The Campbell River swim club travelled to Comox last past weekend for a dual in the pool between the two clubs.
When the waves subsided, the Campbell River Killer Whales were victorious over the Comox Sharks by a score of 3,577-2,130.
“It was great to have our clubs compete head-to-head,” said Killer Whales’ head coach Chris Koopmans. “For many of our younger swimmers it was their first meet of the year due to the on going delays at the Strathcona pool, and they did an outstanding job.”
Cailyn Collis, 11, swam to three first place finishes and showed a lot of determination in the women’s 200 metre freestlye, taking off over 19 seconds from her previous best time.
Kasey Lathangue, 9, was able to achieve provincial double-A times in three events at her first competition. She also raced her way to a first in the 10 and under 100 metre back.
Campbell River dominated the boys 13-14 category, capturing seven golds and nine silvers between Austin Johnson and Conner Milligan. The men’s story did not end there with Gage Windle, 7, at his first meet racing to five gold medal performances.
Ian Ralston also competing in the 10 under boys division won three events and placed second in three events, also at his first ever competition. David Palmer was able to win five events and finished second in two, as he used this meet to get ready for the Canadian Western Championships that takes place in three weeks.
The girls were not to be out-done as Cianna Dunn, Sydney Boyle combined for 10 first place finishes. Up-and-coming swimmers Melayan Beaudin, Aleah Jordan, Maya Ruehlen and Jasmine Skuse combined for 30 top three finishes.
But it was the Killer Whales’ spirit and depth that really impressed the coaching staff.
“Our team really came together this weekend and made it sound like it was our home pool, not a visitors pool,” said Koopmans.
Next up is the provincial double-A championship taking place in Chilliwack Feb. 11-13.