UVPCS swimmers Karley Stutzel and Dave Creel have been selected to represent Canada at the 2004 Fina World Open Water Championship Trials to be held September 11, 2004 in Atlantic City, USA. Should they qualify, they will be part of the Canadian team to compete in the 3rd Fina World Open Water Championships being held in Abu Dabi, United Arab Emirates, November 26 - December 2, 2004.
This is not the first time that Karley and Dave will have competed in this event. In 2000, Karley was 4th at 2001 Fukoka World Championships. In 2002, both Karley and Dave competed in the Championships, held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Karley placed 12th in the 5k (58.44) and 11th in the 10k (1:59.45). Dave was 15th in the 5k (54:10.16) and 13th in the 10k (1:50:21.80).
Congratulations to Karley, Dave and their coaches!
In 2004, UVPCS has the unique privilege of being the only BC Club, and one of only two in Canada, represented at all three of the world’s top international meets – the Olympic Games (Nathan O’Brien), the Paralympic Games (Stephanie Dixon, Ron Jacks - Coach), and the World Open Water Championships (Karley Stutzel, Dave Creel, Ron Jacks - Coach).
UVPCS’ Nathan O’Brien has now completed his events at the 2004 Athen’s Olympic Games. In his first Olympics, Nathan reached the semi-finals in the 200 Backstroke. He finished the event with a 10th place finish in the heats (time: 2:00.49) and a 14th place finish in the semi-finals (time: 2:00.13). He also swam a personal best time of 2:00.01 in the 200 Butterfly, finishing 23rd overall. Not bad for a rookie!
Last year at the Calgary inaugural Club Nationals UVPCS placed 12th of over 65 teams, a remarkable feat for a Club in its first year of operations. This year, after less than two years in operation, we scored 884 points and placed 7th among over 100 teams from across the country attending the meet. UVPCS was the 3rd highest scoring club in BC, after UBC Dolphins and Langley Olympians. Congratulations to all our Club Nationals competitors and coaches!!
And what a AAAs they were – here are the news, now that your correspondents have had two weekends to sleep in, after four incredibly long and exciting days at the Provincial Championships. We hosted a great meet – due to dedicated parents, coaches, friends and supporters. Thanks to everybody!
In our second year, the UVic-Pacific Coast Swimming Association moved into the top three places in the province, placing second in the points standings for men, third for women, and finishing third overall.
Congratulations to new Youth National qualifiers Nicole Crawford and Craig Dagnall, and new Club National qualifier Brian MacArthur. Congratulations as well to Alyssa Bakken, who set a new Vancouver Island Regional Record in the 12 and Under Women’s 200m Backstroke.
Our medalists included:
Alyssa Bakken – Gold in 12 and Under Women's 100m and 200m Backstroke, and 800m Freestyle; Silver in 200m and 400m Individual Medley
Ryan Clouston – Silver in 15-17 year old Men's 1500m Freestyle, Bronze in 200m Breaststroke and 400m Individual Medley
Nicole Crawford – Bronze in 13-14 year old Women's 400m Freestyle
David Creel – Gold in Men 200m Freestyle, 200m Backstroke, 400m IM; Silver in 200m IM
Craig Dagnall – Bronze in 13-14 year old Men's 1500m Freestyle
David Vizsolyi – Gold in 13-14 year old Men's 200m Butterfly; Silver in 1500m Freestyle
Jayme Weimer – Silver in 13-14 year old Women's 100m Freestyle; Bronze in 50m and 200m Freestyle
Top-eight finishers also included Ashkaughn Forghani, Marija Kopac, Iza Labbe, Brian MacArthur, Hollis Roth, Annemarie Schmitt, Tyler Smith and Mary-Claire Zachernuk. For complete results, visit our results page
Congratulations on all your placings, best times and great swims. Good luck to those traveling to Club Nationals this weekend, and of course to Nathan O’Brien and Stephanie Dixon in Athens!
Congratulations UVPCS athletes Stephanie Dixon, Nathan O'Brien and coach Ron Jacks on being selected to represent Canada at the 2004 Olympics and Paralympic's in Athens, Greece!
Taking 3-7 weeks off can set an athlete back a long way come September 20th when SCP reopens.
Below is a maintenance schedule for August, a reminder on the camps, and a suggested fitness plan for Aug/Sept.
Aug 04 & 06 Practise will be W/F Only 5:15-6:45 indoors UVic
Aug 09-15 Practise will be M/W/F Only 5:15-6:45 indoors UVic (Mark coaching)
Aug 16-20 Practise will be M/W/F Only 5:15-6:45 indoors at UVic (Rod coaching)
Aug 23-27 Camp #1 Coach: Mark. Cost $65.00 for swim 9-12 daily payable first day. $100.00 will include climbing and possibly kayaking on the Friday.
August 30-September 03 Camp #2 Coach: Rod Swim 9-12 Daily Cost $65.00 or 100.00 with Kayaking/Climbing (Climb M/W/F...paddle T/R - must bring own kayak) Fees payable first day.
To register for the camps you must let your coach know by email before Aug 02, 2004. Each camp will require a minimum of 5 participants. Kayaking days will be limited to the first 6 registered campers for safety. Participants are responsible for their own transportation arrangements to/from all activities.
