HUMAN

Name: Keegan Fritts

Age: 38

Residence: Eagle River, Alaska

Occupation: General manager for a village corporation.

Iditarod Roles: I’m the coordinator here at the Skwentna checkpoint.

Years involved with Iditarod: My first year at the checkpoint as a volunteer was 1990.

Current Location: Skwentna, Alaska
Date of Photo: March 6, 2022

Temperature: 31 F Outdoors 

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first got involved with Iditarod in 1990. At the age of seven, my parents and I, and my brother, Zach, my mom and dad, Rob and Cyndy Fritts lived in Skwentna. Was born and raised out here till I was four. And so there were always volunteers working with Joe and Norma here at the checkpoints. And so Zach and I would be the Skwentna taxi as little tykes. We’d roll up to an airplane and IF would bring in volunteers and there were two children with a sled and a toboggan being the Skwentna taxi here in Skwentna.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

So I am here today and involved with Iditarod because I’m the last living member of my immediate family who was given the honor to coordinate volunteers to continue the legacy of the Skwentna hospitality that was manifested by Joe and Norma Delia. And just to keep that torch lit and alive, pass that on.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences.

I would say my most memorable Iditarod was 2016. I believe it was when Kristin Bacon, who’s been a Skwentna Sweetie here for a number of years in Skwentna, ran and was checked in under the banner here in Skwentna. And a lot of legendary participants in the Skwentna checkpoint who are no longer with us who are able to welcome her along with all of us who are still here participating.

What do you know for sure?

What I know for sure in life is that nothing is guaranteed. You can’t take anything with you, so you need to share as many memorable experiences with those that you love and care about as often as possible, and get out in nature and connect yourself to your roots.