Nordby resigns as head coach of the boys swimming team

Fresh off of guiding eight swimmers and divers to the state tournament, boys swimming and diving Head Coach Mark Nordby has resigned from his post. Nordby has coached at Chisago Lakes for the last six years and had built the program into a perennial contendor for the North Suburban Conference championship. Now, the Wildcats are making the move to the Mississippi 8 Conference, and Nordby thought it was the right time to make the move, although it had more to do with family than it did with anything else.

“The main factor was time with family. I've poured the past 22 years of my life into coaching high school boys and girls swim teams, YMCA swimming, and summer swim training sessions, and sometimes my family ended up on the short side of my attention,” Nordby said. “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach here and help develop the boys program. But, it's time to be a husband, dad, and maybe have a little time for things that have been put on hold.”

Wildcat Activities Director Neil Fletcher knows he’s losing a good one in Nordby. “Mark led many athletes to the state meet,” Fletcher said, “But, Mark’s greatest strength is his relationships with his athletes. There was a mutual respect and dedication that made this team successful. We wish Mark nothing but the best.” Nordby said he plans to remain teaching in the district and won’t stray too far off. “I may someday get back into coaching with the local River Valley Swim Club or another sport,” he said. “For now though, my family has me back and that feels pretty good.”