Participants will be notified of any changes/cancellations by August 05, 2004
In terms of keeping fit outside of the pool go ahead and fill up on all those activities you don`t often get a chance to do... running, kayaking, golf, hiking, lake swimming, biking etc.
There are always some areas you can work with respect to dryland that may be a weaknesses for you eg. pushups, chinups, skipping etc. So be active and come back in September in the best shape you can.
Nathan O'Brien won the Men's 200M Backstroke at the Canadian Olympic Trials on Friday. His time of 1:59.17 was the second fastest time ever swam by a Canadian swimmer and only 2/100's off the Canadian Record. More importantly, his time was well under the qualifying standard and has earned him a trip to the Athens Olympics next month.
Nathan's family has a long history with PCS Coach Ron Jacks and the Olympics. In 1976 Ron coached Nathan's mother in the 1976 Montreal Olympics were she competed in the 800M Freestyle.
After the race Nathan commented "Right now I feel just pure joy, this is my first international meet and it feels pretty amazing. I couldn't be happier! My mother was here to see it and she is very happy for me."
There will be a timing how-to clinic on Saturday 3 July 2004 at Saanich Commonwealth Place at 8:30am. Meet at the Aquatic Classroom on the pool deck. This is a critical position at any meet, and especially so at a Provincial Championship. We will need 32 timers for each heats session and 16 for each finals session. Please attend this clinic, be a timekeeper at the meet and support swimmers from all our provincial clubs.
While it is really best if you attend the clinic first, if you absolutely can't attend but still want to time - great! We'll teach you how at the meet.
Vancouver Island Long Course Open Age-Group Championships featured some stellar swims, including new Club National qualifier Nicole Crawford, and new AAA qualifiers William Yolland, Andrea Vizsolyi and Samantha Ivanova. A smattering of results: Alyssa Bakken, Tyler Smith, David Vizsolyi and Jayme Weimer each finished in the top three in all their races. Alyssa took Gold in both 100m and 200m Backstroke; Tyler won Gold in the 100m Butterfly, doubling up on his 100 Fly win at Short Course VIRs from January. David took Gold in the 100 Butterfly, while Jayme racked up Gold in no less than four races: the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle, and 100m Backstroke.
PCS Medalists also included Ryan Clouston, Nicole Crawford, Craig Dagnall, Stephanie Dixon, Ashkaughn Forghani, Tyler Hoesly, Alison Hooper, Jesse Jacks, Greer Jacks, Christopher Koziol Neumann, Jennifer Lock, Kristina Phillips, Hollis Roth, Jovanna Ruffolo, Erich Schmitt and Laina Steeple. Other top-8 finishers were Katie Humphries, Samantha Ivanova, Sarah Kahale, Evan Letkeman, Julia Schmidt, Stefanie Schmidt, Trevor Smith, Andrea Vizsolyi, William Yolland and Mary-Claire Zachernuk.
We're pleased to see lots of 10-and-under and 12-and-under names in those lists. Keep up the great work! Strong swimming isn't only good for you - you're also providing terrific role models for our new and aspiring swimmers.
PCS Head Coach Ron Jacks has been named to the 2004 Canadian Paralympic Team Coaching Staff, and has been designated the Canadian Open Water Coach. Congratulations Ron!
The Masri Family has graciously offered to host a club end-of-the-year barbeque. This will take place on Saturday, July 3rd from 5:00pm onwards. Please bring you own non-alcoholic beverages. To help with planning please let your coaches know if you will be attending. It would be appreciated if you could bring a desert or salad! 11470 Sumac Dr. (Map)
Follow the highway out to the overpass just before the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal Exit the highway on go over this overpass on Lands End Rd. Proceed down Lands End to Oceanspray Dr and turn left. Proceed to Sumac Dr. Parking on the driveway will be tight so please consider parking on the road and walking up to the house.
From the first day of our club and with another club previously, Tomoko has been a valued coach to many of our athletes. Tomoko has now decided to undertake some new adventures in her life but will be greatly misseed by all! Istu ka ma ta aima shou. (photos)
Pacific Coast Swimming is again proud to be involved in the Open Water Swim for MS at Thetis Lake on July 25th, 2004. Please download the information and sponsorship brochure and be involved in this swim. The complete 2004 Open Water Schedule is now posted on the Open Water page.
The UVic RecPlus Masters Swimming program will be running outdoors at the Ian Stewart Complex pool for the months of June and July. Practices will happen every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-9 pm starting on June 1st. The cost is $30 per month plus GST ($32.10 total) payable to UVic. To register you need to fill out a recplus form and pay by cheque or credit card, then either fax, drop off or get the form to Mark or Jen to get you registered prior to swimming. Upon registration you will get a card from UVic to get through the front doors. Here are the UVic fax numbers and website to download and sent forms. Fax: (250) 472-4768 Web: http://www.uvic.ca/atrs Contact Mark Lancaster at 721-5845 or email him for more information.
