Ahoy Matey!
The Trail Stingrays came home with a boat load of treasure at the Kimberley Swim Meet, in what was their final tune-up before the Stingrays host the annual Regional Swim Meet this weekend at the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
In the spirit of fun competition, the Kimberley Meet introduced a pirate theme, inviting swimmers to dress up and concoct their most creative pirate aliases.
“The Stingrays had a great time at the Kimberley Swim Meet last weekend after training hard in their challenge week that took place on July 14-19,” said Stingray coach Samme Beatson.
Challenge week is an intense peak to the training season that helps swimmers prepare for the Regional swim meet. Stingray swimmers were put through the paces, completing hard work-outs in the pool and cross-training exercises each day, which included biking, hiking, team challenges and games.
Amidst the fun and high-flying Jolly Roger, Trail athletes also had some great performances in the pool.
Conaar the White (Connor Dunham) swam the 100-metre butterfly and Jonsey Twinkletoes (Reid Dunham) the 200 Individual Medley for the first time ever. Both swimmers had incredible times for their first swims in these events. Dunham swam personal bests in all his races and has decided to swim the 100 butterfly again in the upcoming Regionals.
A focused and motivated Great Mabis (Maddy Fraser), meanwhile, shocked the landlubbers, slashing seven seconds off her 100 free and an incredible five seconds off her 50 fly.
Aggregate booty this weekend went to Diego Sin Cuerpo (Diego Greenwood) for placing third in Div 5, Polly Seabucket (Elijah Grebe) captured second overall in Div 6, and The Cracken (Kayla Fraser) placed third in Open Category 2.
Coaches Captain Tunabreath McGee (Samme Beatson), One-eyed Stu (Jennifer Chung) and Curly-haired Joey (Madison Green) also won aggregate medals and set new meet records. Chung beat records in the Open Category 100 Breaststroke, 100 freestyle and 50 butterfly. Green beat the Open record in 100 butterfly, as did Beatson in Div 8.
Overall the Stingrays improved on last years performance, placing fifth in team points with 10 swimmers, as opposed to a sixth place finish last year, with 11 swimmers.
“The Stingrays are now preparing very carefully for the Regional Swim Meet in our home pool this upcoming weekend. We are very excited to host and swim best times,” added Beatson.
The Meet goes Saturday and Sunday with heats starting in the morning at 8 a.m. and the finals going in the afternoon after 1 p.m.
Come out to the Aquatic Centre and cheer on your Trail Stingrays.