Community Sports
Swan’s skilled students win at Jiu Jitsu
By 8th Grader Hailee
December 12, 2019
Lakoda is an eighth grader here at Swan River with the rest of his siblings. He has a passion for Jiu Jitsu starting way back in 2014, and last year he started shining in wrestling as well. He travels far and wide for tournaments, including Long Beach and even Las Vegas. His family practices at the Kalispel SBG (Straight Blast Gym) as well as Flathead High School for wrestling. He has had tons of coaches throughout the years.
On August 20th, 2016 in Ontario, California his family competed in a world championship Jiu Jitsu tournament. The whole family, all did a phenomenal job! Lakoda took 2nd in Gi and 1st in no Gi! Kalijah won 3rd and 2nd, and Cayden 3rd in both.
“Gi Jiu Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash guard. In no Gi you cannot grab your opponent's clothing.”-https://www.bjjee.com/articles/gi-and-no-gi-jiu-jitsu-what-are-the-differences/
Swan River is lucky to have so many talented and special kids inside our walls. This family is one of many. We can't wait to see what life brings them!
Bigfork Football
By Seventh Grader Avery Johnston
December 18, 2019
In Bigfork, Montana, there is a super amazing middle school football team, and we are proud to say, our students are part of it. In September-October 2019, our middle school boys kicked off the football season with a good start. This event took place at the Bigfork High School field. Some of our students have played football for a long time. “I have done football since I was in fourth grade,” quoted seventh grader Rowen. We have joined our students with others of the Bigfork School to make an even greater and more powerful team. After all, there are still more years to come, and our students already give so much to the team.
Even through their hardships, the players stuck to their passion for football, and continued to win, win, win, and win! “We only lost one game throughout the whole season,” says seventh grader Kai. There were some challenges players faced with other players on different teams, but our team was powerful and got through it determinedly. The players believe part of the team's success is because of their amazing coaches. “Our head coach was Coach Nolan, and I liked him,” said eighth grader Tristen. Overall, I think now I know our students here at Swan River School are full of intensity and courage for football.
When asking a few questions, of the players, seventh grader Rowen said, "I don't know? I liked all the coaches. There were a lot of coaches, and yeah, I liked them," another seventh grader, Wyatt, said, "I joined because I like running into people." I asked the players how they would rate their performances one through ten, and here is one answer I got form eighth grader Tristen, "I would rate myself a nine out of ten."
That's a wrap! Thanks for taking your time to read about our fantastic, unique, inspiring football team!
Travel basketball
By Sixth Grader Taylor
December 19, 2019
Travel basketball has started again for the girls of the valley. Some of the girls from Swan River participated in this sport. Keni, a 7th grader at Swan River, said, “I play for the travel basketball team because basketball is my favorite sport, and I get to hang out with my friends.” Other Swan River students on the team include 8th graders Ava, Piper, and Haley.
The travel basketball team has 9 players. These players practice at the Kalispell Middle School Gym and Cayuse Prairie. Their team name is The Heat, which is a suitable name for travel basketball. “We have a really good team this year, and some of the other teams are challenging,” states Keni. "I would definitely play for this team next year."