AMHERST, N.S. – The Spartans have started their competitive season with a splash.
“While we focus on endurance and technique at the start of the year, the competitions are the best reminder of why we ‘do what we do’,” said coach Jan Matthews. “The results from these early meets provide a baseline from which to build through the season.
“Our swimmers ranked in the top five at the New Brunswick reegional meet in late October. Such positive feedback reminds the swimmers of the strength of their individual accomplishments, no matter how large the competition.”
Simon Buske placed first in each of his events and recorded a new personal best in the 100 freestyle.
Reagan Bushen earned best times and a first-place ranking in both the 100 and 200 backstroke events and added a fifth in the 50 breaststroke.
Abbie Byrnes recorded personal bests with every swim, placing first in the 200 IM (individual medley), second in the 50 free and third in the 50 breaststroke.
Kaitlin Doyle swam to second in the 200 IM, third in the 200 freestyle and fourth in the 50 breaststroke. She collected best times award for her freestyle and IM swims.
Kassie Doyle ranked second in the 100 free, third in the 200 IM and fifth in the 50 backstroke, recording personal bests in the freestyle and IM events.
A personal best swim in the 50-freestyle earned Aurelia Mitchell a second place ranking, while she swam to fourth and fifth in the 100 and 200 IM respectively.
The team combined efforts to place first in the 4 x 50 free and third in the 4 x 50 medley relay.
Nova Tech regional meet
Four young swimmers collected 16 best time awards at the first Nova Tech competition in Port Hawkesbury.
“Nova Tech is a tiered program that provides a supportive introduction to competitive swimming,” explained Matthews. “It allows swimmers to discover what they can accomplish and encourages them to do more.”
Competing at the Participation Level were Gemma Leslie-Dowe, Adelynn Fisher and Evangeline Thibedeau. Leslie-Dowe and Thibedeau achieved the time standards to graduate to Level 1 swimming.
Ava Taggart earned her Level 1 graduation time in the 200 IM to qualify for the top tier of the Nova Tech program.
Provincial Age Group competition
More than 250 age group swimmers from across Nova Scotia descended on Wolfville for the Fall Series development meet.
“This fall’s age group competitions bring together all levels of swimmers,” explained coach Manson Gloade. “Besides the numbers, it can be intimidating to realize that you’re being ranked against those swimming at both the provincial and national levels.”
“More than ever, it’s important to focus on the individual swimming and accomplishments.”
Reagan Bushen, Olivia Elliott and Pauline Schaaf recorded personal best times with every swim.
Abbie Byrnes collected five best time awards, while Olivia Bacon bettered her time in four events.
Aurelia Mitchell, Simon Buske and Jordan Beaton earned three personal bests apiece, with Ella McGuigan dropping time in two events.
The Spartans are currently working towards the upcoming New Brunswick regional meet.
