The Penticton Pikes have achieved the goal their coach put in place this season.
Cole Midtdal, in his second season with the Pikes, wanted to top last season’s total of eight swimmers competing in provincials. The summer swim club qualified 10, as well as Midtdal and assistant coach Celina Glabus. The coaches qualify in the division 8 category for 18 and older.
“It was more than what they were expecting,” said Midtdal, adding that one swimmer isn’t able to attend.
Regionals in Kamloops on Aug. 8 went fantastic said Midtdal, who watched Ryan McMillan break six regional records winning two gold medals and adding two silver medals. Ben Say medalled in his four events, while Ashley McMillan broke two regional records and Hannah Marsh de Boer earned two medals. Anders Say also earned a medal, while Simon Paisley won four gold medals.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Midtdal. “They have some pretty good confidence right now. I’ve just tried to over the last two weeks to up the training for a little bit. It’s going to be hard to get those best times, but I think they can do it. They have been pretty determined this season.”
Midtdal has expectations for his swimmers to return home with medals from the 57th annual provincial championship in Victoria. Simon Paisley is ranked third in the 100-metre backstroke and fifth in the 100-m fly, 100-m freestyle and 50-m fly. Paisley, the leader of the Pikes, has shown maturity this season.
“He’s been the role model for the team,” said Midtdal. “All the little guys look up to him. Gives piggy back rides to the little guys. He’s motivating his team.”
Paisley is nervous and riled up for the championship.
“I’m ready to show how I will perform. I’m looking forward to it,” said Paisley, who has competed in provincials before. “At first you are overwhelmed and you are like ‘Wow, this is a really big meet.’ There is a lot of fast kids. When you get behind the blocks, you have to think to yourself, I’m here to do the best I can.”
What Paisley is looking forward to is getting into finals, where things will ramp up.
“You are just thinking here we go, this is my race, I’m going to do my best,” he said. “It’s so much fun to be behind the blocks.”
When asked what Midtdal wants to see from his swimmers, he said intensity and focus.
“See their enthusiasm and their drive,” said Midtdal.
“I think we can do pretty well,” added Paisley, who said the coaches have done a great job in working with them. “A lot of us are seeded high in the province right now.”
The Pikes can be seen live on ViaSport Media.
