High school swim team in the works

A joint swim team for Whitefish and Columbia Falls could be included in next year’s high school winter sports.

A group of swimming supporters petitioned the Whitefish School Board March 13 asking for their approval for a cooperative agreement between the two districts to create a joint swim team.

Trustees seemed to be in favor of the proposal and took it under advisement until their next meeting.

“I’m supportive of this proposal,” trustee Shawn Watts said. “Two grassroots community-based organizations have brought this to us with pretty creative ideas. Their willingness to find ways to help both districts offer opportunities to our students in a way that is budget neutral to both districts is something we need to think about.”

Several individuals representing the Columbia Falls swim club and Whitefish Wave Ryders swim club teamed up for the proposal. The Columbia Falls team competes during summer with all age levels and the Wave Ryders compete year round and is made up of mostly elementary and junior high age swimmers.

Mike Nelson serves as head coach for the Columbia Falls team and assistant coach for the Wave Ryders.

“We have kids that are in high school or are close to high school that are looking for an opportunity to swim,” Nelson said. “We have good swimmers in Columbia Falls and Whitefish.”

The Columbia Falls club, a nonprofit, has agreed to provide funding for the first season with total costs expected to be $8,000 to $12,000. Under the proposal, swimmers would pay $100 to participate and would be required to purchase their own equipment.

Trustee Heather Vrentas asked the group if the Columbia Falls club would be able to financially support two seasons for the first year.

“We have so many nonprofits already and kids’ groups supported by donation,” she said. “And as we all know it’s really difficult to keep getting money from the same small group of people.”

Courtney Babcock, Columbia Falls club president, said she is confident that the fundraisers the club has in place could support both teams the first year.

Trustee Dave Fern suggested that the school districts get payment in advance of the swim season to protect the districts from having to foot the bill on their own. He also asked that policy could be in place to ensure that the team followed the same guidelines of the other sports.

If both school boards approve the plan, the swim group will apply for approval with the Montana High School Association for inclusion as a sate sanctioned sport.

The team would include both boys and girls and would likely compete in the Class A division. The swim season runs mid-November to mid-February and practice would take place at The Wave.

According to the group, the Columbia Falls School Board appears receptive to the idea and has agreed to handle the administrative work within its district office. Athletic director duties, including scheduling, coach selection and athlete monitoring, is expected to be shared between Whitefish’s Jackie Fuller and Columbia Falls’ John Thompson.

“It is not our intent to take anyone from other winter sports,” Nelson said. “Our main intent is to get people who might be sitting on the couch doing nothing and get them involved.”

Nelson also pointed to students from both schools who would participate in a swim team, but currently their option is limited to transferring to Kalispell’s team.

Dave Ring asked the board to approve the team.

“I have a daughter in seventh grade who has been swimming for four years,” he said. “I’m excited about the opportunity for her to be able to swim (in high school).”

Fern suggested that a minimum number of about 15 participants be required for the team to be created.

“I can’t help let go of the fact that it is a good opportunity for the kids,” Fern said. “When a kid needs to swim and there isn’t enough kids that’s where a co-op comes in.”

Nelson agreed that a minimum number is needed for the team to make sense. Ten swimmers from both boys and girls is needed to fill every event.