The Bulkley Valley Otters made a splash over the weekend, swimming their way to 66 first-place finishes and winning the spring invitational meet on Sunday.
In one of the largest swim meets in the region over the last few years, 125 swimmers from four swim clubs in the region, including Kitimat, Terrace and Prince George competed against each other at the Bulkley Valley Regional Pool.
The Otters finished with an impressive 66 first-place finishes, 46 second-place finishes and 42 third-place finishes.
They also kicked their way to nine first-place relay finishes.
“We’re very happy with the way kids swam — not just time,” said head coach Tom Best.
“The kids obviously have been paying attention in practice and it showed. [They showed] very good technique.”
Sisters Jordan and Chloe Vertue took the top spots in the nine and under girls swims, while Gabby Correia and Cassie Horning-Wandler also topped the podium in the 14 and over girls swim.
Each athlete averaged five swims.
Best said the at-home meet allowed many kids, who normally do not travel to compete, a chance to be in a competitive environment.
“Because of the set up of the meet, there were some cases where the little ones got to swim with their heroes,” said Best.
“One seven-year-old came up to me after a race and when I asked her how she did, all she said was ‘I don’t know coach, but I got to swim next to Cassie [Horning-Wandler] and Gabby [Correia]’.”
Up next, the club will turn its sights on two races: the AAA provincials in Surrey, where Horning-Wandler, Luke Berarducci and River Stokes-DeYoung will compete. As well as the B.C. Open in Vancouver where Correia will compete.