“Challenge Life” with the help of GCI, ASRC, the Mayor’s Healthy Communities program, BP and CH2M took 27 boys and girls to the Pacific Northwest to visit schools and play basketball in front of college coaches last week. The roster included the following Slope residents:

Girls

Jalene Kanayrak Barrow
Lynette Hepa Barrow
Nicole Smith Barrow
Ruth Nash Point Hope
Carrie Ann Kowunna Point Hope
Michelle Lane Point Hope
Lillian Weber Anaktuvuk Pass
Mary Hugo Anaktuvuk Pass
Rhoda Mekiana Anaktuvuk Pass

Boys

Tyler Adams Barrow
Victor Unutoa Barrow
Adam Sage Point Hope
Zach Lane Point Hope
Ebrulik Lane Point Hope

The trip included stops at St Martin’s College, the University of Puget Sound, Pierce College, Western Oregon State College, Concordia College, Green River College, Skagit Valley College and the University of Washington. In addition to visiting schools, the student-athletes discussed topics ranging from history and health to the variety of school affiliations, NCAA, NAIA or Junior Colleges to
drug and alcohol abuse.

What the College Tour Really Means

It is a difficult chore, as we speak to sponsors, educators and parents, to express the value of the Challenge Life tour. Perhaps it is
best to read the words of the young men and women who traveled to the Pacific Northwest for the answer.

“This is a big opportunity for kids like us. I never really thought I would be able to play basketball at a college.
Now that I have come here, I think anything is possible.”

“My dream is to become a preschool teacher in my hometown, teaching at the same school I attended. I want to
show my community that I came from the same place, experienced the same things and went to college to
reach my goals. I want to be a positive example for my community and help lead the younger generation on the right path
to further their education.”

“The Challenge Life program has taught me perseverance and to never give up on my dreams. Some people may think
this program is based on basketball but it’s not. This program helps a person lead a healthier, smarter lifestyle.”

A Big Thank You!

Mike and I would like to give a sincere thanks to the students, parents and sponsors who made this trip possible, especially,
Rob Galosich, John Quarterman, Rex Rock Jr., Sarah Nicely and Noe Texiera who served as chaperones.

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Championship Week and More

The Arctic Slope boys and girls basketball teams provided an outstanding display of skill and sportsmanship at the Alaska State High School Championships last week.

The Point Hope boys won their second consecutive title under Coach Rex Rock, led by Ebrulik “Skittles” Frankson, Zach Lane and Adam Sage. They became the first 2A team since 1989 – 1990 to repeat as State Champions. The Point Hope girls, with one of the youngest teams in the State, managed a sixth place finish and gave notice of a bright future.

In the 1A ranks, the boys from Anaktuvuk Pass made in all the way to the championship game before dropping a hard fought 43 – 31 decision to Napaskiak. The Wainwright girls captured two victories at State including a 54 – 40 victory over Kwethluk to finish third. The Alak team, similar to Point Hope, returns their entire starting lineup for 2010 – 2011.

At the 3A level, the Barrow girls put on a gutsy performance to capture a victory on basketball’s biggest stage. Their 5^th place finish this season should get a tremendous boost next year with the return of five players, suspended earlier in the season, and an outstanding middle school team. The BHS boys will also be a force to be reckoned with in 2011. The Whaler boys captured 3^rd place by upsetting Heritage Christian on the opening night and soundly thumping Mt. Edgecombe to finish out the tournament in style.

Sportsmanship at Its Best!

Perhaps the most impressive display of sportsmanship I have ever witnessed came at the hands of the Nunamiut boys. These young men not only, as a team, shook hands with an opponent who fouled out of a contest, they routinely congratulated an opponent for a made free throw. My hat is off to the coach (Homer) and players from Anaktuvuk Pass.

Basketball on the Rise!

Just a few statistics I thought you might enjoy to show the growing excellence of basketball on the Slope in the past seven years:

1983 – 2003 During this twenty year period, the Slope produced 4 State Championship teams in 1A, 2A and 3A, boys and girls combined. They also produced 7 runner-up finishes.

