CVAC Sharks turned in strong performances at the 2014 Swim BC AA Championships in Victoria.
“The excitement of Day 1 started with first-time qualifier Matthew Strilets (10) racing to a bronze in the 800 free, dropping over 30 seconds and qualifying for two swims in finals,” said Sharks’ head coach Kris Bell.
That success was contagious as Janaya Ryan (11) matched her teammate with her own double finals in the 50 free and 100 back while first time AA qualifier Rafe Perry (10) raced to a best time in the 200 IM, narrowly missing the final in the 11 and Under boys category.
Competing at his first championships, Matthew Strilets attacked every race, winning a silver medal in the 200 fly and achieving his first AAA qualifying time and second medal of the day.
Josh Dolman, Michael Jung and Ethan Ashley arrived on the second day of AAs and the excitement continued with Rafe Perry qualifying for his first ever AAs finals in the 100 free.
The Sharks competed in 11 swims in the second night of finals. Dolman won silver in the 100 free and bronze in the 100 fly. Strilets attacked the 100 fly, narrowly missing the podium with his second AAA qualifying time. The 12 and Under Predator girls capped of the night with a silver medal in the 4×50 free relay.
The final day of AAs led to some exciting racing from Ryan, Jung and Strilets each qualifying for a second swim, placing top eight in the prelims. Jung stole the night with his first individual medal of the weekend in the 100 breaststroke.
“Congratulations everyone on an exciting Long Course AA Championships,” Bell said.
– CVAC Sharks
