Nome-Beltz Middle High School's swim team got off to a late start, but the team is back at practice for the season. Kirsten Bey has been the swim coach for the Nanook's swim team for 15 years. She said Nome’s only pool being closed for the start of the season put the team at a disadvantage.
“Normally, the high school swim season runs from mid-August through October, but this year, we weren't able to get into the pool until October 7,” Bey said. “And then it's also taken us some time to figure out a practice schedule that works for the students that want to be on the team.”
Nome’s pool was closed for maintenance and only reopened to the public in early October. Bey said despite the late start, she thought they had a decent-sized roster with five students on the team.
The swim team this year includes junior Trevor White, sophomore Lathen Ahmasuk, and freshman Brandon Ford for the boys. Jamison Erickson-Ford and Ayla Kavairlook will represent Nome-Beltz on the girls’ team.
Bey said the five kids have been involved with the swim team in some capacity in the past. She remains hopeful that the team will be able to participate in the regional meet. But Bey said that the students will need nine practices under their belt to qualify for regionals in addition to academic requirements.
“Our regional meet is scheduled for October 31st and November 1st, and should be in Fairbanks. And we won't know until next week who will travel to the regional meet,” Bey said. “They have to have a certain grade point in order to be eligible to practice.”
Next year the team will look different. After three decades in Nome, Bey is moving in early November. She said she's working on handing the team over to new leadership.
“I'm kind of looking at this year's team as kind of rebuilding, and everyone who's on the team this year will still be in high school next year, so assuming they want to continue swimming, that gives a good base of six swimmers for next year,” Bey said.
Bey will hand the team over to Nome resident Melissa Ford, who’s already involved with the pool.
The facility has faced budget challenges and staffing shortages. Bey said her parting wish for Nome is that the community helps keep the pool going, for competitive and recreational swimmers alike.
