The energy at the Terrace Aquatic Centre was nothing short of exhilarating as more than 100 athletes, including 33 from Terrace, participated in the Northwest Regional Championships here in Terrace from Jan. 25-27.
Athletes from the Prince Rupert Swim Club, the Kitimat Marlins Swim Club and the Bulkley Valley Otters all made the trip to Terrace for the weekend.
And volunteers and family members were on hand to assist and cheer on the young athletes as they moved one meet closer to the provincial championships.
“We had a fantastic weekend,” said Bluebacks coach Mike Christensen.
Four Bluebacks received medals at the competition – Angelina Filtziakis with bronze for 10 and under girls, Anke deWit with bronze for 12-14 girls, Brandon Williams with silver for 15 and over boys, and Brayden Phillips with gold for 10 and under boys.
Christensen also welcomed the opportunity to play host to fellow Points North teammates “in the spirit of healthy competition and challenging each other to new levels of performance as they prepare for provincial championships.”
“One of the other coaches new to the region mentioned that the camaraderie between clubs in Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Smithers is a rare dynamic and the north should be very proud of the way they work together,” he said.
For overall points, Prince Rupert took the top spot at the meet, with 783 points, and Kitimat came second with 720 points. Terrace was third with 472 points, and Bulkley Valley not far behind with 419 points.
In the 15 and over boys category, Kyler Cordeiro of Kitimat took gold. Sarah McChesney of Prince Rupert won gold in 15 and over girls. Bailey Esperson of Bulkley Valley was first in 13-14 boys, and Kleanza Cathers of Kitimat won gold in the 13-14 girls category.
While five Bluebacks have qualified for short course provincials in Surrey and Victoria, they won’t be able to attend. Instead, the club is focussing on the next regional meet in Smithers March 8-9 and preparing to qualify for long course provincials in June.
For full results, click here.