The Terrace Bluebacks took a team of six young, but energetic, athletes to the first meet of the year in Prince George at the end of last month.
The meet was much smaller than usual, with approximately 200 athletes compared to the normal 300, said Terrace Blueback coach Mike Christensen in an email.
The lower numbers, both for the Bluebacks and the overall meet, were partially due to the late start in training with pool renovations as well as the cancellation of the first meet of the year in Prince Rupert, where the pool was also shut down longer than expected.
In fact, the Points North Team missed the entire Prince Rupert Team which decided to forgo the Prince George meet in favour of crucial training time lost due to their own pool shut down. This left Smithers, Kitimat, and Terrace to fly the flag with just over 40 athletes.
In Prince George, Points North continued its domination of the 10 and under relay team with an inspired “come from behind” win in the 200 medley relay, anchored by Bluebacks athlete Juliet Lukasser.
That win was followed up with another win in the 200 Freestyle Relay with another strong swim by Lukasser.
Jade Heathfield, now moved into the 12-13 group, assisted the Points North relays that finished 1st in the 200 Free and 2nd in the 200 Medley. And Jake Kluss had to swim up an age category in the boys relays but showed he fit right in as they swam to 2nd in both the Free and Medley Relays.
Individual Results: 10 & Under 25 Fly girls: 1st Juliet Lukasser; 10 & Under 25 Fly boys: 2nd Jake Kluss; 11-year-old girls 50 Back: 1st Mackenzie Bannister.
100 per cent Best Times: Mackenzie Bannister, Grace Lukasser, Jake Kluss; 95% Best Times: Jade Heathfield, Caelyn Christensen, Juliet Lukasser.