PCS is proud to announce that for the second year, UVic has asked PCS to provide the coaching expertise for their swimming related Summer Camps. Three camp types exist this year; a fun filled Co-Ed Stroke Improvement course for children 8-12; a Peak Performance Camp with interactive activities in nutrition, sport psychology, exercise training, motor control and human anatomy for children 10-15 and a Strokes and Strides camp that combines swimming and running components for all the upcoming 10-15 year old tri-athletes.
The prizes have now been drawn. Heather Coey won the highly sought after hand made PCS quilt. In the draw of all the families who sold more than 5 tickets or brought in more than 5 items for the Silent Auction, Saad Masri won a trip for two on Helijet Airways. Again thank you to everyone for your efforts. Your hard work continues to allow us to not have ANY mandatory fundraising commitments! Over 100 people attended the 1st Annual PCS Dinner and Silent Auction. The evening was a very casual event everywhere except at the bidding tables. With 120+ items up for bidding, there were numerous reports of people blocking bid sheets with there bodies attempting to prevent someone from out bidding their final offer. Although many people wanted to get the best deals they could, everyone recognized that this was a charity event. With only the Wayne Gretzky signed, Phoenix Coyotes Jersey, not having reached its reserve bid the Silent Auction itself raised over $7,500. This item will be shortly listed on EBay so that the Phoenix fans may also have the opportunity to support swimming in Victoria. Raffle tickets and profits from the dinner and bar sales have not been fully counted, but with an estimated sale value of the jersey it appears total profits will surpass the $9, 000 mark! PSCPA wishes to again thank the Auction Committee for their work putting together all the aspects of this event, all the donators who provided the unbelievable number and assortment of items for sale, and to all the attendees who came out in support of the club and who were extremely willing to continue bidding until the very last moments.
University of Victoria Vikes swimmer, Stephanie Dixon, has continued her long list of accolades by being named the Ontario Female Athlete with a Disability of the Year for 2003. The Sport Alliance of Ontario announced the award this past Friday, April 2nd at a ceremony to recognize winners of the annual Ontario Sport Awards at Ontario Place.
It was the fourth time in five years that the Toronto native and Vikes rookie took out the award after winning in 1999, 2000 and 2001 respectively. Dixon was recently named the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year at the University of Victoria Vikes Athletic Awards Banquet. In her first year swimming for UVic, she has been an unbelievable performer and leader. Holder of 13 World Records, 5 World Championship Gold Medals, and 5 Paralympic Gold Medals, she has been an inspiration to the whole Vikes swimming team.
Not only is Stephanie a great competitor, she is a great leader and an example of what you can accomplish based on desire, determination and the willingness to defy traditional logic.
The first weekend in April opened with Swimathon and ended with the Duncan Stingrays All-Level Meet. Swimathon waters churned at the University of Victoria McKinnon Pool starting at 6am with C and D group swimmers. Congratulations to those who completed their timed 3km! Shortly thereafter, A and B group swimmers arrived for their 5km timed swims. We know several larger-than-usual breakfasts were consumed Saturday morning, following juice and muffins or (and) donuts at the pool. Parents appreciated the new coffee pot at 6am, and later - we think we counted laps more accurately than usual.
On Sunday, fourteen of our younger swimmers ranging in age from 7 to 12, travelled to the DuncanStingrays All-Level Meet. Most of us even remembered that daylight savings time started early Sunday morning! It was a very nice day with lots of best times. Here is a scattering of results. Stefanie Schmidt, Sarah Kahale and Genna Bertrand and Victoria Kondrak all swam 100% best times in multiple races. Marlie Turner took three seconds off her best 50 freestyle time, and Evan Letkemann improved his 50 breaststroke by three seconds. In the gruelling 400IM, Christopher Koziol-Neumann and Victoria Kondrak took 40 (!!) and 42 (!!) seconds, respectively, off their previous best times. Genna Bertrand and Emmanuelle Caws, two of our youngest swimmers, completed their first-ever 100IM in a meet.
In her first year swimming with the Vikes, she was an unbelievable performer and leader. Holder of 13 World Records, 5 World Championship Gold Medals, and 5 Paralympic Gold Medals, she has been an inspiration to the whole team.
She chose UVic while attending the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and began her varsity swimming career here this fall. Born with only one leg, she has not only competed and won the most prestigious International levels, she has challenged herself with goals that many able-bodied athletes are unable to achieve.
In January at the Canada West Championships here in Victoria, Stephanie achieved her dream goal of attaining the CIS qualifying standard in the 200m backstroke. At the CIS Championship, she was awarded an honorary All-Canadian for her performances over the course of the weekend, breaking two world records and narrowly missing a third in the 400m freestyle.
Not only is Stephanie a great competitor, she is a great leader and an example of what you can accomplish based in desire, determination and the willingness to defy traditional logic.
Day one of the 2004 CIS Swimming Championships at the University of Toronto saw first year swimmer Stephanie Dixon add another World Record to her resume, breaking her own mark in the 400 IM. Swimming in front of her family and friends in her home town of Toronto, Dixon swam to a personal best time of 5:32.38 breaking her own world record time by four seconds.
Rookie Erika Hunzinger had a great performance in the 50 backstroke swimming to a fourth place finish in the consolation final in a time of 30.76. Hunzinger had posted a new personal best time in the morning preliminaries in a time of 30.32 dropping more than one second off her previous best.
