head Coach - East High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot, 155-pound junior won his second straight Division 1 state meet this past season with a time of 16:33.2, breaking the tape 3.2 seconds ahead of his next-closest competitor. Staples won 10 of the 11 races he entered and was undefeated last fall against in-state competition. He clocked a personal-best 15:36.2 at the Nike Hole In The Wall XC Invitational last October.

Academic Achievement

Staples has maintained a weighted 4.14 GPA in the classroom. He will begin his senior year of high school this fall.

Exemplary Character

Staples has volunteered locally as part of multiple community service initiatives through his school’s Partners Club, Key Club and Student Advisory Board. He has also donated his time with the Special Olympics and as a peer math tutor.