Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

Even without the benefit of a high school track season, Anchorage’s Tristian Merchant managed to create a title-worthy performance.

The ACS junior broke the nine-minute benchmark in the 3,200 meters at an unofficial time trail with friends.

Merchant is believed to be just the fourth high school runner from Alaska to break the nine-minute mark, crossing the line in 8:59.07.

He joined Don Clary (1974), Trevor Dunbar (2009) and Levi Thomet (2015) in the exclusive club.

The athlete of the week recipient is selected by a panel each Friday and announced Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Sports Guys on CBS Sports Radio 590AM and 96.7FM.

View past winners here.