There were several second swims for the Vikes on Day number 1 and they will be looking to move up in the team standings throughout the weekend. Karley Stutzel placed second in the consolation final of the 200 freestyle in a final time of 2:03.09. Third year swimmer Danielle Bell was fourth in the consolation in 2:03.60. The women's 200 freestyle was won in a new CIS Record of 1:57.11 by Sophie Simard, LAVAL, breaking her own record of 1:57.99 from the 2001 CIS Swimming Championships in Guelph.<
The Vikes only 'A' Final on the first day of Competition came from David Creel in the 400 IM. Creel placed fifth overall behind a clean sweep of the medal by the University of Calgary. Creel touched the wall in 4:27.85. The event was won by Chad Murray, Calgary, in 4:16.93. UVic had two swimmers in the Consolation final of the men's 400 IM as rookie Erich Schmitt finished third (11th overall) in a time of 4:31.49 and fifth year Dave MacDonald fifth (13th overall) in 4:33.09.
On Day 2 Fourth Year UVic Vike Karley Stutzel won the bronze medal in the women’s 400 freestyle. Stutzel finished in a time of 4:16.19 behind University of New Brunswick's Carla Geurts-Cole in 4:09.49 and Calgary's Carrie Burgoyne in 4:12.23. This is the first medal for the Vikes after two days of competition at the University of Toronto. Danielle Bell placed 7th in the finals in a time of 4:20.74.
On the men's side fourth year swimmer David Creel placed 5th in the final of the 400 freestyle in a time of 3:58.30. The event was won by Calgary's Richard Cormack in a time of 3:53.13 with Nicolas Guilotte, Montreal, second in 3:55.92 and UBC Thunderbirds Aaron Blair third in 3:55.93.
UVic had two women contesting the 100 backstroke tonight as Laina Steeple placed third in the consolation finals in a time of 1:05.31. Rookie Erika Hunzinger placed 8th in the finals in a time of 1:05.48 after posting a personal best time in the morning preliminaries of 1:04.82. The event was won by University of Calgary's Erin Gammel in a new CIS Record time of 59.74. This was Gammel's second CIS record this weekend after breaking the 50 backstroke yesterday.
Stephanie Dixon continued her record breaking performances swimming to another world records on the second day of competition. Dixon broke the 400 IM world mark on Friday and followed up with a new record in the 100 backstroke in a time of 1:08.95. Dixon qualified for the 2004 CIS Swimming Championships by swimming to the universal time standard earlier this year.
The 4x200 freestyle relays saw UVic place fourth in both the men's and women's events. Stutzel, Bell, Hunzinger and Steeple swam on the women’s team to a final time of 8:28.76 while Creel was joined by Erich Schmitt, Dave MacDonald and Adam Slater on the men's for a time of 7:42.08.
University of Victoria swimmer Karley Stutzel won her second bronze medal in as many days after swimming to a final time of 8:44.13 in the women's 800 freestyle. The event was won by New Brunswick's Carla Guerts-Cole in 8:35.33 with Carrie Burgoyne, Calgary, third in 8:41.89. Stutzel also won the bronze in the women's 400 freestyle on Saturday. Danielle Bell was fifth in the final in a time of 8:51.84.
UVic's Rookie Erich Schmitt swam to a fifth place finish in the men’s 200 backstroke posting a time of 2:03.76. Fifth year graduating athlete Dave MacDonald swam in the B-Final and finished 14th overall in a time of 2:06.17. The race was won by UBC rookie Desmond Strelzow in a time of 1:58.78. On the women's side Danielle Bell placed 8th in the final in a time of 2:18.35. Laina Steeple finished 15th in the consolation final in a time of 2:23.26.
UVic also had David Creel swimming the men's 1500 freestyle. Creel finished in a final time of 15:55.27 to place 6th overall in the event. Calgary's Richard Cormack won the event in 15:40.08 and an emotional Dave Ling from Toronto picked up silver in 15:45.12.
Stephanie Dixon was awarded an honorary All Canadian for her performances during the weekend. Dixon broke two world records this weekend and narrowly missed a third in the 400 freestyle.
At the end of the meet the UVic Vikes swimmers placed 8th overall on the women’s team rankings with a total of 175 points. The UVic men finished in 11th position with 110 points. UBC won the meet on both the men's and women's sides for the seventh straight years.
From February 26 to the 29th, Port Alberni played host to the B.C. Winter games. Zone 6, the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast zone, had 5 UV-PCS Swimmers attend the games as zone 6 swimmer representatives. Along with other Vancouver Island swimmers, Jovanna Ruffolo, Ashkaughn Forghani, David Vizsolyi, Craig Dagnall and Brian Macarthur made the trip to the Alberni Valley to compete in the games.
The competition was at a high level with many of the Provinces top 14 and under swimmers attending the meet at the Echo Center pool.
David Vizsolyi earned silver medals in the 200 fly and 400 free, and a bronze in the 200 free. Ashkaughn Forghani captured bronze medals in the 50 and 100 freestyle races.
