Swim team to return next year

The Columbia Falls-Whitefish swim team will return for a second season.

The Whitefish School Board on April 14 approved an agreement between the two high schools to continue the joint swim club for at least another year.

Head coach Mike Nelson touted the club’s debut season as a success and said he expects both teams to grow in the upcoming season.

“Our goals for next year are to recruit, recruit and recruit,” Nelson told the board. “We could do even better at state if we have the numbers.”

Columbia Falls will remain the “host” district as part of the agreement and will manage expenses.

“I don’t view us as four teams, but one clan,” Nelson said.

The swim club operates on an annual budget of about $15,000 and is responsible for its entire funding.

The Wave fitness center in Whitefish will house the team again. Nelson said he’s looking into the option of hosting a meet there on Jan. 30.

The team’s pink flamingo fundraiser will kick off this week in Columbia Falls and Whitefish. Businesses or individuals pay to have the flamingoes removed from in front of their property. A person or business can pay to have them moved to another business or home or they can even buy “insurance” to assure they never come back.

For more information, contact Nelson at 406-871-2489 or e-mail at coachmikenelson@gmail.com Track the “flockings” online at www.cfwfswimteams.com/wf-flocking.