Four of the five swimmers that competed in Moose Jaw over the weekend. (L-R) Jael Basaraba, Rowan Tkatchuk, Hannah Kopp, Eve Harrington, (absent Sienna Sommerfeld) (submitted photo/John Mcleod)

By Brady Lang

dipping the toe in

Orcas see success at provincials in Moose Jaw

Mar 12, 2019 | 2:00 PM

It was a weekend to get the feet wet for young competitors.

The Battlefords Orcas Swim Club participated in the A Provincials over the past weekend, taking five swimmers. The team finished nine of 12 in the province in the Moose Jaw meet. Head Coach John Mcleod said it was many swimmers’ first time at a tournament of this nature.

“For a small team, I thought we held our own very well. We were the second or third smallest team (competing),” he said.

Two of the five ladies that competed in the three-day meet medalled, which was led by Hannah Kopp, who came away with two silver medals. She didn’t qualify for the provincials last year, but made the best of her opportunity, qualifying for AA provincials, which goes this weekend in Regina.

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The 14-year-old Kopp had all eight best times when she hit the water, and not far behind her, Rowan Tkatchuk earned three bronze medals at the meet. Tkatchuk, a veteran that has been at this meet several times, knocked at the door for several club records as well.

Mcleod said he was extremely pleased with how all five swimmers continued to work through the strenuous schedule.

“Their ability to race and race and race,” he said. “It was three days of intense racing, waking up early in the morning and going late at night. It was phenomenal.”

Mcleod said the competition showed his swimmers have the ability to step up, move up a level and compete with bigger clubs.

Moving forward, the club now set its sights on the AA Provincials in Regina this next weekend. With Kopp qualifying, six swimmers are now hitting the water for the big stage in the provincial capital. Mcleod did admit the turnaround was quick, and it will be interesting to see how they fare. Due to the turnaround, Kopp will not compete in the event.

There are big expectations in the pool, but Mcleod said the goal for their club never changes, regardless of what meet is coming up next. For him, it’s all about getting as many swimmers qualifying and racing as possible, continuously improving, and pushing to take the next step in the sport.

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brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangBFN