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Perham Yellowjackets Announce New Swimming and Diving Coaches

Aug 17, 2022 | 8:34 AM

Courtney Skarie names Perham and Mike Avant named new swimming and diving coaches for Perham Yellowjackets

PERHAM (KDLM) – The Perham Activities Department has hired two new swimming and diving coaches.

Courtney Skarie will become the school’s new head coach and Mike Avant the assistant coach after the resignation of head coach Jenson Grimley. Trent Swanson will stay on as a volunteer assistant coach.

Skarie takes over at the helm of the Yellowjackets but is no stranger to the Perham Swim Program. Skarie has led the Lakes Area Penguin Swimmers since October of 2020 and is the Marketing and Aquatics Director for the Perham Area Community Center. She also served as the Swim Coach for the Monticello Swim Club in 2017-18.

“I’m excited for the Yellowjacket swimmers to welcome in Coach Skarie and for what she will bring to the table given her background and experience as both a swim competitor and a coach,” said Perham Activities Director Erin Anderson. “Her enthusiasm and energy are evident, and she is someone who seems very driven to inspire her student athletes to achieve success. I am excited to partner with her as she takes the reigns as our next Head Coach.”

Avant joins the program with a strong background in swimming as well. He served as a coach of the Northfield Bullsharks, at Macalester College and a camp at St. Olaf College, along with extensive work as a trainer and fitness instructor.

“Avant is going to bring a very broad set of gifts to our swim programs. Like Coach Skarie, he has a competitive background in swimming and coaching and is also a professional trainer, so he has a wealth of knowledge for training our athletes,” Anderson said. “Mike is very driven and invested in the sport of swimming but has a deep understanding of what a great high school swim experience can and should be for our students. Coach Avant is a great addition to our team of coaches.”

Both hires are pending the approval of the Independent School District 549 School Board.

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