David Sawatzky, Healy, Alaska David Sawatzky was born in Minnesota in 1952 and moved to Alaska in 1983. He started running dogs in 1985. After the 1986 Yukon Quest, he purchased Martin Weiner’s team and then entered the 1987 Yukon Quest, finishing 14th in his rookie year. He went on to finish third, fourth, fifth, eighth, 14th and 16th in the Quest. In 1995, he ran his first Iditarod and finished 15th, earning recognition as rookie of the year. He says he has acquired dogs from several different mushers over the years. In 1989, he bought a dog named Tip from Rick Swenson and his kennel has been built primarily around this bloodline. His leader, Bluto, was sired by Tip, and has proven to be an excellent leader. After the 1995 race, he purchased John and Jennifer Gourley’s team and expects that to be a real asset to his team. David lives in Healey with his wife Jeanne, their son Nik and daughter Sara. They run Dry Creek Bed and Breakfast. He’s an equipment operator at Usibelli Coal Mine. The Sawatzly’s maintain a kennel of 50 dogs. David says he’s looking forward to "my second running in the Iditarod, to hopefully improve my standings."

David Scheer, Kasilof, Alaska David Scheer, 38, was born in Florida, grew up in Minnesota where he finished college before moving to Alaska in 1982 to "look for adventure." He lives with his wife Dana on the Kenai Peninsula near Kasilof. They are commercial salmon fisherman in Cook Inlet and they spend winters driving dogs. "We breed, raise and train our own dogs and enjoy mid and long distance races. We love the companionship with our dogs and the opportunity to travel with them," said David. A member of the ITC, P.R.I.D.E., P.S.D.R.A., Alaska Wildlife Alliance and the Alaska Shellfish Growers Association, David has finished the Iditarod twice, in 1984 and 1986. He finished the Yukon Quest in 1989 and 1991 and has spent the last few years entering mid distance races. He says he look forward to running Iditarod ‘96.

Mitch Seavey, Seward, Alaska Mitch Seavey is a life-long Alaskan and has been involved with dog mushing since he was four years old. His family moved to Seward from Minnesota in 1963. Mitch’s father, Dan Seavey, was a top competitor in the first two Iditarod races, and as a young teen Mitch helped train the team for those races. In 1982 Mitch ran his first Iditarod and placed 22nd. For the next 13 years, mushing was only a hobby as Mitch and his wife, Janine, concentrated on raising three sons who are now old enough to enjoy the sport. In 1993, Mitch began to rebuild a racing team. In 1995 he became the first musher in over 75 years to run the entire

Stan Smith -- Chugiak, Alaska Stan Smith dreamed of mushing dogs after watching Sgt. Preston of the Yukon. He has enjoyed the friendship of many mushers who have helped to point him in the right direction. This winter he has been training dogs with Diana Moroney. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and skiing. Stan is employed by the Alaska Department of Labor. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children.

Doug Swingley, Simms, Montana Montana rancher and dog breeder, Doug Swingley, the 1995 Iditarod champion, broke all past records when he finished the race in nine days, two hours, 42 minutes, 19 seconds in his fourth Iditarod. He was the Rookie of the Year in his first race in 1992, winning the Halfway Award in the process. Doug began mushing in 1989. His brother Greg sparked his interest in the Iditarod and he has been hooked ever since. Doug won the Montana Race to the Sky in 1991 and the Beargrease in 1994. A member of the Montana Mountain Mushers, Friends of the Beargrease and the ITC. Doug and his wife, Nelda, are the parents of Heidi, 20, and Wes, 16.