Over the past few years, while covering the Two Harbors Agates Swim and Dive Team, I’ve seen firsthand how their passion and family-like bond fuel both joy and excellence. Their dedication extends beyond the sport and into the classroom, with the team earning the Gold Standard award last season for having the highest collective GPA among all Class A teams in Minnesota.
Another major source of pride for the swimmers is their pool, and they are on a mission to give their home tank the care it needs for both current and future generations. As part of that effort, the team held its second annual Swim-A-Thon during practice on September 30 to raise money for new starting blocks. These blocks have served the community for decades, but time and heavy use have taken their toll.
The starting blocks are used not only by the swim team but also by Lake Superior School District gym classes, Community Education programs, YMCA meets, and City Rec swim lessons. They’ve “supported thousands of dives, races, and lessons,” according to the team’s Facebook page. Now worn and outdated, the blocks no longer meet current safety or performance standards.
Temporary attachments were purchased through earlier fundraising efforts, but a lasting solution is still urgently needed. The cost of new starting blocks is significant, and while the team’s efforts have been steady, the goal remains out of reach so far this year.
“We are the only school in the Northland that does not have this technology,” said Head Coach Heather Mayfield. “They want these blocks so badly, and we’ve been fundraising for years, but they’re really expensive.”
The team needs to raise about $36,000 to install new starting blocks. It’s a big goal, but the swimmers approached the Swim-A-Thon with determination and focus.
“It was so fun to watch them push,” said Mayfield, who overheard the girls talking about swimming their hardest because they had donations and donors counting on them. “It was really cool to watch them finish.”
Mayfield described the team as “super tired but super satisfied” after collectively swimming over 2,227 lengths in the hour-long event. That’s more than 30 miles, and if my computer did the math right, almost like swimming from Two Harbors to Silver Bay along the shoreline.
The effort started well before the Swim-A-Thon, as the swimmers went door to door seeking donors to sponsor their laps. Some supporters pledged a lump sum, while others donated per length.
“Three of my girls, who are eighth and ninth graders, they went around to local businesses and asked for donations,” said Mayfield. “They went to almost every local business in Two Harbors. One of my friends said they were so professional. They nailed their presentation.”
After the event’s success over the past two years, Mayfield believes the Swim-A-Thon will become an annual tradition.
“We are just doing what we love and we’re super passionate about and people are sponsoring and donating money for us to do what we love. So it’s wonderful,” she said.
The Swim-A-Thon wasn’t just about fundraising; it also reflected the team’s growing strength and reach.
This year, the team includes 23 swimmers from Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and Duluth Marshall, up from 18 last year and nearly double the number from the previous season.
“They’re all great girls,” said Mayfield. “It’s just been such a joy to have all three teams co-oping together.”
Mayfield credits the team’s growth to the girls’ passion for the sport and their efforts to recruit younger swimmers to join the program.
“When they share their love and their passion, they’re inspiring the next generation to join,” said the coach. “I think that has been one of the biggest factors.”
Inspiring the next generation is especially important this year, as the team has only two seniors. Bella Imholte and MJ Wharton, both team captains, were celebrated on senior night on October 2.
The entire team is swimming well this season. According to Mayfield, “They’re just doing so wonderful this year, working hard. Our younger kids came back so strong. We have standout 8th graders this year. So, the future is just building for this team, which is really exciting. So far, we’re undefeated in dual meets.”
That momentum isn’t just reflected in the win column; it’s evident in the way the girls train, support one another, and show up day after day.
“They’re just kind of going above and beyond when it comes to practices and swim meets. They just keep blowing my mind around every corner,” said Mayfield. “It’s just an honor to be part of this whole process with them. I love it.”
Coaching this team goes beyond a job for Mayfield; it’s a true calling that she approaches with dedication and heart.
“I don’t take it lightly,” Mayfield said. “It is such an honor that I don’t take for granted or take lightly at all. It’s a beautiful thing to be part of.”
Although this year’s Swim-A-Thon has concluded, there are still opportunities to contribute to getting the girls’ and the community’s pool in top shape. Donations can be made by contacting Heather Mayfield at heatheroberg29@gmail.com or 218-391-8629. Funds raised will go directly toward installing new starting blocks, ensuring safety, performance, and pride for generations to come.
