John Miles

First, John Miles helped create the Bering Strait School District’s first Nordic skiing and biathlon out of Koyuk in 1978. A decade later he founded the Western/Interior Ski Association.

Years later, in 2016, he was named the Cross Country Alaska’s second Hall of Fame class. He now takes his place among the state’s high school legends.

“In the 30-plus years John helped promote these meets and races (around Northwest Alaska), he would travel to every village and fit kids with skis, boots and poles, and he would know all their names,” said Paul Lincoln, one of Miles’ many athletes. “The kids would all love and revere him.”

Miles owned a passion for skiing and for children. The programs he created provided ski support in the forms of training, equipment and exposure for students throughout rural Alaska. His tireless efforts allowed those Alaskans to learn to love skiing and biathlon the same as their counterparts living in urban areas.

“Recognizing the cultural importance of family, John connected the ski program(s) to the network of family members,” said Kim Sweeney, who’s known Miles for more than 30 years.”

Sweeney said Miles always showed respect for the ties that bind people together.