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Alaskan Athletes Shine at State Sports Awards
Alaska, USASaturday, April 18, 2026
Kristen Faulkner – Cyclist, Homer
Gus Schumacher – Skier, Anchorage
Both athletes were honored as Pride of Alaska winners at the state’s Sports Hall of Fame Directors Awards, recognizing top athletes from across Alaska.
Gus Schumacher: Four-Time Awardee
- Age: 25
- Historic Achievement: Third American man to win an Olympic medal in cross‑country skiing.
- Award History: 2024, 2020, 2018 (as a boy) – first athlete to win the Pride of Alaska award four times.
Kristen Faulkner: Back-to-Back Winner
- Recent Success: Three gold medals at the Pan‑American Games, South America.
- Impact: Elevated Homer as a hub for Olympic cycling talent.
Other Pride of Alaska Winners
- Sobina Clendaniel – Wrestler, Seward
Three national youth tournament medals (last year). - Jack Leveque – Anchorage
Defended state titles in classic and freestyle cross‑country races.
Second straight Skimeister title; junior national champion in Wisconsin.
Additional Recognitions
| Award | Recipient | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Floyd Award | Jan Buron – Alaska Winter Stars ski club founder & head coach | Significant contribution to Alaskan sports; developed athletes like Schumacher and Leveque |
| Trajan Langdon Award (Adult) | Elaina Mack – UAA Seawolves | Adult leadership, integrity, sportsmanship; led team to winning record (434 points) after coaching change |
| Trajan Langdon Award (Youth) | Kenai Ice Hawks girls’ 12U hockey team | First all‑girls squad to win title in coed 12UB Alaska State Championship Hockey Tournament |
Executive Director’s Comment
“Every year we find so many talented athletes across our state from a wide range of sports.” – Harlow Robinson, Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director
These awards showcase the depth and diversity of Alaskan athletic talent.
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