UAA's Peckham runs to GNAC title

Billings, Montana - University of Alaska Anchorage senior John Peckham added GNAC Champion to his name Saturday after winning the men's race at the GNAC Championships Saturday.

He covered the eight-kilometer course in 24:04, 13 seconds ahead of Sten Brakstad of Western Washington who finished second. Peckham is the 14th man to win a GNAC title in cross country for the Seawolves. He was also named the GNAC Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Year.

"This win feels like a long time coming," said Peckham. "After a lot of heart-breaking moments, it feels great to go and achieve something this big. Being with the likes of Cheseto, Chelimo, Nash and all the other UAA champions is the ultimate honor."

"A lot of times the story isn't necessarily what happened on race day - its what it took to get there," said associate head coach Chas Davis. "And this squad has been through a lot this week. And John Peckham has been through a lot these past four years. John earned this today, and did it convincingly. And with class. We are very proud coaches today."

Ty Elliott joined John Peckham on the All-GNAC team after finishing sixth in 24:33.

The Seawolves had four more men finish in the top-25. Ben Browning finished 13th (24:50), Matt Rongitsch 17th (24:57), Ethan Akroyd 22nd (25:08) and Anthony Porter 24th (25:11).

Akroyd was named the GNAC Newcomer of the Year.

The men finished second with a team score of 58 points. The Seawolves have finished in the top-four at every GNAC Championship.

Alexandra Otto was the top finisher for UAA in the women's six-kilometer race finishing 15th in 21:49.

Ryann Smith was 18th (21:53) and Makendra McCarty was 19th (21:55).

Gracie Puit finished 27th (22:09), and Avery Williamson was 29th (22:17) to complete the scoring for UAA.

UAA finished third as a team for the second straight season with a score of 105 points.

UAA will compete at the NCAA West Regional Championships hosted by Western Oregon on Nov. 8.