Staples Signs With San Francisco for Track
East Anchorage's three-time state champion distance runner committed to the University of San Francisco on National Signing Day.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Track & Field
Katahdin Staples, a three-time Alaska state champion runner from East Anchorage High School, signed with the University of San Francisco on National Signing Day. The signing took place in front of friends and family at The Dome in Anchorage.
Why it matters
Staples was the first boys state champion from East Anchorage High School in 50 years, and his commitment marks a notable college destination for a local distance talent. The move also takes an Anchorage athlete to a university program in San Francisco.
Staples has won three Alaska state championships, including the 3,200-meter title in 2026, and finished an undefeated 2025 season. The source does not report his scholarship terms or his projected results at the collegiate level.
The players
Katahdin Staples
A distance runner from East Anchorage High School who has won three Alaska state championships and is headed to the University of San Francisco.
University of San Francisco
A private university in San Francisco, California, whose track and field program Staples has committed to join.
The details
Staples will leave Alaska for San Francisco after running for East Anchorage High School in the spring 2027 track and field season. He is projected to specialize in the 5K and 10K at USF, and he works at Skinny Raven Sports.
Timeline
2024: Staples became the first boys state champion from East Anchorage in 50 years.
2025: Staples went undefeated and received Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
October 2026: Staples achieved a three-peat and another undefeated season.
November 11, 2026: Staples signed with the University of San Francisco on National Signing Day.
Spring 2027: Staples will run his final season for East Anchorage before moving to San Francisco.
Season Trajectory
Staples's championship run breaks a 50-year drought for East Anchorage boys at the state level and sets up a move from Alaska's high school circuit to a Division I program. His commitment extends the school's distance-running profile beyond the state.
Staples's commitment shows Alaska distance athletes can reach Division I programs on the West Coast. Local track fans can follow his final East Anchorage season in spring 2027.
The takeaway
Strong high school results can open doors to competitive college programs outside a runner's home state. Staples's path shows how consistent state-level success can lead to a national-level commitment.
What happens next
Staples will run his final season for East Anchorage High School in spring 2027 before joining the University of San Francisco.
Further reading
Explore more Track & Field coverage from across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alaskasnewssource.
