North Pole High School Football Team

Coach David "Buck" Nystrom (1941-2006)

Buck was born in Two Harbors, Minnesota, on August 29, 1941, to Harold and Violet Nystrom. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he played varsity football. Buck always dreamed of living in Alaska where he could pursue his favorite pastimes - hunting, fishing and trapping.

In 1965, Buck began teaching 5th grade at Pennell Elementary. The following year he transferred to Taylor Junior High School where he taught social studies and coached junior high basketball. In 1971, he married Barbara, who had also come to Alaska to teach. In 1972, Buck became the Eielson football coach, where his phenomenal coaching record began. From 1972-1998 he coached at Eielson, leading the "small but mighty proud" Ravens to a large schools State Championship in 1992. Buck left Eielson, in 1998 for health reasons and retired for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District after 35 years of service.

In 2000, Buck and Barbara moved to North Pole from Salcha where they had lived for 28 years. That same year Buck was hired as Head Football Coach for the North Pole Patriots. Four years later he led the North Pole Patriots to the 2004 State Championship.

Buck had two passions in life - the outdoors and football. As a consummate outdoorsman who loved the challenges of his trap lines, hunting and fishing he drew physical and spiritual strength from the wilderness. His respect for nature and love of adventure kept him returning to the glorious snow-covered trails and pristine lakes and rivers each year.

He had an extensive "coffee group" and he enjoyed sharing humorous and outdoor adventure stories with them. His quirky sense of humor and willingness to accept other as they were made him a popular and sought after member of various groups and organizations.

He earned the titles of Alaska’s All-Time Winningest Football Coach (152-88) and Alaska High School Coach of the Year. He was presented with a Champions Award at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton. He was also honored by the city of North Pole with an official Proclamation: "Coach Buck Nystrom Day."

You can make donations to the Coach Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund by sending money to Mt. McKinley Back in North Pole Alaska care of the Coach Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The Address is 45 Saint Nicholas Drive
North Pole, AK 99705-7752
(907) 488-4438.

Also Look for the Coach Nystrom Memorial Facebook Page to keep updated on how you can help keep Coaches dream alive of helping young men move successfully in to the Adult lives.