Congratulations, Islanders!
Posted on 03/23/2022
When the Toksook Bay Islanders beat the Tanana Wolves, March 19, in a suprise upset to become the 1A State Basketball Champions, Coach Lincoln told the team, "Let's go home and celebrate." Little did they know what celebration awaited them.
Michael Robbins, Site Administrator at Nelson Island School, knew there would be a welcome party but they decided to let it be a surprise for the team. As they approached Toksook, the plane went wild with screaming and yelling when they saw everyone waiting for them. The plane banked as it came into the village and circled Toksook Bay so that the boys on both sides of the plane could see their community welcoming them home. "It was a great moment for everyone. To have all the four wheelers, signs, screaming, yelling... it was awesome to see," said Robbins. "There was so much support both in Anchorage and from those who cheered us on from home."
Photos credit: Jimmie Lincoln. Used with permission.