The points North Spring Kick Off training camp held at the Terrace Aquatic Centre earlier this month is being pointed to as the reason behind the team’s convincing win in Prince George the weekend of April 13.
Twelve Terrace Bluebacks travelled to Prince George for the annual Dental Moose Meet, taking first place overall with 1,810 points, as members of the Points North team made up of Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers swimmers.
Forty athletes from these communities came to Terrace the weekend before the competition to focus on team building and building fitness for the spring season.
“It appears the team came together very well,” said Bluebacks coach Mike Christensen, noting that Points North was particularly strong in the 10 and under girls category, finishing first and second in both relay events with two Blueback athletes, Angelina Filtziakis and Jade Heathfield, as well as dominating the 13-14 boys category with all three medals won by Kitimat, Smithers, and Rupert athletes.
This was the first long course competition for most of the swimmers of the eight teams in attendance. Home team Prince George Barracudas came in second with 1,583 points.
Blueback Brayden Philips went head-to-head in nearly every race with a young powerhouse from the PG Barracudas named Mackenzie Lewington with Brayden taking Gold in 200 Free, while Mackenzie just outkicked him in the 200 IM. Mackenzie’s been on Brayden’s radar all season, commenting earlier in the year that he was looking forward to facing off against him throughout the year.
“Great to see the intense battles followed by mutual encouragement and congratulations from these two young stars,” Christensen said.
And the two will meet again at the AAA provincials in July as Brayden moved into the top tier of provincial competition with his 1:36.63 in the 100 Breast Stroke.
Overall, the rest of the team put in some excellent swims, said Christensen, with 11 out of 12 making 100 per cent best times for Long Course. Thomas Christensen narrowly missed out on his first AAA time and is primed to finish the season strong.
Next meet is the Kitimat Regional Champs May 3-5.
The Bluebacks are hoping to take a number of first time competitors and our biggest team in five years.