As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to emerge and school hallways bustle with renewed energy, anticipation mounts for the 2025 fall sports season. Before the new contests begin, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the remarkable athletic achievements of the past year, which laid a robust foundation for the future of Alaska high school sports across the state. The 2024 fall sports season showcased exceptional talent and dedication among Fairbanks athletes, setting high benchmarks for the upcoming competitions.
A standout moment in the previous season’s state championships was the historic tennis victory by Logan and Jakan Reinheller in Anchorage, marking the first time since 2017 that a Fairbanks athlete had claimed a state title in the sport. Beyond individual success, Lathrop further solidified its tennis prowess by entering the 2025 season as the defending Region VI champions, having secured the Region VI Tennis Championships in 2024. West Valley also demonstrated strong performance, tying Lathrop with a 7-1 regular season record.
On the gridiron, the 2024 high school football campaigns saw significant highlights for several local sports teams. Lathrop, for instance, concluded its season as runners-up in the ASAA Division II state championship game, posting a commendable 5-4 regular season record. Their impressive turnaround included four consecutive wins to close the regular season, notably handing Soldotna its first regular season loss in three years – a testament to their resilience and strategic play.
North Pole also had an exceptional year in football, finishing with a 7-2 overall record and a dominant 6-1 in conference play, earning them a second seed in the playoffs. Despite their postseason ending with a semifinal loss to Lathrop, the Patriots secured notable regular season victories against both Lathrop and West Valley. Meanwhile, West Valley tied its highest win total since 2018 with a 5-4 record, opening the season strong with a 5-1 start, their sole initial defeat coming against eventual champion Soldotna.
The 2024 volleyball season similarly saw strong representation at the ASAA state tournaments, with Lathrop competing in 4A and Monroe Catholic in 3A. While both teams faced tough competition in their opening matches, Lathrop advanced into the consolation bracket, and Monroe Catholic notably defeated Kotzebue before their elimination, underscoring the competitive spirit of prep sports Alaska.
Flag football, a burgeoning addition to Alaska high school sports, celebrated its second season this fall after its inaugural ASAA-sanctioned State Championships in 2024. North Pole etched its name in history as the first flag football state champion, showcasing the growing diversity and excitement within local athletic programs. This inaugural success highlights the progressive nature of youth sports development in the region.
Cross country, often one of the first sports to launch the fall season, witnessed Fairbanks athletics excel across divisions. Lathrop, West Valley, and North Pole represented the Interior in Division I, while Monroe Catholic and Hutchison competed in Division II. The 2024 state meet saw a strong presence of athletes from these schools, underscoring the depth of talent and dedication within the running community.
Collectively, the 2024 season painted a vivid picture of dedication and skill among local sports teams. From the hard-fought battles on the football field to the strategic volleys in tennis, and the endurance tests in cross country, these athletic achievements provide a robust foundation. As rosters evolve and new talents emerge, the spirit of competition and sportsmanship remains the bedrock for the impending 2025 fall sports season.
The upcoming 2025 season, scheduled from August 15 through October 4, promises another chapter of thrilling contests and memorable moments. With a legacy of strong performances and a continuous drive for excellence, the next chapter in Alaska high school sports is eagerly awaited, ready to inspire and entertain communities across the state.
