The Campbell River Killer Whales travelled to Victoria for the Vancouver Island Regional Championships determined to improved on their performance from last year.
The club was very competitive with the field as they brought 21 swimmers this year, up from 14 the previous year. When the swim meet had concluded, the Club placed 5th by 9 points up from being 8th in 2010.
“This was a great meet for our club swimmers,” said Head Coach Chris Koopmans. “We really challenged our competitors right to the end, with many breakthrough swims for our young age groupers.”
Conner Skuse lead the 11&12 boys with three gold medals, three silver and two bronze medal performances.
“Conner has been working diligently on improving his breaststroke for the IM’s so it was great see him win the gold in both the 400 and 200 meter Individual medley,” said Chris Koopmans
David Palmer who has been recovering from an injury for the past two months, raced himself to three Gold Medals, and two Silver and two Bronze medals.
“It was great to get David back into competition even though he is still not at his best, he certainly gave what he could for our team. He has been able to handle this setback will come back even stronger because of the injury.” Remarked Coach Chris Koopmans
In the 10 & Under girl Division, Sydney Boyle and Cianna Dunn not only were medal finalists but quailified for the BC’s SWIM STAR Competition that will be held in Kelowna in two weeks. Boyle raced her way to a silver medal in the 400 free (taking off over 17 seconds) to qualify.
Cianna Dunn was determined to qualify for this meet and pushed herself to win gold in the 200 IM with a time of 3:15.75, a personal best.
Melayana Beaudin, Avery Moskal, Jasmine Skuse and Kasey Lathangue rounded out the 10 and under squad and all posted exciting performances.
The Killer Whales’ 11 & 12 Girls squad also posted some very impressive performances. Catalina Manders was able to qualify for the BC “AA” Provincial Championships that she has been working towards. Kennedy Windle and Cassidy Scott were able to achieve times that will allow them to Swim at the BC “AAA”’s Championship later in July. However it was the racing that really impressed not only the coach but the competition.
“Our girls relay surprised quite a few teams with their determination and racing skills,” Koopmans said. “Mackenzie Padington, Jenna Beaudin, Cassidy Scott and Kennedy Windle really do feed of each other and together can do almost anything.”
Austin Johnson who aged up into the 15 & over category challenged himself in events he normally does not compete in. he placed fifth in the 400 IM and sixth in the 100 back.
Gage Windle who was the Killer whales youngest competitor at age 7, came in the top eight in every event in the 10 & under boys category.
Next up for the Killer Whales is the Duncan Jamboree Swim Meet this weekend.