Jovanna Ruffolo, Craig Dagnall and Brian Macarthur swam with zone 6 relay teams and posted several best times on individual swims. The PCS gang had a chance to experience an athlete village atmosphere which helped prepare them for future meets. The relay action was exciting with zone 6 winning the swimming event on overall points.
Congratulations to Jovanna, David, Brian, Craig and Ashkaughn for their showings at the Winter Games.
In her first year swimming with the Vikes, she was an unbelievable performer and leader. Holder of 13 World Records, 5 World Championship Gold Medals, and 5 Paralympic Gold Medals, she has been an inspiration to the whole team.
She chose UVic while attending the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and began her varsity swimming career here this fall. Born with only one leg, she has not only competed and won the most prestigious International levels, she has challenged herself with goals that many able-bodied athletes are unable to achieve.
In January at the Canada West Championships here in Victoria, Stephanie achieved her dream goal of attaining the CIS qualifying standard in the 200m backstroke. At the CIS Championship, she was awarded an honorary All-Canadian for her performances over the course of the weekend, breaking two world records and narrowly missing a third in the 400m freestyle.
Not only is Stephanie a great competitor, she is a great leader and an example of what you can accomplish based in desire, determination and the willingness to defy traditional logic.
UVPCS swimmer Alyssa Bakken broke her first Provincial Record last weekend in Vancouver at the Western Canadian Championships. The 11 year old, who qualified to attend Westerns during January’s Vancouver Island Regional Championships, and was the youngest swimmer at the meet, broke the 11-12 Girls’ Provincial short-course Backstroke record with a time of 2:25.66. Somehow, we don’t think it will be her last. Alyssa just turned 11 in November and has almost two more years in the 11-12 age group to see what she can do! Congratulations, Alyssa!!
Stephanie Dixon from the University of Victoria also continued her record-breaking season, with two more assaults on the World Short Course Records for Swimmers with a Disability. She broke the 400 Freestyle record with a time of 4:47.28 and her own 200IM record (just set in January, 2004), with a time of 2:38.17. Unfortunately, Stephanie was sidelined for two days at the meet due to illness, or we suspect more records would have been demolished. Stephanie now holds 8 World Short Course records in addition to 4 World Long Course records.
Other UVPCS swimmers also put in fine performances. Hollis Roth, age 15, ended the meet with four medals, including silver in both the 200 Butterfly and 1500 Freestyle and bronze in the 400 and 800 Freestyle. She also finished in the top eight for 100 Butterfly (4th), 50 Butterfly (5th), and 200IM (6th). UVic swimmer David Creel came home with three bronze medals in the 400IM, 800 Freestyle, and 1500 Freestyle events, a 5th place showing in the 400 Freestyle and 7th place result in the 200 Butterfly. Additional swimmers who made finals were Jennifer Lock who finished 5th in the 50 Freestyle, Ryan Clouston who was 5th in the 400IM, Erich Schmitt who came in 6th in the 200 Backstroke, and Greer Jacks who finished 7th in the 100 Freestyle.
UV-PCS returned from the 2004 Provincials with some great swims posted, and once again we placed among the top five teams in the province.
Day one saw a number of UV-PCS swimmers complete the distance events, 800 free for women and 1500 free for men. The men's 1500 free proved to be a milestone swim for Greer Jacks who qualified with a Senior National time of 16:06.04 for second place overall. Ryan Clouston swam a 16:31.06 for fourth place in his first event. These swims were the start of a great meet for both Greer and Ryan. Craig Dagnall, and David Vizsolyi both swam best times in the 1500 free easily making the 1500 club national standards for their age groups. Alyssa Bakken finished first in the women's 12 and under 800 freestyle, in 9:40.75. Alison Hooper, Hollis Roth, Jovanna Ruffolo, Julia Schmidt, Stephanie Scott and Jayme Weimer all posted best times in their 800 free swims. Congratulations everyone, all that hard work is paying off!!
As the meet progressed, Greer Jacks and Ryan Clouston continued their individual events with a number of great swims. Greer posted 1st place finishes in the men's 17 and under 100, 200 and 400 freestyle and the 100 fly, with another silver medal in the 50 freestyle. Ryan swam to two very exciting 3rds in the 200 breaststroke and the grueling 400 IM, also posting a best time in his 100 breaststroke. Hollis Roth took silver in the women's 17 and under 200 freestyle, and bronze in the 200 butterfly. Alyssa Bakken added gold medals in the women's 12 and under 100 and 200 backstroke.
Craig Dagnall and David Vizsolyi swam the 200 fly final with David touching for the Bronze medal in a "not" so unexpected finish for 3rd. Samantha Ivanova posted a personal best time in her 400 freestyle, Marija Kopac swam to a personal best in her 200 IM, and Iza Labbe swam a 1:13.73 in her 100 fly for another best time. Andrea Vizsolyi, attending her first Provincial AAA's, swam a great relay leg and improved almost 10 seconds on her 400 IM.
Rounding out our team were Ashkaughn Forghani, a finalist in four events, Brian MacArthur, Christopher Koziol Neumann and Tyler Smith who all posted several best times.
