“Hyslop’s Grand Finale: A Spectacular Showdown at the Last High School Swim Meet”

GRAND FORKS — Brent Newman, the coach for the Grand Forks boys swimming team, has been in high school coaching for 29 years.

Since the opening of Hyslop’s pool in 1984, Newman has had a singular base for his program.

Many of his KnightRiders swimmers grew up at Hyslop, commencing with swimming lessons from a tender age and participating in the club program.

This past Saturday, the high school swimming community paid Hyslop a heartfelt farewell.

The Grand Forks Invitational marked the final major high school event at Hyslop, a facility set for demolition later this year.

While the venue will still host future dual meets this season and club events, the image of a packed pool and spectator area made its final appearance during this event.

Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald

“It has been a significant aspect of the community,” Newman remarked. “Many individuals grew up in this pool, and coaches who have trained and competed here. Numerous coaches statewide inquired about a last celebration, and we were lucky to coordinate this. It felt rewarding to do that for everyone.”

Among the attending opposing coaches was Mike Stromberg, a former head swim coach for UND, who currently assists with the Bemidji program.

“It was quite special to witness a large invite at Hyslop one last time,” expressed Grand Forks senior Logan Bjerke, who led the KnightRiders with a second-place showing in the 100 breaststroke. “It was exciting to see such a turnout. This is the last time we will see that many attendees on that deck while swimming.”

Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald

Grand Forks placed eighth in the nine-team competition.

Senior Avery Berg secured fifth in the 50 freestyle and fifth in the 500 freestyle.

“We’ve been discussing it for a while and how this will be the last major meet,” Berg stated. “We were quite enthusiastic. It’s truly unfortunate. I started swimming at Hyslop when I was 8. It’s disheartening to see it go, but I’m grateful my final year of competitive swimming is at the pool where I grew up.”

Swimmers from Grand Forks high school will now face a two-year interval between Hyslop’s demolition and the eventual opening of the Altru Sports Complex.

The two-year timeline is still subject to confirmation, but it is expected that the KnightRiders will compete at the Grand Forks Central pool, which could reopen next season following repairs from damages incurred in recent times.

Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald

“It’s unfortunate I won’t be able to swim competitively there, but I’m pleased for those who will get the chance,” Berg commented. “It’s thrilling that Grand Forks will embark on a completely new era for swimming once that pool is constructed.”

Hyslop was home to a prominent UND swimming program, which was discontinued in 2017.

The women’s swimming and diving program at UND secured 25 Division II North Central Conference championships, including 23 consecutively.

The men’s program claimed 20 titles at Hyslop.

For many years, the North Dakota state championships alternated between Minot, Mandan, and Grand Forks.

According to Stromberg, Hyslop showcased the first videoboard in the nation within an aquatics center.

Herald file photo