Terrace Swimmers Make a Splash at the North & Interior Winter Division Meet in Penticton!

The Terrace Bluebacks had a solid showing at the North & Interior Winter Divisional swim meet held in Penticton from February 21 to 23, finishing in 10th place. The Kelowna Aquajets claimed the top spot.

Assistant coach Vincent Calkins praised the team, saying, “Our six athletes represented our club with pride. They gave it their all.” Competing against 15 other teams, including the Aquajets, who brought over 80 swimmers, the Bluebacks had a challenging weekend.

Gabe Ungerhojer, at just 15, stood out in the 15+ category. He achieved personal bests in seven of his nine races and won silver in the 100m breaststroke. He also earned bronze in both the 400m individual medley and the 50m backstroke, narrowly missing out on medals in several other events.

Reed Downs, aged 14, participated in six races, setting four new personal records. He notably improved his time by nine seconds in the 200m individual medley and made significant strides in the 200m freestyle and 200m breaststroke, earning a spot in the finals for the latter.

On her birthday, Zion Girard, also 14, competed in seven events and celebrated with three new best times. She placed fourth in the 50m breaststroke and sixth in the 200m breaststroke.

Paige Constantinescu, also 14, swam in eight races and achieved three new personal bests. She became an alternate for the finals in both the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

Xavier Greilens, at 12, made a strong debut at his first Divisional swim meet. He earned three personal bests, including a remarkable drop of nearly eight seconds in the 200m individual medley, where he placed sixth. His performances also included eighth in the 50m breaststroke and a significant 42-second improvement in the 800m freestyle, landing him in sixth place.

Maelle Calkins, also 12, swam in nine events, achieving five new personal records, including a 36-second improvement in the 800m freestyle.

Looking ahead, the Bluebacks will participate in the Bulkley-Valley Otters Regional Swim Meet in Smithers on March 1 and 2. Coach Calkins expressed excitement for the upcoming competition, eager to see how the athletes will perform.