All in all it was a very exciting and entertaining weekend for all parents attending. Keep up the good work everyone, you are developing a strong contingent of parent "swim fans" (the good kind!!).
As of January 1, 2004, the new World Anti Doping Code has been adopted and is being firmly adhered to by FINA. In order for international and national level swimmers to be compliant with this new code, the following steps must be taken.
National Level Swimmer - Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)
The following group of athletes must fill out a CCES Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) form and register directly with the CCES if they are taking Beta-2 agonists (formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, and terbutaline) by inhalation and glucocorticosteroids (i.e. steroid creams) by non systemic routes. All athletes in the following categories are eligible to be drug tested at national competitions. Should they test positive for the aforementioned prohibited substances, sanctions may be imposed unless the TUE form is completed and forwarded to the CCES.
Carded (National Team) Swimmers with a Disability (SWAD)
Senior National qualifiers
Open Category qualifiers at Eastern and Western Championships
Cannabinoids (e.g. hashish, marijuana) are prohibited as of January 1, 2004 and will therefore be tested for in domestic and international competitions.
Cannabinoids Advisory (CCES)
Cannabinoids Results Management Procedure (CCES)
Should you have any specific doping control related questions, please contact the CCES:
Karine Henrie Athlete Services Coordinator, Doping Control Program Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport Tel.: (613) 521-3340 ext. 3226 Tel. (toll free): 1-800-672-7775 ext. 3226 Fax: (613) 521-3134 E-mail: khenrie@cces.ca
The 2004 Canada West Swimming Championships saw UVic walk away with 4 medals on day one.
Leading the way was fourth year swimmer Karley Stutzel, who won the gold medal in the women's 800m freestyle in a new Canada West record time of 8:41.24. Vike Danielle Bell took the bronze coming home in a time of 8:55.74.
Dave Creel opened up the championships by winning the silver medal in the men's 1500m freestyle event. Creel touched the final wall in a time of 15:46.43 to finish three seconds behind the University of Calgary 's Richard Cormack.
The Vikes women's 4x200m freestyle relay team of Stutzel, Bell , Erika Hunzinger and Laina Steeple swam to a podium spot winning bronze, recording a time of 8:28.81. The men's 4x200m team of Creel, Adam Slater, Dave MacDonald and Erich Schmitt placed fourth.
On day two Dave Creel provided the Vikes with the only medal of the night, finishing with a bronze in the Men's 400m Individual Medley, after swimming the event in 4:30.20. Even though he didn't medal, Adam Slater had a night to remember as his 400 metre Individual Medley swim of 4:35.35 was fast enough to qualify him for the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Championship in Toronto , ON , this March.
Danielle Bell backed up her good performance from last night, finishing seventh in the women,s 400 metre Individual Medley in a time of 5:09.36. Karley Stutzel was impressive in her 200 metre freestyle swim, touching the wall in fifth place. Erich Schmitt was the lone Vike in the men's 200 metre backstroke final and placed fifth.
The most inspirational swim of the day went to UVic paralympic swimmer Steph Dixon, who not only made finals, but also earned her able-bodied CI qualifying time. Touching in on the 200M Backstroke at 2:24.68, Dixon showed that she will be a force to be reckoned with at CI's this March.
The Vikes women's 4x100m freestyle relay team of Stutzel, Bell , Hunzinger and Steeple swam well to take out third place. The men's 4x100m team of Creel, Slater, Erich Schmitt and Dave MacDonald placed sixth.
Day three saw Karley Stutzel coming away the Vikes medal winner after producing an outstanding 400 metre (m) freestyle swim of 4:18.23 to win the gold. Danielle Bell finished only two and a half seconds behind Stutzel to place fifth. Stutzel was also rewarded for her exceptional distance swimming by being selected as a Canada West All-Star.
Victoria rookie Andrew Bell was impressive in his 200m breaststroke final, coming home in fourth position with a time of 2:27.24. Dave Creel topped off a sound meet by completing his 400m freestyle event in 4:02.52 to finish in fourth place. Katie Humphries and Chantal Huard both qualified for the women,s 200m butterfly final, recording times of 2:27.42 and 2:31.16 to finish seventh and eight respectively.
The Vikes men,s 400m medley relay team of Creel, Erich Schmitt, Andrew Bell and Dave MacDonald were up in the last event of the Championship, where they swam together well to take fourth place after stopping the clock at 4:02.26. The women,s 400m medley relay squad of Stutzel, Bell , Laina Steeple and Meagan Sinclair come home in a time of 4:31.62 to be awarded fifth.
UVic swimmer Stephanie Dixon shocked the crowded Commonwealth Place last weekend as she broke two World Records. The University of Victoria athlete smashed the 200 and 400 meter Individual Medley disabled world marks.
"I had some unbelievable swims," said Dixon recalling her races at the Vancouver Island Regional Championships meet. "Moments like this confirm that I've made the right decision of coming to train with UVic and PCS."
Born with only one leg, 19 year old Stephanie Dixon made the move to from Toronto to Victoria this September to start her University career and focus on her second Paralympics held in Athens this summer. Dixon won 5 metals at the 2000 Sidney Paralympics and with the addition of two new World Records there's no question she'll be a contender in the 2004 Paralympics.
