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White Rapids swim better than ever

Another season is in the books for the Nanaimo White Rapids swim club.

With colder fall weather now upon us, swimming at the outdoor Kin Pool in Bowen Park has understandably come to an end.

Which means another season is in the books for the Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club.

Among many highlights, the White Rapids this year handily won the Vancouver Island championships in Courtenay. Then in August, the club hosted the B.C. Summer Swimming Association championships at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. It was the first time the local organization had hosted the prestigious event and it was an unqualified success. Not only did the White Rapids put on a well-run meet, the club swimmers came through with a best-ever fifth-place finish.

The club’s accomplishments were celebrated recently, as the White Rapids held their year-end awards night and annual general meeting. My thanks to club secretary Diane McGonigle for sending word of award winners…

Receiving acknowledgment as top novice swimmers from the past summer were Erin O’Sullivan, along with Brandon Kossey and Cam Laturnus.

Sportsmanship awards went to Lindsey Marshall, Andrew MacLeod, Jake McGonigle, Christine Patterson and David MacLeod.

Named as the most outstanding swimmer from the junior girls’ division was Ava Johnson and Tayden De Pol took the award as outstanding swimmer for junior boys. Most outstanding from the senior boys’ division was Zack Todd. The most outstanding from the senior girls’ was deemed to be Hayley Price. For her dedication to the sport, Price was also the winner of the Marge Dudley Award, named in honour of the club’s first president.

Recognized as most improved swimmers on the season were Kaylee Morch and Gus Johnson from Div. 1 and Ashley King and Val Webb from Div. 2.

Delaney O’Toole, Katrina Rivers and Nicholas Tonella was chosen from Div. 3. Div. 4 winners as most improved were Sarah Deptuck and Chase Skilton-Macri. Chosen from Div. 5 were Nyree McGonigle and Seamus O’Toole and Steven Moore was a recipient from Div. 6-8 and up.

Outstanding swimmers from the various girls’ divisions were Devinn Moore, Renee Richardson, Jordan Labas and Breanna Kossey. For the boys, outstanding swimmers were Blake Nowicki, Quinn Todd, Gallum Gemma, Riley Prout-Holm, Christopher Yates and Owen Simpson.

Acknowledging their work ethic and positive attitude, worker of the summer awards were given to Bryan Moore, Eric Labas, Josh Duifhuis, Megan Poteryko, Hannah Fehr, Kate Bligh, Josh Todd, Levi Ronkeinen, Jessica King, Adam King, Josh Meadows, Nyah De Pol and Maddy Thorkelsson.

Among other awards given out at the year-end celebration were best-time towels for improving personal performances at meets. Recipients were Hannah Fehr, Delaney O’Toole, Callum Gemma, Jordan Labas, Seamus O’Toole, Taylor Meadows and Zack Todd. Outstanding attendance awards went to Ava Johnson and Eric Labas, who both managed 98-per cent attendance. Water polo awards were also presented, with Jackson James chosen water polo MVP and Seamus O’Toole as most improved player.

Planning is already underway for next year. The club’s AGM saw Russ Der returned as club president. Joining him on the executive are vice-president Leah Johnson, secretary Diane McGonigle, treasurer Sean O’Toole and past president Kevin Bourgeois.

Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.

Ian Thorpe writes about sports Saturdays.