The period of domination for the Seawolf cross country program extended into 2011, as both the men and women enjoyed undefeated regular seasons and swept the GNAC and West Region championships.
Individually, there were standouts as well. Micah Chelino and Ruth Keino led the team efforts with title-winning performances in both the conference and regional meets.
At the NCAA Division II meet, both teams thrived again, as the men matched their program best finish with an 8th place showing, while the ladies came in 6th, their best finish in team history.
Through it all, the team overcame tragedy to stay on top. In February, UAA runner William Ritekwiang committed suicide. Then in early November, standout runner Marko Cheseto, whose cross country eligibility had expired, went missing for three days in a snowstorm. While Cheseto turned up alive, his feet had to be amputated. Police later ruled the ordeal a suicide attempt.
KTUU's best of 2011 series will be featured both on-line and on the Channel 2 Newshour each night, counting down numbers 10 to 1. #1 in the categories of top local sports stories and greatest games will be unveiled on Thursday, December 29th.
