Morning Star Staff
It was a great weekend at the AA swimming championships in Penticton for the Vernon Kokanee Swim Club.
The club had 17 members participating.
“Some great swims came out of the weekend of racing,” said Kokanee head coach Steven Vander Meulen.
“The AA championship meet was a great experience for the swimmers as they raced with swimmers from around the province. Several swimmers were able to make second swims into the finals and came away with better times and new qualifying times for the next level of provincial championships.
“I am looking forward to the next round of AAA provincial championships in Victoria, March 3-6.”
Thomas Madiros made his first AAA time for 11 and under boys in the 200 breaststroke and finished seventh in 3:27.48.
Tate Priebe made his second and third AAA times for 14-15 year old boys to qualify for Victoria. Priebe qualified in the 100 freestyle with a 57.79 and also the 50 butterfly with a 28.92. Priebe came fourth in the 50 fly, seventh in 50 free and 10th in the 100 free.
Anika Kintzel swam to silver medals in the 50- and 100-breast for 14 and over girls. She also finished in the medals in the 200 individual medley and 200 breast with bronze medals to add to her fifth place in the 400 IM.
Sam Shortt finished the meet with 100 per cent best times in six different races, and also finished in eighth place in the 400 IM.
Adam Bugera had a fast 50 breast and finished in fifth place with a time of 34.06.
Erin Brown raced to a seventh in the 200 fly in 2:44.68.
The Kokanee senior girls 4×50 free relay ended up with a silver medal in 1:59.67. The team consisted of Kintzel, Sydney Fillion, Erin Brown, and Kaia Phillips.
The Vernon Kokanee Swim Club is having its 50th anniversary celebration consisting of a banquet and alumni swim meet, June 10-11, and invites previous members to come and celebrate.
Please e-mail vksc50years@gmail.com for further information.
