Small team, huge success in the pool
Waves capture provincial banner
The Medicine Hat Waves only won their first provincial banner four months ago, and now they’ve got a second.
Medicine Hat’s team of 27 competitive swimmers sent five to the Alberta Summer Championships in Edmonton this past weekend, but they combined for four medals, 17 spots in finals and 87 points – more than enough to take home the small team banner.
The Waves won the same banner from the spring championships in March.
“The second-place team had 48 points,” said Waves coach Carla Schafer. “It wasn't even close. We kind of knew Saturday if we all didn't bomb everything, we had it in the bag. So it was less of a surprise this time, but I still don't think they expected it.”
Leading the way as he did in March was 13-year-old Jaiden Riddell. Riddell won the 50 metre backstroke, was second in the 100, third in the 50 metre breaststroke and made two other finals. His point total alone was 44.
Fellow 13-year-old Aaron Kruger took bronze in the 50 freestyle, then had three other top-10 finishes to add 29 points to the team total.
Also making three finals each were 17-year-old Anna Nozewski and 12-year-old Berlin Mastel, while 14-year-old Quirina Thompson also helped the team repeat its spring title.
Schafer said the latest team banner was even tougher to get for a few reasons.
“It's harder because it's a long season, they're done school, you still have to keep them somewhat in their routine,” said Schafer. “You have to balance their social life.
“And there's more kids that qualify by the time summer comes, so it's a bigger meet all around.”
Teams are categorized as either small, medium or large for the purpose of awards. The Waves and fellow Hat entry the Alberta Marlin Aquatic Club were both among 25 small teams, while 15 teams were classified as medium and six as large.
AMAC had 10 swimmers qualify for provincials, combining for two medals and six finals. Leading the way was another 13-year-old, Nick Jones, who took silver in para 100 metre butterfly and bronze in para 100 metre freestyle. His times have qualified him for the 2018 Speedo Can Am Para Championships.
Marlin finalists included 12year-old Delrae Vetter, who was fourth in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 free (knocking off 27 seconds from her personal best in the 800). Brandt Swaren, 14, was eighth in the 50 breast and 17-year-old Mikaela Wong, in her last meet before heading to the University of Lethbridge, was seventh in 50 back.