However, her goals extend far beyond the world of disabled swimming. A living lesson in human perseverance, Dixon is also a strong competitor against able-bodied swimmers. "My ultimate goal is to get my national time," said the enthusiastic Dixon.
While it may seem far-fetched that a swimmer with only one leg could contend against Canada's elite athletes, Dixon's ability to make finals both nights of the Vancouver Island Championships this weekend shows that she has what it takes.
When asked about the physiological benefits of her able-bodied competitors, Dixon was swift to point out that she's at a lesser disadvantage than most would think. "Everyone's different and therefore everyone has their weaknesses," said the swimmer. "Some athletes are taller, some are shorter. While I could be faster with another leg, I've learned to adapt and focus on my strengths like everyone else."
And adapted she has. The first year psychology major not only made the Varsity team as a freshman, but the rookie has already pre-qualified to represent UVic in the able-bodied Canadian Inter-University Sport Championships against the best swimmers in the country. She's now training 20 plus hours a week with PCS's elite national group and working towards the Holy Grail in Canadian swimming: the national time. This would give her a berth into the 2004 Canadian Olympic Trials.
The athlete credits her budding swimming career to the philosophies instilled by her mother and father. "My parents put me in as many physical activities as they could when I was growing up,"; said Dixon.
The labour dispute at BC Ferries impacted the attendance at the UV-PCSA Christmas Cracker, however the lone Vancouver based team to attend spoke loudly.
After taking a passenger only ferry to Nanaimo and then bussing to Victoria, the UBC Dolphin Swim Club shattered two 12 and Under Male Canadian Relay records. Andrew Conroy, Marko Gavric, Hong-Kei Chan, Hong-Ting Chan took a whopping 9 seconds off the Canadian 4x100 Medley Relay and also set a new Canadian standard in the 4x50 Medley relay. The UBC Dolphins 13-14 Woman's 4x100 Medal Team also set a new Provincial standard.
Over the course of a weekend, where illness seemed to be a huge problem for all teams, meet organizers scrambled to keep up with constantly diminishing number of healthy bodies. The festive attitude around the pool managed to keep everyone's spirits bright. Christmas crackers were randomly awarded to 3 swimmers in every heat and Santa himself was on hand to hand out some larger awards.
The Olympian Swim Club of Edmonton and the Ravensong Breakers both had strong showing and along with the UV-PCSA squad they were all teams of the meet. With the enthusiasm displayed by all it is easy to see why this event is becoming a highlight on the swim calendar.
Melissa has agreed to join the Pacific Coast Swimming coaching staff effective immediately. Melissa previously coached for the Juan de Fuca Coho swim club and will be opening a new Lightning Fast Swim Series program for PCS, based out of the University of Victoria.
To register for the LFSS @ UVic you can drop by in person at the UVic Ian Stewart Complex between Jan 5th - Jan 9th, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. You can also visit the UVic RecPlus web page for information on registering by fax or mail.
Over 350 swimmers from Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland and Alberta will compete in the University of Victoria Pacific Coast Swimming Association's Christmas Cracker 12-14. Competing will be many of Pacific Coast Swimming's Age Group stars as well as the full senior squad of university and high school athletes.
Christin Petelski will compete this weekend and in this summer's Olympic Trials Petelski will be vying for a spot on her third Canadian Olympic Team. Petelski is a breaststroke specialistand finished in the top 12 in both of the last two Olympiads. Ms. Petelski battled back from various injuries to make the 2000 Olympic Team and to win the National Championship title two of the last three years. Her enthusiasm and willingness to push beyond her physical limits have kept her on top of the game internationally and will stand her in good stead this summeragainst the worlds best. Petelski will be joined by ten of her team mates at the Canadian Olympic Trial in June in Toronto.
Also competing this weekend for UVic-Pacific Coast Swimming Association will be Paralympic World Record Holder and World Champion Stephanie Dixon. Dixon is from Toronto and came to Victoria to swim with the Vikes Swim Team as part of the University of Victoria Pacific Coast Swimming Association. Dixon goes to school at the University and trains daily at Commonwealth Place. Dixon is known around the pool as the best in the group at pushing off the walls at the ends of the pool in spite of having only one leg. Her spirit and competitive drive are an inspiration to all those around her. Dixon is pre-qualified for this summers Para-Olympics in Athens.
The cost of training to compete at the international level is extreme. Each athlete must train in excess of twenty-five hours per week most are attending University as well, and often have to maintaina part-time job as well. The financial implications are in the ten thousand dollar range to compete for one season. While people do not always see the plight of the poor athlete as one worthy of stacking up againstall of the causes abounding in the world today, come the day the Olympics are on TV there is much discussion about Canada's athletic prowess.
UV-PCSA athletes and coaches were honoured at the inaugural Canadian Swimming Awards Banquet held in Quebec City. Ron Jacks, UV-PCSA Director of Swimming, was recognized as the Open Water Coach of the Year. Joining him on the platform was Karley Stutzel who picked up the Open Water Swimmer of the Year award. Also getting in on the awards was Stephanie Dixon, who was honoured with the Female SWAD swimmer of the Year trophy.