2004 – 2010 The Slope has produced 6 State Championship teams and 6 runner-up finishes in almost one third the amount of time.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Coaches

If you were at the State Tournament you may have seen two young men by my side. Lloyd Pikok and Christian Young of Point Lay spent the week job shadowing last week to learn the ins and outs of coaching. They will now be returning to Point Lay to put some of their new skills to work in organizing youth basketball programs.

Final News and Notes

• In the next week, I will be selecting boys and girls to travel to the Pacific Northwest to visit schools and play basketball in front of college coaches. Last year, 15 of 19 participants went on to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
• Matt Lewis and Sam Sokaitis will be continuing the Challenge Life Music Program in Nuiqsut, Anaktuvuk Pass, Barrow and Kaktovik over the next few weeks. They will also be recording songs and sounds with local artists.
• Joe Sage is still working out the details of our “Young Hunters” club which should commence activities in the late Spring.
• The Point Hope boys and girls cross country team are preparing for their summer trip to Colorado.
• Challenge Life is setting up a schedule of fun summer activities in all eight Slope communities.
• Basketball team camp is right around the corner, stay tuned for more information.

Have A Great Week!

Mike and Al

“Challenge Life”

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Congrats To Our Regional Winners!

Let’s begin with a big round of applause for the six slope teams heading off to Anchorage to participate
in the 2010 State Basketball Tournament. The Barrow boys and girls, the Point Hope boys and girls, the
Wainwright girls and the Anaktuvuk Pass boys will all be making a bid to bring a state title home to their
communities. I hope to see everyone in Anchorage next week and I can’t wait for the excitement of “March
Madness – Alaska Style.”

March Madness Is More Than Hoops

The past two weeks, not everyone was involved in basketball on the regional level. While the 1A regional tournament
was played out in Point Lay, “Challenge Life” continued to provide excitement in the communities. Sam Sokaitis, spent a
weekend in Atqasuk teaching guitar and providing a basketball experience for the grade school boys and girls and then
headed out to Kaktovik. At Barter Island, Sam provided classroom music demonstrations, gave lessons after school and
played basketball with all grade levels. “Challenge Life” felt it was important, with so many students away at the tournaments,
to provide some educational and healthy opportunities for those left behind.

Mentors To Join Coach Sokaitis In Anchorage

In the continuing effort to develop coaches and mentors from each community, Coach Sokaitis will have Lloyd Pikok and
Christian “Coot” Young of Point Lay join him in Anchorage for job shadowing and training throughout the state tournament.

“Challenge Life” Summer Programs Offer World Class Experience

“Challenge Life” is initiating a series of academic and athletic opportunities for Arctic Slope residents that should prove
a giant step in keeping young adults involved in positive summer fun. One example, currently being developed by Leonard
Barger of Point Hope and the “Challenge Life” staff, is to bring the Point Hope boys and girls cross-country team to Gunnison,
Colorado for a week of training. Gunnison, summer home of Coach Sokaitis, is the training ground of many of the world’s
elite runners. Located at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet and surrounded by mountains, the local college (Western
State College) has won numerous national championships. The Point Hope students would have the opportunity to train
with world class athletes and meet the legendary running coach, Duane Vandenbush. There will also be time set aside for
white water rafting, biking and hiking.

That’s all for now, see you in Anchorage!

Al & Mike

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Dear Al and Mike,                                                                  3/1/10

On behalf of Nuiqsut Trapper School and the Nuiqsut community, we thank you very much for the wonderful trip you helped arrange to Anchorage for our students.

Our students enjoyed the exciting UAA-UAF game, seeing the hockey rink and UAA campus. Of course, they also loved the hot dogs and talking with one of Al’s former players after the game. The visit to ASRC helped connect students to their culture and future careers. The two basketball games you helped arrange gave our team an opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on the commitment and level of play needed to be successful.

Most important, thank you for taking the time to be with our students during the trip—as that is most valuable model you brought forth.

Sincerely,

Al Strack

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