Sigvard the Viking statue honors generations of students, alumni, supporters

Coeur d'Alene High School's mascot has been brought to life as a 7-foot statue, weighing in excess of 500 pounds, and was placed at the base of the "V" in the school's entryway as a symbol of Viking pride, strength and spirit for all to see.

"He's bold, he's bronze and he looks exactly like the kind of Viking who makes you stand up a little straighter when you walk by," Viking Booster Club and Education Foundation President Chad Oakland said Tuesday evening.

The unveiling of Sigvard the Viking took place during a ceremony that included statue donors and supporters, Coeur d'Alene High alums, Coeur d'Alene School District administration, and Viking Booster Club and Education Foundation board members.

Longtime Coeur d'Alene High Booster Club member and past president Rick Rasmussen, along with members of the classes of 1967 and 1972, spearheaded efforts to raise $75,000 for the statue created by local sculptor Terry Lee.

Sigvard is also Rasmussen's middle name. It's a Scandinavian name of Old Norse origin, combining the words "sigr" (victory) and "beskytter" (guardian/protector). Thus, the name Sigvard, which means "victorious guardian."

"Sigvard isn't just a statue, he's a symbol, a gift from former classes and proud alumni who wanted today's Vikings to have something permanent, meaningful and unmistakably 'us,'" Oakland said. "They didn't just want a mascot on a banner. They wanted a monument, and they absolutely delivered."

The Class of 1967 was one of the last to graduate from the old high school on 15th Street and Hastings Avenue, where Lakes Middle School is now. The Class of 1972 was one of the first to graduate from Coeur d'Alene at its present site.

"Together, they represent the moment CHS' past and future met in the middle," Principal Victoria Beecher said.

Rebecca Priano, Class of 1972, was a co-leader in fulfilling the vision of Sigvard. She said more than three years ago, the committee planning the 50-year reunion for the Class of 1972 decided to hold a silent auction to raise funds for the school.

"When I visited with the administration of our high school, I got a tour of the new atrium and it was suggested we donate for charging stations and tables here," Priano said.

The committee agreed and commenced with the project. Priano said that when they started sharing locations, dates, and plans with the Class of 1967, which was planning the all-class reunion, its members also jumped on board.

"When all was done, I again went to the high school to see exactly where these fabulous chargers would be going," Priano said. "It was then, standing in this empty space, the idea of a life-size statue came about."

Priano's classmate, Anne Lunceford Capellen, was also at the forefront of the project. She took the concept of a Viking statue to Rasmussen, whom she babysat in their youth. With Rasmussen's encouragement, Lee,  a 1967 graduate, was brought into the fold.

"A metal frame and a great deal of clay later, our Viking not only took shape, but came to life," Capellen said.

Sigvard will grace this spot for years and years to come, she said.

"And he will continue to live on in photographs as students, teams, seniors, staff, alumni and community include him in the background," she said.

    Sculptor Terry Lee is with his bronze creation, Sigvard the Viking, during the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday at Coeur d'Alene High School. The Sigvard project was spearheaded by alumni from the classes of '67 and '72 and supported by community members, the Coeur d'Alene High Booster Club and Rick Rasmussen, booster club trustee and past president.