Rounding out the evening Ron Jacks, Peter Vizsolyi and Rod Barratt were among the 77 coaches across the country recognized with the Speedo Domestic Excellence Award. The high standard of our coaching staff was highlighted by the fact the UV-PCSA garnered three of the four awards granted to Victoria club coaches.
Congratulations Karley, Stephanie, Ron, Peter and Rod!!!
UV-PCSA attacked the waters of the Comox Valley Sports Centre with a small but dedicated group! Miyah and Tyler Hoesly swam in their first meet for UV-PCSA and both achieved 100% best times!
Michael Goulding dominated the 10 and Under Male category with 4 first place finishes and a second. Cole Barratt had the largest individual time improvement by shedding 33 seconds on his 200M Freestyle. On the female side, Andrea Vizsolyi and Nicole Goulding each had an 8 second improvement in and 200 Fly and 100 Back respectfully. Morgan Berna, currently training just once per week as she is working back into swimming, just missed A standards in numerous events. With her showing this weekend, we'll likely see her at the pool a bit more often as she aims to reach that standard in the UV-PCSA Christmas Cracker.
The full force of University of Victoria and Pacific Coast Swimming Association (UV-PCSA) was felt over the weekend at the Pacific Cup meet at Saanich Commonwealth Pool. UV-PCSA swimmers at all levels had an excellent meet resulting in PCS winning the overall team title by nearly 900 points. An improvement of nearly 200 points from last years meet.
This was the first meet of the season where all levels of UV-PCSA athletes competed together at the same competition, but will definitely not be the last. UV-PCSA finished with 2,250 points to win the meet. Every member of the team who competed on the weekend contributed to the overall success of the team. PCS won the men's title finishing with 1,062 overall while the second place team finished with 598. The women improved from their 3rd place finish last year, to also win the women's title with 791 points, 397points ahead of their nearest rival.
While UV-PCSA's position as the points leader was not threatened during the meet, the race for second and third place was not so lucky. Going into Sundays finals, Tualatin Hills Swim Club of Portland, Oregon, was comfortably in second place but had to scratch from all events to make the return trip home. Even without swimming a final on Sunday they still managed to hang on for third place.
With more meets in the next few weeks for all UV-PCSA swimmers it was a great showing at the first invitational meet of the year and everyone is excited for the next time a UV-PCSA swimmer takes to the blocks.
Victoria, B.C. - The University of Victoria and Pacific Coast Swimming announced today that they have received formal approval for the formation of a new partnership between the University of Victoria Vikes Swim Team and the Pacific Coast Swimming Club.
This new association, known as the University of Victoria and Pacific Coast Swim Association (UV-PCSA), was granted by the provincial governing body, Swim BC. The recognition of UVic's contribution to the local swim community is reflected in the name and this brings the university in line with other Canada West programs who profile their contribution to the community through the use of associations. Others include the University of British Columbia Dolphins, University of Calgary Swim Club, and the University of Alberta Swim Centre. Simon Fraser University has also recently received association approval.
The mission of the new association is to provide an environment that enhances competitive and training opportunities such that athletes can maximize their potential to achieve National and International success. The UV-PCSA will increase the profile of UVic swimming in the community when swimmers compete at Swimming Canada meets by ensuring that the University's role in producing local, national and international level swimmers is recognized both in and outside Canadian Interuniversity Sport competition.
The UV-PCSA will represent the joint interests of UVic and it's primary community supporter, Pacific Coast Swimming. This relationship provides volunteer support for all UVic meets such as the CIS Championships hosted last year, as well as support coaching services in various roles.
As well as representing the UVic name more prominently provincially, nationally, and internationally UVic and Pacific Coast Swimming will continue to work together on grass roots programs such as summer camps, stroke camps and outreach camps to improve the profile of both organizations in the local community.
The top swimmer from Zambia from 1996 - 2003 has joined the coaching staff of Pacific Coast Swimming. Ellen Hight will be coaching with the Olympic Trials, Varsity and various club groups throughout the year. Attending the National Coaching Institute at the University of Victoria on a Commonwealth Scholarship, Ellen recently completed a Batchelor of Science with Honors in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Bath in England and was appointed a Sports Ambassador in 2003 and was the Zambian National Swimming Coach in 2002.
Before Ellen got in to coaching she represented her country at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia and at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. In 1998 Ellen won a bronze medal at the All African Games in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ellen is currently returning from the 2003 All African Games that were being held in Nigeria from October 4 - 18. She will be continuing to train with Pacific Coast Swimming throughout the year as she aims for her second Olympic Games team next Summer in Athens.
Pacific Coast Swimming is proud to announce a new partnership program with Saanich Commonwealth Place. The Lightning FAST Swim Series is a new and innovative swimming program for children aged 5 and above, who are able to swim 15m on their front or who have completed Aqua Quest Level 5.
The series designed by award-winning National and International coaches from Pacific Coast Swimming club, includes regular visits from these coaches and athletes. Swimmers will receive a free Lightning FAST Swim Series T-shirt and earn Lightning Bolt awards as they progress. The program offers small classes with a maximum of 6 swimmers per class.
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