The 2018 Winter Olympics begin in PyeongChang, South Korea on Friday and there are a record number of Alaskan athletes competing for medals over the next few weeks.
Sports
Juneau high school students choose Thunder Bears as new football mascot
Students from Thunder Mountain, Yaakoosge Daakahidi and Juneau-Douglas high schools voted on the new mascot for their combined football teams on Tuesday. Thunder Bears won out over the Capital City Senators and the Orcas.
Confidential report paints bleak picture for Iditarod
A confidential report looking into the financial sustainability and leadership of the Iditarod race’s governing body says the race is in trouble. Iditarod officials are planning to implement a series of reforms later this year, but not until after the race wraps up in March.
U.S. to send 10 Alaskan cross-country skiers to 2018 Winter Olympics
The U.S. Ski Team is taking 10 Alaskan cross-country skiers to the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, in February. Four skiers had pre-qualified for the Olympics: Kikkan Randall, Sadie and Erik Bjornsen and Rosie Brennan. The rest of the team was announced Friday morning.
Vice President Mike Pence to visit missile sites in Alaska in February
Vice President Mike Pence plans to make an Alaska stop in February on his way to attend the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Randy Quinto named head high school football coach for merged Juneau team
Quinto has coached the Falcons the past three years, leading them to the playoffs the last two seasons. He teaches weight training and conditioning and work readiness at Thunder Mountain.