Article: Iditarod 2007

Lori Henry’s story about Iditarod 2007 that has been submitted to the Arctic Sounder, newspaper of NW Alaska -http://www.alaskanewspapers.com/arcticsounder.asp

Fish Creek must have some magic in the water. Or the sheefish which can be found there must be loaded with something special. Located just over 20 miles from Kotzebue that creek has become known for the raging success of the mushers who live within a few miles of each other and train their dog teams there. Louis Nelson, Sr., Ed Iten, John Baker, Tollef Monson, and our Norwegian guest, Sigrid Ekran, have all put Kotzebue and Fish Creek on the radar screen of everyone who followed the 35th Annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. What these five teams accomplished in the 2007 Iditarod was phenomenal! Three of the teams finished in the top 10 with Iten in 6th, Baker in 8th, and Monson in 10th. The other two teams, Ekran and Nelson, finished in 20th and 23rd.

During the race, I traveled to Unalakleet, White Mountain, and Nome as a spectator and was bursting with pride for how well our mushers and their dogs did. Along the trail, I spoke with many who were curious about Kotzebue’s teams. Their wonder wasn’t simple curiosity but genuine interest. People wanted to learn more and I realized that I had to be careful in my responses to their questions, as I didn’t want give away any secrets!

The positions the teams placed as they crossed the finish line in Nome is plenty to celebrate yet they went on to win awards and recognition at the Finisher’s Banquet that only emphasizes how amazing our hometown teams are. Ekran was recognized as the Rookie of the Year. Iten was awarded the coveted Leonard Seppala Humanitarian Award for the exceptional care of his dogs; Monson was presented with two awards for Sportsmanship and the Most Improved. And when Northern Air Cargo presented the new Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award and announced the winner was Louie Nelson, those of us from Kotzebue were on our feet, once again, whooping and hollering.

After the banquet, we put all of the trophies on a table and photographed the mushers. Congratulations were given to Team Baker for an unprecedented finish with two teams in the top 10. Attending the banquet was well worth the $35 ticket just to be there to support the mushers. As I stood in that room with hundreds of mushers and race enthusiasts, it was apparent to me that these fabulous five had achieved a level of respect and admiration from those in that room. Yes, a first place finish would have been awesome but I sure didn’t feel disappointment. I swelled with pride, tears welled up in my eyes, and my hands were red and sore from all the clapping for their accomplishments.

So what is the secret to their success? First and foremost, they are all driven individuals pursuing a dream. Racing and training so closely together may be what keeps their teams so competitive and might even help them to have that edge necessary to do well in Alaska’s last great race. The dogs they breed, raise, and train are definitely the special stars of the event. Yet, when asked, each musher, will graciously thank others.

A key success factor for each kennel is tremendous support from family. Sponsors are vitally important and make it possible for the teams to even consider doing what they do. So family and the team sponsors are without doubt the backbone. Just as important is a community where there is a strong commitment to the sport and the athletes. Kotzebue and the region have that kind of history and support.

The Kotzebue Dog Mushers Association hosts competitive races during the season and raises funds to provide purse money which also brings in the other competitive mushers from outside of our region. Local people who support all of the KDMA fundraising activities each contribute to the success of the races and the local teams. Village participation in the races extends the sport’s depth and energy. The connection we have had with sled dogs is a well known part of our history. So it’s no surprise that Kotzebue’s dog teams are seen as a force to be reckoned with.

Even with all of this great support, I still wonder, is there a secret we should keep hidden in the hills, valleys, and creeks where our teams live and train? Is it in the sheefish fed to the dogs? Whatever it is, let’s encourage them to keep doing what they are doing and give them the recognition they so deserve. They inspired many with the images they left along the Iditarod trail and will be remembered fondly. Louie, for being friendly, affectionate, and humble; Ed for being strategic, down to earth, and just plain tough; John for being calm, steady, and having a great sense of humor; Tollef for being positive, focused, and unfazed to be running with the big boys; and Sigrid for being determined and always smiling even when experiencing physical pain. Congratulations Louie, Ed, John, Tollef, and Sigrid, we’re very proud of you!

March 20, 2007 Linda